Christopher Collet takes last year's final
1600m-
2019 State Champion: Christopher Collet (Seneca) 4:24.71
Key Athletes: Noah McIntyre (Sr., Athens), Negus Bogard (Sr., Robinson), Gabe Martinez (Sr., Bismark-Henning-Roseville-Alvin), Ty Barbre (Jr., Carmi-White County), Beau Edwards (So., Arcola), Cort Ross (Sr., Casey-Westfield), Henry Kraatz (Sr., Urbana [University]), Tristan Olpin (Sr., Rockford Keith Country Day), Koby Brackemeyer (Sr., Morrison), Colby Johnson (Sr., Dee-Mack), Lucas Chittick (Sr., Fisher), Matthew Olech (Jr., Elgin [Harvest Christian Academy]), Aryan Lalwani (Jr., Urbana [University]), Leland Sumer (Sr., Tremont)
Outlook: This is definitely shaping out to be the most talented distance race in the class with the top spot up for grabs- six returning all-staters ready to rock and roll.
Noah McIntyre is the name that seems to stick out the most after a breakout track season last year that ended with him standing second on the podium in this event. With a 2019 Top Times 1600m title under his belt, he has what it takes to get the job done. What may put McIntyre over the rest is how fresh he is for the 1600m as all of his competition seem to either run the 4x800m or 3200m beforehand. McIntyre managed a 4:35 during indoors in 2020.
Cort Ross may have emerged as the early season favorite, however, by running 4:26.59 at the Indiana Track Club Open in February. He as shown range with his multiple state leading times and maybe poised for his best season ever in his senior year.
It is plausible that Negus Bogard could emerge after a disappointing post- cross country campaign in which he placed 42nd place at the state meet. Bogard has the top returning time of 4:23.11 along with a win over McIntyre at Distance Night In Palatine, although we have yet to see him on the circuit this season.
The underdog this year might just be Gabe Martinez who had a short but great season on the grass. Only racing three times throughout the year Martinez finished 12th at the state meet with a time of 15:19. He has run 4:41 so far this season.
Then there is the wildcard in Beau Edwards who is a very interesting athlete. He is also a 5-10 high jumper along with running a 4:28.50 1600m. That is something you don't see every day. The real question about Edwards is what kind of shape is he in? He doesn't compete in cross-country so we haven't seen him since last year, and the jury is still out since he has not run a distance race in 2020. If he has maintained his fitness throughout the year then he might be a force to be reckoned with in Class 1A.
With other athletes like Ty Barbre trailing very close behind, this seems to be a great year to be in class 1A for the 1600.
