200m-
2016 State Champion: Courtney Sockwell 25.06 [+1.8]
Key returners: Sockwell, Taylor George (Sr., Warrensburg-Latham), Rebecca Waite (Jr., Milledgeville), Jada Williams (Sr., Chicago Luther North), Tori Keeler (Jr., Astoria)
Outlook: Defending state champion Courtney Sockwell was the best by a long shot with a personal best of 24.97- good for the 7th best mark among all returners. It is time for Sockwell to put herself among the nation's elite. It is plausible for her to dip to 24.00 or below. In order to get to such levels she will need to beef up her competition schedule. Understandably it will be hard during the IHSA portion of the season because Class A kids did not garner the same respect as 2A and 3A. However, Sockwell's stock is heavy and she can command at-large entries into virtually any meet that she wants. Let's hope she bites on any top level invites. Her biggest challenge within the classification will be Taylor George. George placed second at state last year. She ran extremely well with her only loss coming to Sockwell. Jada Williams is the cog of great relays for her team. This season she will step up as an elite individual threat. Watch for Rebecca Waite and Zakila Wiskirchen to add depth.
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATE PLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25.06 | 2017 | |||
| 2 | 25.16 | 2017 | |||
| 3 | 25.17 | 2018 | |||
| 4 | 25.48 | 2017 | |||
| 5 | 25.49 | 2018 |
100HH-
2016 State Champion: Jenny Kimbro (Salt Folk) 13.97 [+3.5]
Key returners: Alayna Stalter (Jr., Fisher), Parker Francisco (Sr., St. Joseph-Ogden), Emery Podowicz (Sr., Clifton Central), Natasha Bernett (Jr., Chicago Luther North)
Outlook: The outstanding Jenny Kimbro has graduated and moved on to the University of Iowa. Her all-time records will remain intact and will not be challenged for a long time. The overall event be healthy if you by the guidelines that 7 of 9 state finalists return, including 3-9 state finalists back for more. Alayna Stalter, who placed 3rd at state, enjoyed a great sophomore season. She ran to first and second places all season only being derailed by a small handful of hurdlers. Parker Francisco is a top hurdler as well and should be a threat as one of the best at season's end.
Key returning performances-
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATE PLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14.83 | 2018 | |||
| 2 | 14.87 | 2017 | |||
| 3 | 15.27 | 2018 | |||
| 3 | 15.27 | 2017 | |||
| 5 | 15.38 | 2017 |
300IH-
2016 State Champion: Jenny Kimbro 42.66
Key returners: Emery Podowicz (Sr., Clifton Central),
Outlook: There was no doubt that the best long hurdler in Illinois last year was Jenny Kimbro. She will be missed as our national elite performer. Emery Podowicz took third at state a year ago and is the only returner under 46 seconds back. She plays basketball during most of the indoor track season so hurdling skills may take a back seat. There is no doubt she is capable of going under 45.00 this season. Podowicz also led off her team's state winning 4x4 relay. Morgan Atchison is a key figure as well earning her first all-state honors last year. She will be a force this season. Others to watch are Anna Miller and Zea Maroon.
Key returning performances:
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATE PLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45.53 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 46.00 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 46.18 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 46.22 | 2018 | ||
| 5 | 46.52 | 2018 |