Summer 2017 Reaches A Feverish Peak For Illinois Athletes


Before we move on to the AAU Junior Olympic Games, the USATF Hershey National Junior Olympics completed an interesting week of competition at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. 

Key Sunday moments:

  • Enyaeva Michelin (Evanston) moved up from the 800 to the 1500 and mowed down the competition with ease. After cruising in the semi-final, Michelin unleashed fury on the field with a personal best winning time US#19 4:32.81 in the women's 17-18 category. The time converts to 4:52.85 for 1600m which would be IL#3 if allowed. Watch for Michelin to be a major force in the middle distances in 2018. Not to be outdone was fellow middle distance ace Madison Marasco of Schaumburg who paced herself well and brought home the silver medal in 4:40.94.
  • The wonder kid Marcellus Moore (Plainfield North) closed out an extraordinary freshman campaign with a runner up finish in the boys 15-16 100m age group. Moore was able to get a solid start despite running into a headwind, and he appeared to be on his way to victory, but unfortunately Kennedy Lightner of North Little Rock, AR edged him at the finish 10.79-10.82 (-1.2).
  • Illinois represented the women's 17-18 100m well. Ameia Wilson of Danville was the last qualifier in and placed 7th to earn all-american honors in 11.99 (0.0).
  • Declan Rustay (Hoffman Estates) proved that winning the state 3A 100m was not a fluke as he earned all-american honors with a 6th place finish in the men's 17-18 100m. Rustay clocked 10.72 (+0.2).
  • Emelia Ness (Monticello) used the summer session to make a name for herself and improve her stock. The rising sophomore ran a personal best and 6th place in the girls 15-16 400H with a time of 1:05.60.
  • The Zephyrs junior 15-16 girls outshined the older crew by drop a 3:52.41 to finish 4th in 4x4! TNT are All Americans also placing 7th.
  • The Zephyrs and TNT men's 17-18 4x4 relays put end to things in Kansas with 3rd & 4th 3:14.34 & 3:14.53 respectively. Declan Rustay 47.56 FAT anchor!! Look for him to vie for top honors in the open event in 2018.