John Meyer emerged from early season 2016 as an all-state candidate into a state champion (Lockport throws photo credit)
Shot Put-
2016 State Champion: John Meyer (Jr., Lockport) 61'2"
Key returners: John Meyer, Chago Basso (Sr., Lake Park), AJ Epenesa (Sr., Edwardsville)
Outlook by Hall of Fame Coach Jim Aikens:
This could be one of the best years ever in the boys 3A shot put. You have John Meyer and AJ Espenesa returning who both went over 60-feet at state last year. Add to that John Stefan, Bill Matzek, along with Chago Basso and Ethan Hanson. I could easily see the top six places going into the finals all throwing over 60' at the state meet. All of these boys are hungry and have been working hard because they know it's going to be a dogfight in Charleston. To add more to the fire you also have Desmond Chapel (Sr., Edwardsville) and John Terry (Sr., Hononegah) who both threw over 55' last year and Kolby Mayfield (Danville) and Brad Warmen (Jr., Barrington) who both threw in the high 52's last year will be sure to add some spice to the competition. All of these guys are seniors with the exception of juniors expect for Warmen. Also, you know there are going to be some guys that nobody was counting on to come up and make some noise, there always is. All of this should add up to make it one of the all time great state meet shot put competitions.
Top returning performances from 2016-
| RANK | MARK | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 63-0 | 2018 | ||
| 2 | 61-1 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 60-4.5 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 58-9.5 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 58-9.5 | 2017 | ||
| 6 | 57-6 | 2017 |
Cameron Ruiz speaks about his incredible 2016 state meet experience
Triple Jump-
2016 State Champion: Cameron Ruiz (Jr., Lakes) 50-6 [+1.9]
Key returner: Cameron Ruiz, Davion Cross (Sr., West Aurora), Seth Groom (Jr., Marmion Academy), Jonathan Wilburn (Jr., Evanston), Jean-Luc Soglohun (Sr., United Township), David Oluyadi (Sr., Chicago Lane Tech)
Outlook: Only three state finalists return but the state champion is back. Cameron Ruiz made big noise going over 50 feet last year legal wind. This is his best event and he is the US #2 legal conditions returner. Ruiz has the opportunity to make a junior world team if he chooses. Many of his fans would love for him to represent the Land of Lincoln on the international stage. As far as competition, expect more of the same from last year and expect two time state runner up Davion Cross to fight every step in getting a state title. While Ruiz and Cross are heads and shoulders ahead of the field, a nice group of emerging leapers will make this event better than it looks on paper. David Oluyadi set the theme during the early winter pre season with a state best 45-9. He has visions of getting over 48 feet before the end of the season.
Top returning performances-
| RANK | MARK | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50-6 | 1.7 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 49-9.25 | 2.9 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 46-8.25 | 2018 | |||
| 4 | 46-8 | 2017 | |||
| 5 | 46-3 | 2018 | |||
| 5 | 46-3 | 2017 |
Before AJ Epenesa retires the DT for football at U of Iowa, he will become all-time best in the event
Discus Throw-
2016 State Champion: AJ Epenesa (Sr., Edwardsville) 205-11
Key returners: Epenesa, Chago Basso (Sr., Lake Park), John Meyer (Jr., Lockport), Ari Ekowa (Sr., Plainfield North)
Outlook by Coach Jim Aikens:
Only three athletes return from the finals of last year, but they are pretty darn good. AJ Espenesa is the odds on favorite to win but if anyone can challenge him I think it is either Chago Basso who threw 185' 6' last year or John Meyer who threw 179' 2'last year. Both have more left in the tank and you can bet will challenge the 200' mark. This could very likely be the first year ever where it takes 200 feet to finish in the top three, WOW! Another top thrower coming back is Brian Keyes who threw 173' 4" last year and is poised for more. Add these guys Eric Fox (Ottawa) 163' 2", Mike Andrews (Grayslake Central) 163'0", Ari Ekowa to the mix and things shape up to be pretty exciting for the discus in Charleston this year. Also, don't count out John Stefan (Barrington), Billy Matzek (Prospect) and Sam Ambrogio (Saint Charles North) who all threw 157' last year.
Top returning performances of 2016-
| RANK | MARK | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 206-5 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 185-6 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 179-2 | 2018 | ||
| 4 | 173-4 | 2018 | ||
| 5 | 163-2 | 2017 | ||
| 6 | 162-0 | 2017 |