400m Dash --
2019 State Champion: Ashanti Denton (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor), 54.45
Key Athletes: Denton, Olivia Schmitt (Sr., Lake Villa [Lakes Community]), Amaiya Barnes (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor), Jessica Coughlin (Sr., Belleville West), Kayla Bell (Sr., Lansing [TF South), Kailah Carter (Jr., Normal Community), Aaliyah Collier (Sr., Glen Ellyn [Glenbard West]), Alex Edison (So., Homewood-Flossmoor), Jessica Markel (Sr., Alton), Kathleen Baker (So., Barrington), Alana Berry (Sr., Chicago Whitney Young), Ta'Jae Jackson (Sr., Bolingbrook)
Breakdown: To be the champ you have to beat the champ, that is exactly what Ashanti Denton did while stunning the Charleston crowd. She achieved a personal best by over one second en route to upsetting two-time state champion Dajour Miles of West Aurora. Now the roles are reversed as she is the one with the target on her back who hopes history doesn't repeat itself, at least the part was someone pulls an upset.
Denton has already surpassed her indoor personal best in January by over one second (55.94), which is faster than any returner indoors or outside.
Amaiya Barnes has aspirations of her own as she closes her all-state career, being able to train with another talent is a good thing for all parties involved. This event could give the Lady Vikings big points towards a possible team title.
Olivia Schmitt attempted the "Juantorena double" last season and pulled off all-state honors in both events, she could repeat that feat if she chooses. Keep in mind that Schmitt is more of an 800m runner and that will be her main focal point at season's end.
Kayla Bell is another athlete who has the ability to medal in both events. Jessica Coughlin popped onto the scene as a Sophomore, she carries the Metro East flag while Kailah Carter does the same for central Illinois. The one lapper should be very interesting on Memorial Day weekend.