300m Hurdles
2019 State Champion: Robert Williams (Springfield), 38.14
Key Athletes: KeiJuan James (Sr., O'Fallon), Onyi Ukaobasi (Sr., Geneva), Zach Olejniczak (Sr., Oak Lawn), Aidan McBride (Jr., LaGrange [Lyons Township]), Cydney Dixon (Sr., Lansing [TF South]), Nathan Batres (Sr., Yorkville) Brendon Carter (Sr., Lisle [Benet Academy]), Nathan Shapiro (So., Glenbrook [Glenbrook South]), Taylor Lehman (Jr., O'Fallon)
Breakdown: A completely depleted event as last year's field of state finalists have all graduated, this title is completely up for grabs.
Keijuan James, who narrowly missed his first state final last year, is the top returner in 3A and fourth fastest overall at 38.96. Depending on off-season training, James could be a force in this event. We will not predict any times but it would not be a stretch to see a sub-38 second effort.
Onyi Ukaobasi may be a name that most of you are not familiar with, but he is a solid all-around athlete whose best days will come at the next level. In the meantime, look for Ukaobasi to improve on his 39.18 personal best and stamp himself as a major force.
An event like this with no early-season favorite gives many an opportunity to prove themselves throughout the season. Peep how athletes in this event develop and expect multiple changes atop the leaderboard.