3A Girls Distance Preview: The Final Destination

It could be another great year in the half-mile with so many interchangeable runners returning

800m-
2018 State Champion: Enyaeva Michelin (Evanston) 2:08.48
Key returners: MiKenna Robinson (Sr., Naperville [Neuqua Valley]), Stephanie Kriss (Jr., Highland Park), Marne Sullivan (Sr., Winnetka [New Trier]), Claire Hill (Sr., Naperville North), Laura Huber (So., Lombard [Glenbard East]), Katelynne Hart (Jr., Glenbard West), Abby Korak (Jr., Edwardsville), Sarah May (Sr., Elmhurst [York]), Bella Pisani (Sr., Hinsdale Central), Olivia Schmitt (Jr., Lake Villa [Lakes]), Erin Reidy (Jr., Downers Grove South), Anna Miller (Sr., Hoffman Estates), Emily Eberhart (Sr., Yorkville), Erin Moran (Jr., Arlington Heights [Hersey])
Breakdown: The question is whether or not can this event replenish itself rather quickly. Enyaeva Michelin takes with her upon graduation some pretty good talent. What's left is a cast of emerging elite level competitors. Let's explore... the Highland Park camp has been mum on the disappearance of Stephanie Kriss who did not complete the second half of the cross country season. If Kriss is ready to go for the track season, she will be very dangerous. Remember when she challenged Michelin and nearly beat her at Illinois Top Times with a blistering 2:11.83.

Mikenna Robinson is going to win them over. There are a few skeptics wondering if she can be the top half-miler now that she is finally in the spotlight. Ironically, she is in a spot similar to her older brother Isaiah Robinson was during his senior year. After star Ty Moss graduated as Illinois' crown prince of middle-distance, Isaiah was thrust into the spotlight. He was able to run 48.78 and 1:53.29 respectively. In addition, there was a state anchoring relay title. Mikenna is blessed with great tools: top end speed (200/24.92) and endurance (3m/18:41)- her PB should drop from 2:11.83 to 2:06-2:07 this season ranging from 200m to three miles. She clocked 2:11.83 and placed third in the state. 

The underrated Marne Sullivan has quietly put together a very solid resume. As a sophomore, she qualified for state in the 400m. After moving up to the "half" full-time last year, Sullivan tested the national waters and placed will at New Balance Outdoors and Indoors. Both competitions were in the emerging elite where she placed in the top 9. Ultimately Sullivan was able to produce a 2:12.82. The sky is the limit for what hopes to be a fast season.

The best option for Katelynne Hart is the 2:13 PB and occasional relay leg assists with variety and keeps the leg turnover sharp. Hart undoubtedly would contend for a top-five spot in this event if she wanted to.