4x800m-
2018 State Champion: Normal University (Nathan Clay, Jackson McClure, Harris Porter, Zachary Wolford) 7:52.17
Key Teams: Burlington Central, Eureka, Monticello, Triad, Rockford Christian, Waterloo, Geneseo, Metamora, Springfield (Sacred Griffin Heart), East St. Louis Sr., Dixon
Breakdown: This relay always seems to be powerful year after year. Of course, 3A gets all of the attention because the premier teams make their way on to the national spotlight producing a bevy of blazing marks. Since Illinois is considered by many as a top tier state stocked with distance talent, there is enough talent to go around to 2A. For example, Normal U High ran the 9th fastest time in the state without their top two runners. Their reward is now competing in 3A. Another strong team Marmion Academy of Aurora will join them.
The item to dissect as to are key teams is immediate personnel returners. Burlington Central return three members of a 6th place state finish that ran 8:00.97. Junior Anthony Farmer was one of the members of the unit, but he may have to make a calculated decision to stay after taking 3rd place at the state cross country championship.
Newcomer Rockford Christian enters the classification from 1A. The Royal Lions placed fifth last year down under but that was without the uber-talented Riley Wells. There will be some serious discussion to be made because 8:10 appears the cutoff to make the state finals, but it's not guaranteed to medal. Wells is the state's top returning 800m and a miler candidate. Aside from state talk, he will give his team something to be happy about during invitational time. runs the 4x800m this year.
E. St. Louis Sr. is a traditionally strong team who had the fourth fastest time indoors in 2018. The Flyerettes will be back in their sub 8:00 saddle.