The Varsity Boys "fast section" 55-meter dash was a pick 'em even for the FAT timing crew
Hillside, IL---
As important as it was to conduct and support a track & field invitational of such magnitude, it may have been just as vital to present the namesake, Mr. Olympian Greg Foster, with his living flowers. The former Proviso East and UCLA superstar was back on his feet in less than a month after receiving a life-saving heart transplant. The three-time three world champion in the 110HH was a pleasant delight inside the Proviso West field house, providing energy to the crowd and inspiration to the student-athletes.
Competitive action between Tyler, Johnson, and Harris-
It does not get any common than these three names in the sport of track and field. Coming into the fray, it was the senior workhorses Isaiah Tyler of Proviso East, Brailyn Johnson of St. Laurence, and Steven Harris that all eyes were on in terms of sprints, hurdles, and jumping hype.
Tyler and Harris were coming off of major illnesses during this powerful flu season, so the jury may have been out for them a bit. Tyler's first action of the day was the first section long jump so he could get additional rest for an arduous day. Tyler was not as crisp as he should have been and the end result was a second-place (21'9") finish to the surprising Enoch Antwi (Sr., Romeoville) who stole the jumps show- LJ & TJ (22'7.5"- IL#2/47'3.75"- IL#1). Several hours later, Tyler won the HJ (6'5"), 2nd in the 55 (6.61), and closed things out with a narrow win the 200 (23.22) that netted him the MVP trophy.
Johnson was hampered a bit by a sore leg but he still managed to win the short dash over Tyler clocking 6.55. It was a key leg on the 4x200 relay that netted Johnson his second win in three events and a feeling of satisfaction as his team placed fourth overall.
Harris worked himself back in shape by competing early and often. He won the 55HH (IL #1-7.75) with ease followed by minimal rest to take 6th in the 55 (6.70), 200H (1st- 26.80), and 200 (2nd- 23.23).
Brett Gardner and Tyler Cushing led the distance charge-
It was not a particularly good day on the distance running side as no one broke 1:28 (600m), 2:00 (800m), or 4:30 (1600m). But the matchup of two of the state's top two-milers linked up in the 3200m. Gardner of Lincoln-Way East and Cushing of Bolingbrook conversed slightly on working together. Gardner took control of the first half splits and hit the first mile in 4:30. Though the second half took a noticeable dip in production and times, Gardner still walked away with a big state leading 9:17.90. Cushing held strong for second and the only other runner under 10:00 and IL#2 9:22.76.
