Discus-
2018 State Champion: Peyton Taylor (Mt. Pulaski) 177-3
Key Athletes: Chase Schmitt (Sr., Pleasant Plains), Brad Olysav (Sr., Williamsville), Cameron Gersicher (Sr., Taylor Ridge [Rockridge]), Jace Coffey (Jr., Forreston), Joe Kingery (Sr., Teutopolis), Payton Taylor (Jr., Catlin [Salt Fork]), Jaren Means (Sr., Bloomington Central Catholic), Kaleb Wright (Sr., Granville [Putnam County]), Bryce Chadduck (Sr., Dupo), Ty Jackson (Sr., Carthage [Illini West])
Breakdown: Many of the top athletes in this event graduated this past year, but that creates an opportunity for newcomers and other returning all-staters to chase bigger goals and more esteemed titles. It will definitely be interesting to see who put in the work this off-season in order to propel themselves to a higher caliber of talent and chase the state title. There are many athletes to watch for including Chase Schmitt and Brad Olysav. Schmitt finished third at the state meet this past year with Olysav right behind him in fourth. Schmitt has the eighth best-returning throw of 164-2 while Olysav has heaved the plate 160-10. They'll definitely be a great duo to watch leading up to the state meet and see who can pull off the win. But they'll still be challenged by other returning all-staters Cameron Gerischer and Jace Coffey.