The 2017 state final field was one of the best if not the best in classification history (Angela Kerndl photo)
100m-
2017 State Champion: Courtney Sockwell (Sr., Rockford Lutheran) 11.95 [+2.9]
Key returners: Bella Uscila, Seven Hicks, Taylor Larson, Rebecca Waite, Zakila Wiskirchen (Sr., Camp Central)
Outlook: Courtney Sockwell certainly left her imprint when the spotlight shined bright on her as she dominated the class and proved to all that she was one of the best across the spectrum. As Ms. Sockwell exits the prep realm and on to the collegiate stage, it is time for a new breed of speeds to step forward. Three time state performer and last year's third placer Bella Uscila could be the queen of speed here. Her career best 12.09 was in 2017 and who knows how good she can be with experience on resume. The multi-talented Uscila was a standout on the hardwood with basketball, but track and field will be her bread and butter now that she signed with Depaul University. In addition, getting her training chops sharp with the TNT Track & Field Club could be the deciding factor.
Seven Hicks was just a freshman on the prep scene last year, but to those that aren't familar with her, she is a veteran of summer club track and field which is only going to strengthen her status coming from a small program.
Top returning performers:
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12.09 | 2.2 | Elgin St. Edward High School | 2018 | |
| 2 | 12.18 | 1.9 | Peoria Heights High School | 2020 | |
| 3 | 12.28 | Bushnell-Prairie City High School | 2018 | ||
| 4 | 12.30 | 1.5 | Milledgeville High School | 2018 |
The one lapper is always a gut wrenching event that tests strength, speed, character, and heart
400m-
2017 State Champion: Kayla Armstrong (Chicago Luther North) 57.14
Key returners: Rebecca Waite, Taylor Larson, Darcie Pilon, Delanie Dykes, Arielle Summitt (Urbana U High)
Outlook: This event was asleep until the final day of the season last May. It was then in the final that workhorse Kayla Armstrong and Rebecca Waite waged war. Armstong pulled off the tough win in the final stages. Waite, an Illinois State U signee, is back and could be one of the season's biggest stars. She is still a vastly untapped talent that will be a star at the next level. But let's hope her off season training was up to par to challenge the best girls in the state. Waite is 5'10" who has also jumped over 17-feet in the long jump, but the 400 is her event now and into the future... someone else to consider for depth is Arielle Summitt. She is an elite middle distance runner in the state with solid foot speed. Can she double in big time meets or go the 800/mile route?
Top returning performances:
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 57.51 | 2018 | ||
| 2 | 58.14 | 2018 | ||
| 3 | 59.04 | 2018 | ||
| 4 | 59.48 | 2019 |
A complete cast will embrace this event in 2018 (Angela Kerndl photo)
200m-
2017 State Champion: Courtney Sockwell 25.06 [-3.0]
Key returners: Rebecca Waite, Seven Hicks, Bella Uscila
Outlook: After finishing her career in fine fashion, Ms. Sockwell will leave it to a group of young women to come and rebuild. Bella Uscila and runner-up Rebecca Waite are the top candidates to move into a power position.
Top returning performances:
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25.22 | Elgin St. Edward High School | 2018 | ||
| 2 | 25.39 | Peoria Heights High School | 2020 | ||
| 3 | 25.86 | -3.0 | Milledgeville High School | 2018 |