Edwardsville senior Brandon Battle took the IL boys sprint scene by storm in 2021. If you recall, he opened his campaign just after the New Year on January 2. It is then that the fireworks began as Battle dropped a 48.78 scorcher in an indoor meet in Birmingham, Alabama.
As the indoor season hit its climax, Battle's search for the sub-48 second barrier become more visible. The nationally-ranked Battle took no prisoners at the Illinois Meet of Champions Showcase at Gately Indoor Track & Field Stadium. The all-time record was smashed as he scooted around the track in 47.88!
The outdoor season was given the green light by the IHSA which meant the motivation for all athletes could be realized in terms of shooting to compete in the State Championship. For Battle, he wanted to help his team reach its full potential. He advanced to the finals in the 100, 200, and 400-meter races in the 3A classification. He won all three, including the No. 3 all-time 400m mark in 46.48.
There were a few rumors (mostly by pundits and internet trolls) wondering why Battle would choose a college like Eastern Illinois University to attend. He stated numerous times, they were one of the first schools to show him the welcome mat. However, we are in a different time where student-athletes have options to opt-in or opt-out without penalty of sitting out an academic calendar. Battle's value stock rose significantly and he re-entered the market.
This evening Mr. Brandon Battle sat down with MileSplit Illinois and discussed his decision in choosing the University of Arkansas.
