Triple Jump-
2019 State Champion: Khalil Ross (Jr., Springfield Lanphier), 46'9.50"
Key Athletes: Ross, Jayden McCulskie-Green (Jr., Sandwich), Kia Baumgartner (Sr., Champaign Central), Dezmond Clark (Sr., Murphysboro), Darrione Williams (Sr., East St. Louis), Elijah Pena (Sr., Woodstock North), Trevor Goodwin (Jr., Rochelle), Ronnie Hunsaker (Sr., Columbia), Connor Workman (Jr., Princeton), Peyton Sopiars (Sr., Troy Triad)
Breakdown: The top seven finishers from last season are back making this the deepest jump event. The returning field is led by defending champion and future Illinois State Redbird Khalil Ross of jumps factory Springfield Lanphier. He hit his stride during championship season while improving his personal best by over two feet.
Ross' quest for a repeat won't be easy by any means, however, as a log jam of all-staters are vying for his crown. Jayden McCulskie-Green appears to like the big stage best as his better jumps have come at Top Times en route to a championship and during the state series.
Kai Baumgartner holds the classification's best-returning wind-legal mark (45'3.25), a huge personal best obtained in the state finals. We advise not to snooze on anyone with state experience as all these jumpers are capable of popping a big one at any point in the season. For this class, the race could be for 47ft or better to have a shot at the 2A crown.
Peyton Sopiars has a career best of 45'0, he also has a state championship from two years ago at 1A Galva. Same face, different place means he's now at Triad High School and looks to repeat his feat from two year ago.