Proviso West High School was the scene of a festive and energetic environment on a day typically designated for church and family time. But this just before the Martin Luther King Jr. Day, track and field fans from all walks of life came out in droves to support a great event. The inaugural showcase was indeed for the kids from the youth to the high school division.
Key highlights-
-Boys-
The event opened with the field events and it seemed like a typhoon at first with so much action going on at the same time. Kyshun Robinson (Sr., Proviso West) won his first long jump invite title on the surface that he is very accustomed to. He and cross-town rival Isaiah Tyler (Sr., Proviso East) battled for a while but the IL#1 22-1.75 proved too tough... Tyler returned to win his signature event, the high jump in an IL #2 6'4". Tyler indicated he wants to jump 7-feet as a goal.
The sprints were a split decision as Khullen Jefferson (Sr., TF South) breezed to victory in the 400 (51.33) and 200 (22.63). The latter is a state-leading mark. The state leader in the 60m Xavier Curtis (Sr., Glenbard North) won the dash narrowly over Tyler 7.00-7.06. Curtis would call it a day because of a cramp in his calf.
1A cross country champion Drew Rogers (So., Herscher) proved that he is ready for the jump to 2A and the upcoming season with a solid and personal best 1600m in 4:25.19. Rogers pulled away from Matt Cull (Jr., Maine South) late in the second half for the win.
Paxton Ferencak (Jr., Chicago Whitney Young) put a tough cross country season behind with a tough and hard-fought 800m win (2:03.34).
-Girls-
Athlete of the meet Kaylah McCall (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor) bypassed the U of Arkansas HS Invite to stay close to the vest. The meet management was rewarded with a tremendous outcome as the U of Minnesota signee showed why she is one of the elite performers in the country. McCall won her signature hurdles race in a state-best 8.71. McCall is rounding into shape technique and now speed-wise. She also won the 60 in 7.84.
Chicago Latin teammates Marianne Mihas (Jr.) and Ava Parekh (So.) won their respective distance events. Mihas took the 800 against a strong field with a time of 2:17.98. Parekh returned several hours later to cruise in the 1600 with a monster 5:00.26- both girls are state leaders.
The big field event highlight was Raelyn Roberson (Sr., Glenbrook South) and new monster long jump effort of 19-4. Roberson was extremely happy with her effort and is poised to get into the 20-foot territory.
Two-time state triple jump champion Riley Ammenhauser (Jr., Neuqua Valley) made season debut with a big win 38-7.75.
One of the nation's best pole vaulter Windsor Roberts (Jr., Tri-Valley) is working on her technique still wins 12-5.50.
