Raven Moore and Summerlyn Smith will be in the thick of things again this year
400m-
2018 State Champion: Jayla Campbell (Sr., Olympia Fields [Rich Central]) 56.05
Key Returners: Campbell, Raven Moore (Sr., Springfield Southeast), Summerlyn Smith (Sr.), Mattoon, Tya Morgan (Jr., Chicago Lindblom), Shonjahnea Griggs (Jr.), East St. Louis Sr.), Courtney Heffren (Jr., Eureka), Destiny Reid (Sr., Macomb)
Season Outlook: Jayla Campbell is a multi-event talent like so many that dot the sport. But the thing that makes her stand out from some of the rest is our ability to tackle this event. The quarter-mile is arguably the testest even in high school track and field. Campbell has been able to combine jumps into performing well here. As far as times are concerned she will certainly go under 55.00 this year barring injury or boredom.
It will be hard for Campbell to get bored or perform at a level less than her best with Raven Moore lurking. Moore has run 55.45 for an all-time best for her two seasons ago. That is the kind of effort needed in challenging Campbell and keeping her name among the elite in general. Summerlyn Smith, Shanjahnea Griggs, and Tya Morgan hope to flourish this season.