This iconic winning pose delivered by Neuqua Valley's Isaiah Robinson will be etched into the team's proud relays lore
4x800-
2017 State Champion: Naperville (Neuqua Valley) 7:45.51
Key Returners: Neuqua Valley, Sandburg, Lyons Twp, Glenbrook North, Prospect, Danville, York, Downers Grove North, Oswego, Glenbard West, Batavia
Season Outlook:
It was another great year in the classification's top event with 24 teams breaking 8:00. Neuqua Valley won their second title in dramatic fashion over Sandburg and closing the season out in the top 20 nationally. Illinois as a whole consistently ranks among the elite states in this event. It also seems like high graduation rates does not effect units. We are going to see Neuqua Valley, Lyons Twp, and Prospect remain dominant despite losing at least three legs. It's called depth and when you have traditionally strong cross country programs who foretell their track and field objectives, it would be wise to not go against the odds. Glenbrook North could be the team to beat this season. The Spartans ran themselves into a 4th place state finals finish- they return three legs and could make a run all the way to the top. The cross country champions Downers Grove North have put in a bid to challenge for supremacy. They certainly have the depth to get it done.
Top performances of 2017:
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7:45.51 | ||
| 2 | 7:45.75 | ||
| 3 | 7:46.89 | ||
| 4 | 7:46.91 | ||
| 5 | 7:47.26 |
The defending champion Vikings of Homewood-Flossmoor bring back a loaded squad (Cappapas photo)
4x100-
2017 State Champion:
Homewood-Flossmoor 41.78
Key Returners: Homewood-Flossmoor, Yorkville, Plainfield North, Huntley, Batavia, Proviso East, Zion-Benton, Collinsville, Thornton, Glenbard West
Season Outlook: It seemed like a surprise when Homewood-Flossmoor won the state title. Maybe it was but the Vikings were certainly a talented and young team. They will be one of the very best again in the state with a full compliment of speedsters back. The fans would like to see Illinois first sub 41.00 clocking in the FAT era- or any era for that matter. Josh Bridges and Seun Adegiya will lead the charge. Plainfield Noth will have its superstar Marcellus Moore to add pieces around. All in all it will be a great year here.
Top performances of 2017:
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 41.49 | ||
| 2 | 41.59 | ||
| 3 | 41.67 | ||
| 4 | 41.86 | ||
| 5 | 41.92 |
Batavia got the job done by the slimmest of margins last year on the big blue, but Hoffman Estates could be a force again
2017 State Champion: Batavia 1:27.01
Key Returners: Hoffman Estates, Plainfield North, Homewood-Flossmoor, Deerfield, Proviso East, TF South, Glenbard West, Zion-Benton, Neuqua Valley, Huntley
Season Outlook: In track and field you have to have a combination of talent and fortune to get the job done. Bloomington was the easy favorite until its star Cary Lockhart fell victim to a severe leg cramp. The Purple Raiders had ran 1:26.30 in the prelim and on its way to an easy title. But timing is everything in track at the highest level. Batavia with Jay Hunt and company blitzed around the track and edged Hoffman Estates 1:27.01-1:27.08.
Top performances of 2017:
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1:26.30 | ||
| 2 | 1:26.64 | ||
| 3 | 1:27.01 | ||
| 4 | 1:27.52 | ||
| 5 | 1:27.88 |
Homewood-Flossmoor could be that team this year (Mark Capapas photo)
4x400-
2017 State Champion: E. St. Louis Sr. 3:14.76
Top Returners: Chicago Heights Bloom, Homewood-Flossmoor, Neuqua Valley, Lyons Twp, Proviso East, Bloomington, Downers Grove North, Batavia, Minooka
Season Outlook: The Flyerettes were set to defend their title here until they were downloaded to 2A. So look out for a new leader this season. The path to glory is open for many squads after heavy graduation. Homewood-Flossmoor could be the team to beat.
Top performances of 2017:
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3:15.98 | ||
| 2 | 3:18.03 | ||
| 3 | 3:18.78 | ||
| 4 | 3:18.88 | ||
| 5 | 3:19.24 |