100m Hurdles -
2019 State Champion: Shanisa Stinson (Chicago South Shore Intl College Prep), 14.72 [+2.3]
Key Athletes: Emelia Ness (Sr., Monticello), Ali Rapps (So., Geneseo), Veronica Sherrod (Sr., East St. Louis Sr.), Madi McLain (Sr., Benton), Katelynn Trobaugh (Sr., Sterling), Brooke Barkocy (Jr., Burlington Central), Melody Jones (Sr., Chicago [De La Salle]), Mallory Cyrulik (So., Clinton)
Breakdown: Emelia Ness is the returning list leader (14.73) and will look to earn big team points for the Sages. Considered by some as the favorite heading into the final last year, she did not finish atop the podium. This year could be different, but it won't be easy as five all-state athletes return.
Ali Rapps didn't let the big stage phase her as a then-freshman secured a top-five finish. With less pressure this year she could be dangerous.
Veronica Sherrod is known more as a long hurdler but will look to stop all that talk and challenge for a hurdle double while also adding team points to the Flyerettes.
Melody Jones is a name you did not see at the state meet because she just picked up the event in the summer and the reviews are pretty good. With her summertime (15.28) she enters the mix as the third leading returner in the classification.
Don't forget about Maddie McLain (twin sister of distance star Amelia Mclain), Katelynn Trobaugh, or Brooke Barkocy. The returning all-state hurdlers may prefer to fly under the radar, which could make them dangerous on the barriers.