Bret Dannis proved all season that he was one of the best hurdlers in the state and country (A. Kerndl)
110HH-
2017 State Champion: Bret Dannis (Peru St. Bede) 13.93 [+0.4]
Key Returners: Dannis, Deion McShane (Freeport), Soloman Wilson-Walls (Tinley Park), Niko Neal (Harrisburg), Steven Migut (Tolono Unity), Reed Vanderheyden (Geneseo), Finn Schirmer (Marengo), Stuart Adkinson (Marion), Colton Pischke (Geneseo)
Season Outlook: Bret Dannis is the returning State Champion from last year and he is looking to keep his title this spring. Dannis, originally competed in 1A in 2016, is a three-time State Qualifier in the 110H and 300H. Dannis is a 2-time State Champion in the 110H in 2016 and 2017. Dannis said this about his training and goals: "I would say I'm just really looking forward to this season. My training has been going great and I have big goals for myself this indoor and outdoor season. I'm just looking to have some fun and drop some good times." Outside of state competitors, Dannis is looking forward to getting back on the national stage where he placed 4th last summer in the USATF National Junior Olympics finalswill be push by last years 2nd place finisher, Deion McShane. Deion won the 110H State Title in 2016. Deion was only .09 of a second behind Dannis at prelims last year. McShane can definitely dethrone the defending State Champion. Joining Dannis and McShane are Returning All-Staters, Solomon Wilson-Walls (3rd), Niko Nel (5th), Stevn Migut (6th), and Reed Vanderheyden (7th).
Top returning marks:
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13.74 | 2018 | |||
| 2 | 13.93 | 0.4 | 2018 | ||
| 3 | 14.22 | 0.4 | 2018 | ||
| 4 | 14.32 | 2018 |
Deion McShane and Bret Dannis are the cream of the crop when it comes to long hurdles (A. Kerndl photo)
300H-
2017 State Champion: Deion McShane (Freeport) 36.53
Key Returners: Deion McShane (Freeport), Bret Dannis (St. Bede), Steven Migut (Unity), Niko Neal (Harrisburg), Reed Vanderheyden (Geneseo), McKimmon Englehardt (Aurora Central Catholic), Jared Harrison (Dixon), Soloman Wilson-Walls (Tinley Park), Stuart Adkinson (Marion), Cameron Hope (Morgan Park)
Season Outlook: Deion McShane returns with major plans in his final campaign. McShane is already the IHSA all-time record holder. "I want to break the national record this time," said McShane recently. California superstar Reggie Wyatt ran a ridiculous 35.02. Wyatt also ran 46.13 400m and showed some strength with a 1:51 800m to boot. To do that is a tall task considering the Midwest weather and competition. He may need to travel to a big time meet prior to state. After the state series it is all 400H.
Bret Dannis took 2nd last year in the 300H but, he is not happy with that and wants to beat McShane for the state title. This task may be out of Dannis' hands but shall create a duel with former state runner up and McShane pal Reed Vanderheyden who was runner up in 2016. Additionally, All-Staters Steven Migut (3rd), Niko Neal (4th), McKimmon Engelhardt (6th), Jared Harrison (8th), and Soloman Wilson-Walls (9th) will be in the mix.
Top returning performances:
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 36.53 | 2018 | ||
| 2 | 37.66 | 2018 | ||
| 3 | 37.94 | 2018 | ||
| 4 | 38.65 | 2018 |