It will be the Courtney Sockwell show in Class A sprints this season
100m-
2016 State Champion: Courtney Sockwell (Sr., Rockford Lutheran) 11.95 +2.8
Key returners: Sockwell, Rebecca Waite (Jr., Millegeville), Taylor George (Sr., Warrensburg-Latham), Bella Uscila (Jr., Elgin St. Edward), Frankie Izard (Jr., St. Joseph-Ogden), Zakila Wiskirchen (Jr., Camp Point Central), Rylei Jackson (Jr., Palos Heights Chicago Christian)
Outlook: It was a year ago that a then relatively unknown Courtney Sockwell was trying to gain traction in the sprint game. She had come off a solid summer session despite not running the IHSA season with her now former team Rockford Christian Life. Then came the '16 season and the fruits of labor came to fruition for Sockwell. She completed an undefeated season which included a 60m Illinois Top Times title. The outdoor season was more of the same for Sockwell who won her first 100m title. Though the 11.95 was wind-aided, it was the 7th fastest performance in the state regardless of classification... the event as a whole is strong with 7 of 9 state finalists returning including the top 3. Rebecca Waite is also back after placing a strong second in 12.18.
Top returning performances-
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATE PLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11.95 | 2017 | |||
| 2 | 12.18 | 2018 | |||
| 3 | 12.36 | 2017 | |||
| 4 | 12.39 | 2018 | Titan Relays1st | ||
| 5 | 12.64 | 2018 | |||
| 6 | 12.71 | 2019 | |||
| 7 | 12.72 | 2017 |
400m-
2016 State Champion: Sophie Keith (Sr., Pinckneyville) 57.97
Key returners: Audrey Harrod (Sr., Hinckney-Big Rock), Carmen Devries (Jr., Lena-Winslow), Arielle Summit (Jr., Urbana University), Rebecca Waite (Jr., Milledgeville), Bethany Wagenbach (Jr., Tremont), Kaelyn Hamalle (Jr., Spring Hall)
Outlook: This event was a bit lean the past two seasons due to heavy graduation of top talent. On top of that it has been customary for the speedsters to either double back in the 4x200 or go for the 400/800 on this level. It has essentially created some dilution. Only three long leggers return that broke 1:00. Audrey Harrod is one key returner who stands the chance to blossom here if she wants. She is capable of running in the 56-second range if she gives up the 800. That may not happen though as she is the state runner up and one of the best across all classifications. Her counterpart is Arielle Summit is the defending 800 champion and placed 8th in the state in this event. So it may come down to chess at the end of the season as to who is the best overall long sprinter. Don't forget jump specialist Carmen DeVries. She could be the big winner here placing third in the state a year ago. DeVries has the second fastest performance in the field so it will be interesting.
Top returning performances-
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATE PLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 58.84 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 59.02 | 2018 | ||
| 3 | 59.64 | 2018 | ||
| 4 | 1:00.07 | 2018 | ||
| 5 | 1:00.52 | 2018 |