Was it premature of Andrew O'Keefe to fist pump before crossing the finish line?
1600m-
2018 State Champion: Dylan Jacobs (Orland Park [Sandburg]) 4:11.60
Key Athletes: Thomas Shilgalis (Sr., Naperville Central), Andrew O'Keefe (Sr., Granite City), Zachary Albrecht (Sr., Algonquin [Jacobs]), Samuel Rivera (Sr., Chicago Whitney Young), Sean Maison (Sr., Wheaton- Warrenville South), Rory Cavan (Sr., Glen Ellyn [Glenbard West]), Ethan Kern (Jr., Elmhurst [York]), Josh Methner (Jr., Arlington Heights [Hersey]), Eddie Siuda (Sr., Downers Grove South), Mclean Griffin (Sr., Naperville North), Nico Calderon (Sr., Orland Park [Sandburg])
Breakdown: When Andrew O'Keefe jailbroke from the lead pack with 500m remaining, it brought the crowd to its collective feet. As he dashed around the last bend on the big blue track in Charleston, it was a formality and the eyes fixated on the scoreboard to see what the finishing time would flash. But on the contrary, as O'Keefe threw a premature celebratory fist pump Dylan Jacobs emerged victorious 4:11.60-4:11.68. Don't expect any fist pumps from O'Keefe this time around as he will be desperately looking to win a state title before he heads off to D2 powerhouse Adams State.
Last year Shilgalis emerged on the scene when he visited Stanford University during spring break. Part of the business trip was an invite into the prestigious meet where he ran a then IL #1 4:18.42. The effect of that competition lasted throughout the season and the end result was a very impressive 3rd place at the state meet. All-American honors, as well as the tag of the state's top returner, resides within Shilgalis.
Zach Albrecht is ready to strut his stuff on the big stage since alum and Olympian Evan Jager made his mark 13 years ago. Last season Albrecht ran 4:13.25 but injuries have derailed his goals of achieving post-season honors. Albrecht could very well be the lad on top of the mountain top at season's end.
With the departure of Clayton Mendez and coming off a 3rd place performance at cross-country state this past fall, Samuel Rivera looks to emerge as the next star on the track for the Dolphins. Rivera clocked 4:13.47 at the DNP and that is a sign that he is ready to shine. Additionally, Rivera has an outstanding finishing kick which may come into play.