Brady Moore looks at fellow state finalist Andy Bird compete in last year's state shot put final
Shot Put-
2016 State Champion: Kyle Yodts (Rock Island Alleman) 60-7
Key returners: Nick Olson (Sr., Flanagan-Cornell), Jackson Harkness (Sr., Elmwood), Jackson Sheckler (Jr., Illini Bluffs), Brady Moore (Sr., Decatur St. Teresa), Andy Bird (Jr., Warsaw)
Season outlook: This event has to be the most wide open of any in the field . Nick Olson is the top returner in terms of distance and state placement. After the graduation of Kyle Yodts expect him to step up his game and shoot for the 60 foot mark. Jackson Harkness would be the next best thing for the fans. Watch for Jackson Sheckler as well.
Top performances of 2016-
| RANK | MARK | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 55-6 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 54-1.25 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 52-1.5 | 2018 |
Triple Jump-
2016 State Champion: Ethan Meyer (Vandalia) 45-11 [+2.7]
Key returners: Dazhee Horton (Sr., Momence), Nick Schultz (Sr., GCMS), Jaylon Bester (Sr., Belleville Althoff), Jarod Meents (Sr., Clifton Central)
Season outlook: This event will not be as strong as it has been in recent years because of heavy graduation. But then again anything is possible with jumps as a whole in the state of Illinois is strong. The key figure is Dazhee Horton. The springy and talented Horton is a starter on his team's basketball team, which makes him a prime candidate to move up a notch to the top spot. The only down fall is getting enough technical work in during the indoor season because of b-ball. Nick Schultz will challenge Horton in his second best event after taking 4th at state a year ago ahead of Jaylon Bester.
Top performances of 2016-
| RANK | MARK | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45-9 | 2.9 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 44-10.25 | 2017 | |||
| 3 | 44-9 | 2017 |
Discus Throw-
2016 State Champion: Devin Jones (Sr., Duquoin) 172-11
Key returners: Devin Jones, Peyton Taylor (Jr., Mt. Pulaski), Bryce Dillman (Sr., Oakwood), Andy Bird (Jr., Warsaw)
Season outlook: Devin Jones is the defending state champion who will inherit almost a 10 foot cushion on his nearest competitor now that third placer Nathan Graves (Sr., Rock Island Alleman) has moved up to 2A. Jones will continue to improve after adding nearly nine feet to his personal best from 2015. Now the goal of 180-feet is in sight this season. Payton Taylor, who placed 5th in state, is the next best thing by almost 10 feet.
Top performances of 2016-
| RANK | MARK | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 172-11 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 163-9 | 2018 |