2018 Class A Girls Pre-Season Sprints & Hurdles Preview

Illinois T&F: 2018 Pre-Season Previews
Tony Jones

One of the biggest thrills and surprises was the opening track event at the state meet: 100HH (Angela Kerndl photo) 

100HH-

2017 State Champion: Janika Peitzmeier (Leroy) 14.55 [+2.5]

Key returners: Alayna Stalter (Sr., Fisher), Danielle Taets (Jr., Orion), Kenli Nettles (So., Arthur) 

Outlook: One of the greatest things about the sport of track and field is the element of surprise. This event provided that when the final chips were laid. We tabbed Alayna Stalter and Parker Francisco (St. Joe-Ogden) as our go to girls. They did indeed live up to the form charts all season and into the state finals. But little did we know that a German exchange student Janika Peitzmeier would steal the show. There are a ton of changes with graduation, Peitzmeier gone, and classification movement. Stalter appears to be a lone wolf now. 

Top returning marks: 

RANKTIMEWINDATHLETE/TEAMGRADEMEET DATEPLACE
114.34
JANIKA PEITZMEIER
LeRoy High School
2019
Leroy Invitational1st
214.802.5
ALAYNA STALTER
Fisher High School
2018
Illinois (IHSA) Girls State T&F Championships3rd


300IH-
2017 State Champion: Natasha Bernett (Chicago Luther North) 
Key returners: Zea Maroon (St. Joe-Ogden), Katie Springer (Delavan), Claire Wilhour (Brownstown), Daelin Switzer (Decatur St. Teresa), Danielle Taets (Orion)
Outlook: The returning champ has transferred to Lane Tech in Chicago due to her former school closing down. Natasha Bernett was certainly a big surprise to the masses despite solid credentials. Just like the short hurdles this event will need to be retooled and perhaps we will see how things look in May. We will take a look back down in its conclusion and realize that Illinois can surprise and restock from the trickle down theory. 
Top returning marks: 
246.00
KATIE SPRINGER
Delavan High School
2019
1A Tremont Sectional (Girls)1st
346.59
CLAIRE WILHOUR
Brownstown High School
2020
Illinois (IHSA) Girls State T&F Championships7th
447.22
ZEA MAROON
St. Joseph-Ogden High School
2018
Illinois (IHSA) Girls State T&F Championships9th P
547.27
DAELIN SWITZER
Decatur St. Teresa High School
2019
Illinois (IHSA) Girls State T&F Championships10th P
647.29
TAMYA VAULTONBURG
Byron High School
2018
2A Genoa-Kingston Sectional (Girls)4th