4x800 m Relay -
Defending Champion: Knoxville (Mackenzie Pruett, Bailey Harris, Kailee Shreeves, Breena Shreves), 9:47.15.
Key Returners: Knoxville, DuQuoin (H.S.), Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy), Rockford (Christian), Saint Joseph Ogden), Winnebago, Teutopolis
Key Newcomers: Indian
Creek, Urbana (University), Williamsville
Outlook: Defending
champion Knoxville is the only returning champion at the 1A level. Knoxville
loses Pruitt to graduation but returns Harris and the Shreeves', led by Breena,
who finished 10th in the 800 in 2019. DuQuion, Harvest Christian, Rockford
Christian and Saint Joseph Ogden all return at least three runners from their
all-state teams last season, and Teutopolis was the fastest team north of 10:00
at state last year. Of those teams,
DuQuion appears to be in the driver's seat, with a state-leading 10:03.95 from
the SIU Girls Invite. However, keep an eye
on Winnebago, who is emerging as the distance powerhouse in 1A. Bago ran five
girls in the top 26 in cross country, so there may be lots of young 800-meter
talent this year. Bago ran 10:16 for a state #2 during 2020
indoors.