* Drew Rogers put on a clinic during Friday evening's 3200m showdown
WATCH LIVE: THE IL MOC SHOWCASE
Chicago, IL --
The first of two days of competition greeted the faithful with very favorable results at the Gately Track & Field Center. In what was billed as a melting pot of events between the Meet of Champions and Showcase Invite meet management, the action was hot.
Boys highlights-
3200: As expected in the final section, Drew Rogers of Herscher IL produced major damage on his way to another state-leading mark. Rogers got off to an early lead with the first mile in 4:33 and won with US#3 9:02.98 PR.
800: Freshman sensation Gavin Genisio of Benton IL continues to impress after winning in a PR 1:58.75. The first half was just under 60-seconds before Genisio took over.
1600: There were four sections on day 1 but it was section three winner Cadyn Grafton of Dixon IL won stole the show. Grafton led big from the gun and was never threatened. The end result was a 4:24.52 stinger. The time has forced the Saturday section group to be ready to run fast.
SP: State leader Kyle Clabough of Yorkville IL came out of a two-month hiatus to win his favorite event 55-3. Clabough had several tosses above the 50-foot mark.
Girls highlights-
3200: The five fastest performances came from section two, so it was no surprise to see the two titans Katrina Schlenker of Batavia IL, and Rachel Forsyth of Ann Arbor MI battle for the crown. Things started out with four girls dueling for the first mile but ended with Schlenker and Forsyth going at it neck and neck over the final 600m. Schlenker won with a lifetime best 10:31.81. Forsyth ran well but stumbled across the line in 10:38.10.
800: Former Illinois native Kaylie Politza now of Valparaiso IN and Ava Parekh of Chicago Latin put on a show for the fans. A fast opening 400 in 64.2 set up a great finish in which Politza dropped a facility record and PR 2:10.56.
Middle school 1600: future Downers Grove South product Holly Johnson represented the Chicago Flyers Track Club. Johnson in return ran away with the US#1 time of 5:18.79.
Pole Vault: All-time great Windsor Roberts of Tri-Valley Downs was excited for the prospect of competing against fellow superstar Tori Thomas of Rock Island Alleman. Unfortunately, Thomas had to bow out due to an injury. Roberts proceeded to clear a season-best 13-1.5. Roberts attempted a record 13-6.5 but fell oh so short on the final attempt. There is no doubt that record clearance is coming. Roberts is just getting started.