High Jump-
2018 State Champion: Austin Rauch (Clinton) 6-10
Key Athletes: Karl Wright (Sr., Springfield Lanphier), Zack Pluff (Sr., Freeburg), Aaron Shepard (Sr., Marengo), David Emuze (Jr., Springfield Southeast), Levi Williams (Sr., Tolono Unity), Issak McKay (Sr., Chicago [Perspectives Charter]), Patrick Mayfield (Sr., Burlington Central), Levi Cole (Jr., Erie), Elijah Skutt (So., Eureka), James Arbuthnot (Jr., Jersey), Wyatt Steidinger (Sr., Fairbury [Prairie Central])
Breakdown: Karl Wright enters this year as the top high jumper this year. The Springfield native had a very impressive year that included a 3rd place performance at the state meet last year with the top returning mark in the state of Illinois. Wright was undefeated the entire outdoor season up until the state meet where he took 3rd place.
Zack Pluff will look to keep up with Wright this year as he jockeyed back and forth with Wright last. Pluff had an undefeated outdoor campaign until the state meet, before taking home the 4th place medal. One potential side effect, Wright will be busy with basketball until late winter or early spring while Pluff, presumably, has the keys to build his craft. Don't count out Aaron Shepard, Issak McKay, and Patrick Mayfield as they enter the year as returning all-staters.