It has been quite awhile since we seen the multiple athletes under 37.5; Robert Williams is ready
300H-
2018 State Champion: Jaden Jackson (Palatine [Fremd]) 37.73
Key Athletes: Donovan Turner (Sr., Neuqua Valley), Bobby Cayet (Sr., Fox Lake [Grant]), Robert Williams (Sr., Springfield), Koren Leonard (Sr., Oak Park-River Forest), Zach Olejniczak (Jr., Oak Lawn Community), PJ Rodriguez (Jr., Hoffman Estates), Tommy Subaric (Sr., Algonquin [Jacobs]), JT Lowder (Sr., Oak Park-River Forest), Dan Powell (Sr., Edwardsville), Victor Cameron (Sr., Crete-Monee)
Breakdown: Last season was a solid year here with the likes of Matthew Lewis-Banks and Jaden Jackson leading the way. Now they have left for college and leave the giant question of who will grab the "brass ring?"
Entering this season Robert Williams is looking to be the top guy in arguably the sport's toughest event. Williams is coming off a breakout summer season that culminated with him taking 3rd place in the 400H at AAU National Junior Olympics. In addition as the top state finisher placing fourth- 38.63 from the state prelims is his personal best, there will be no sneak up factor on the competition.
Koren Leonard was not far behind Williams at state last May finishing less than a half second behind him. The Leonard family is already filled with IHSA gold as his dad Harold brought home gold and a state record (46.51 400m; 1985) that stood for thirty years. Will Koren bring gold to show off at this summer's family reunion? We shall see.
Donovan Turner was one the top long hurdlers in the state last year and was undefeated until the state meet. Turner has the top returning time in the classification at 38.52 The lights will shine brightly on him and we need to respond accordingly.
Bobby Cayet will be looking to improve off his breakout season he had a year ago. He is the third fastest returner in the state of Illinois and took 9th place at the state meet last May. With last year only being his second season doing the sport, Cayet definitely learned a lot and will almost certainly improve dramatically moving forward.