200m-
2018 State Champion: Easton Bianchi (Sterling [Newman Central Catholic]) 21.73
Key Athletes: Tate Walcott (Sr., Colfax [Ridgeview]), Charly Tshibuabua (Jr., Rushville-Industry), Mason Barr (Sr., Colfax [Ridgeview]), Jonathan Dori (Sr., Belleville [Althoff], Kentrell Beck (Jr., Shelbyville), Charles Stamps Jr (Sr., Melrose Park [Walther Christian]), Caleb Bleich (Sr., Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley), Levi Hecox (Jr., Central Camp Point), Eric Griffin (Sr., Madison), Lucas Western (Sr., Pleasant Plains), Aidan Laughery (Fr., Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley)
Breakdown: Last year this was a pivotal moment where Ridgeview put away the state title. Teammates Mason Barr and Tate Walcott placed second and third place and the rest is history. They both return and despite this being a secondary event, their times 22.25 and 22.41 are the first and third best.
Not too far behind was another favorite in the field, Charly Tshibuabu who was .02 behind the Ridgeview duo in taking 4th place. Tshibuabua is a highly intriguing competitor as he does not race much before the state series, only racing twice during the regular season in 2018. With more racing experience it could be fascinating to see what he does during the 2019 campaign. Look for Jonathan Dori and Charles Stamps Jr. to make their presence as returning all-staters known as well.