1A Boys
1. Elgin [Harvest Christian] (57)
2. St. Joseph-Ogden (46)
4. Niles [Northridge Prep] (30)
5. Salt Fork (29)
6. Downs [Tri-Valley] (28)
The narrative: Survive and advance is this name of the game when you only have one shot during the sectional round. Last week's top-ranked team, Gibson City, suffered a huge blow when ace sprinter Aidan Laughery suffered a leg injury. Although he admitted to serious doubt of competing in the upcoming state championship, it was not officially confirmed at the time of his writing that he is out.
Harvest Christian emerges from the sectional as the early favorite for the team title. Led individually by Matthew Olech, who leads the classification in the 1600m (4:18) and 3200 (9:03), the Lions will look to put a hurting on the field in the distance realm. Hayden Colclasure is there for added bonus. With assistance from Daniel Winkelman (1600/3200m) and top-rated relays (4x800, 4x400), the school from Elgin will aim to bring home its first track championship.
St. Joseph-Ogden got what they needed out of the sectional into the state meet, they appear to be the closest team to who may challenge Harvest Christian. Hayden Knott, the classification's best in the Shot Put (56-2.75) and Discus (176-2.25) will aim to get the party started for the Spartans, he will look for a huge boost from their class-leading 4x200 (1:30.52), top-rated 4x100 (43.83), and will hope their 4x400m can be moved up in the final tally. Also, Brady Buss individually in the 200m could boost the team's chances.
The race for the final trophy could be very interesting. Coming out of the sectional it appears to be around five teams in the mix. Maroa-Forsyth will bank on sectional leader Ben Gilbert in the 200m (22.41) plus their short sprint relays.
Northridge Prep will counter in the distance events with Andrew Brockmeier and Mark Masaka and hope for double points to pair with their class-leading 4x800 (8:07.55) and second-ranked 4x400 (3:27.62).
Salt Fork leads the class in the 4x100m (43.25), and has the second-fastest 4x200m. Individually Garrett Taylor in the discus throw will attempt to grab big points along with Nate Kirby in the 110H.
Gibson City may have taken a hit from the sectionals, but they may have enough to creep into trophy contention if all cylinders fire. Isaiah Chatman is the current class leader in the 110H (14.77) and 300H (39.02). His teammate Awstace Grauer in the 400m must rise up along with their 4x100m.