Delea Martins takes a quick glance at the scoreboard after winning last year's 300m title
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Time is ticking away before the kickoff of the season's first big invitational hosted at the elegant Gately Track & Field Center. Let's take a peep at some of the notable competition expected to compete and make noise.
Boys-
Benny Diaz (Sr., Grand Rapids, MI TC)- know as "Benny the Jet", Diaz is quickly becoming one of the nation's top 60H hurdlers, Diaz sits in the US#8 spot with a very good 8.08. Diaz is also an adequate flat sprinter in addition to his hurdle duties. He has signed with the University of Michigan.
Ammon Smith (Jr., Iowa City Speed TF/Iowa City HS)- third in the state meet 800m last year, Smith is a talented middle-distance runner who ran 1:55 and took in the largest classification for the state.
Ryder James (Sr., PBL)- recently crowned 1A state cross country state champion is ready to have a big track season before heading off to the University of Missouri. James is entered in the mile and will have an opportunity to break 4:20.
Jaylin Holmes (Sr., East Kentwood, MI)- he returns back to Chicago after producing big dividends last year like rolling Michigan indoor state runner up 60m in 6.88. Holmes will contest 60, 200, and 400m.
Andrew Regnier (Jr., Waunakee, WI)- It's been a workmanlike 2022 indoor season for Regnier who has run events 200-800m. He will contest what appears to be his best event, the 400m. He has dropped 49.94 thus far. He should get some good competition from Illinois' Maxwell Mitchell. Regnier appears to like competing on Land of Lincoln soil. He has produced all of his indoor PB's here.
Girls-
Delea Martins (Jr., Shorewood HS/Milwaukee Striders TC)- captured the attention of many at the Gately Track series last year winning several contests and performing well in others. She is in the 200 and 400.
Nonah Waldron (Jr., Oak Park MI/Motor City TC)- don't expect the nation's top 60-meter hurdler (8.32) to use this meet as a tune-up for the upcoming CYUP Misfits Invite. She will actually be getting in some quality work: 60H, 400, 200, and possibly a relay. Look for teammate Gabrielle Jeffries to accompany her in the long dash.
Kaylie Politza (Sr., Valparaiso IN)- one of the former greats returns home to the friendly confines. The soon-to-be Oklahoma State University Cowboy is listed in the mile and 800m. She will have Jordyn Miller of Mundelein in the field as a quality opponent.
Jayda Bushay (Sr., Miami Northwestern)- from the national powerhouse program out of South Florida, this could be an interesting one if Bushay steps on the track. A former youth speed prodigy who has grown with the sport (24.23w/11.80) has not run many indoor meets so the banked track could be a little tricky. Martins and Waldron are in the 200m field which should bring intrigue. Add Illinois' Asia Thomas of Chicago Kenwood in there. Bushay should be lathered up in the 60m.