Plainfield Central HS; Plainfield IL-
The feverous local invite is affectionately known as the "Tracktown Invite" but its official name is the Stephen P. Hunt Invitational. It is a meet named after then Plainfield High School biology teacher Stephen P. Hunt who was killed in a tornado at the school. The Category F5 tornado that smashed the Plainfield area was ruled the worst in state history.
This intimate meet featured the four Plainfield public high schools: Plainfield Central, East, North, and South. As accustomed to most town rivalries, there is a huge sense of pride. For the boys, Plainfield North dominated this series and technically was the defending champion (meet last held in 2019 because of Covid-19). South won its first team crown prevailing over North 100.5-89.
The girls story was similar to the boys in that Plainfield North also had a dominant streak in its blood. The Tigers came in as winners from 2019 and with another potentially stout team, the goal was to notch a victory. The ladies picked up big victories and scored well in nearly every event. The final tally was a 115.5 point whopper.
Boys summary-
4x100: Plainfield North head man Tony Holler likes this group but stated they are all inexperienced. "Even the seniors are inexperienced... these guys lost a year to Covid." The effort was not unnoticed as the Tiger quartet won by nearly two seconds in a season-best and IL#4 43.60.
Niko Schultz time: All eyes were on Plainfield South star Niko Schultz who made his season debut in this event. The super pumped Schultz put a stranglehold on the field right away. He blazed out to a rocket-like first 200 in 25.5 and it was over. The overzealous Schultz may have cost himself a better effort as he won easily in 1:58.14.... later it was Schultz in for the 400m win, dropping a season-best 50.76.... despite a dropped baton (courtesy of a bump by PN) by a teammate on the third leg that potentially cost South the win and state best. North won in IL#2 3:30.02. Schultz ran tough and clocked 50.9 for his efforts.
4x800: Plainfield South produced a very good effort without its main man. The quartet won in an IL#4 8:16.81.
Ryan Maseman of South wanted to break 4:20 and snag the meet record. He opened in 62-point for the opening lap and never looked back. The end result was a meet record 4:25.24.
Split decision in 100 & 200: Lavell Patterson of Plainfield North and Brian Stanton of Plainfield South are projected to go at it for town speed kings. Patterson took the Century over Stanton 11.18-11.22 [+3.0]. In between relays, they would match up again in the 200. Without any wind reading, though the flags were still, Stanton powered off the backstretch and won going away 22.93-23.50.
Long Jump: South had three guys sky over 20' led by Liam Drapeau's 20'6.5" winner
Girls summary-
400: 800m specialist and standout Arianna Burkes of Plainfield East proved to be the best in the field. She got well and broke stagger on the backstretch. The final result was a season-best 59.62.
Relays split: North and East took turns slicing up victories. North won the 4x8 (10:38.86) and 4x4 (4:15). East copped the 4x1 (51.42) and 4x2 (1:50.32).
Carmen Trillo of Plainfield East hadn't pole vaulted on record since 2019. She made amends by producing a foot and a half on her height with a PB 11-0.
Macy O'Neill of Plainfield South continues her role as one of the best high jumpers in the state. She stays undefeated with a win 5-3.