800m-
2018 State Champion: Rachel Hickey (LaSalle-Peru) 2:12.95
Key returners: Megan Garrett (So., Charleston), Payne Turney (Jr., Clinton), Lesley Viveros (Jr., Aurora ([Central Catholic]), Delicia Chen (So., IMSA), Josie Brown (Jr., Geneseo), Hannah Kirby (Sr., Sycamore), Kaelan Hall (Sr., Herrin)
Outlook: It's going to be a much different look this season because of heavy graduation and transfers to the fold. Two-time state champion Rachel Hickey is off to college at Illinois State, Brooke Delahanty, and Shaheeda Dade reside in Champaign for the University of Illinois. Several other standouts have moved on to new schools such as Gillian Fiene and Delicia Chen. Fiene has transferred to a high school in Michigan. Chen is at IMSA. It is not known exactly what events Chen will compete in.
So who is going to step up? The field is open because there are several other runners who broke 2:20. Megan Garrett, Payne Turney, and Lesley Viveros.
Garrett enjoyed an introductory season which as a freshman she developed into a solid racer. Her times dropped from the high 2:20s to 2:18.81. In addition, she ran 5:25 for 1600m which demonstrates the ability to hold strong without tremendous speed.
Turney is the top returner back on time and could be the one that we look to in terms of taking over this event. She has good speed (400m/61.xx) and endurance (17:47/3m)- traits for a great 800m; experience in bigger and better competition should help Turney get to the front of the line.
Viveros comes from a storied program that has produced numerous champions and all-staters. This may be the season that we see Viveros take a huge leap into stardom. It would be plausible to see a time under 2:15 this year.