The intense transition of the 2020 4x800 relay
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Boys teams-
Andrew, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Bradley-Bourbonnais, Burlington Central, Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Geneva, Glenbard East, Glenbrook North, Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, Kaneland, Lane Tech, Lockport, Minooka, Montini, Naperville Central, Niles North, Plainfield East, Plainfield North, Plainfield South, Proviso East, Romeoville, Sandburg, Shepard, St. Charles North, St. Ignatius, West Aurora, West Chicago, Whitney Young, Willowbrook, Yorkville
4x800 (Orland Park Sandburg 7:45.80/2016): The breakout party is about to begin Monday evening. Why? This is where the main players come to play. York has the top time in the state at 8:07.94. There are seven teams with seed marks faster than that.
Lane Tech and Hinsdale Central are seeded 8:00. If they are on point they have an opportunity to dip under the mark. The Indians feature Hunter Whitney (Jr), William Archer (Jr), Emmett Kennedy (Sr), and Jack Klein (Sr). Individually, they have run 800m races between 1:59 and 2:02. The Red Devils star Daniel Watcke (Jr) will be a major concern, especially if his teammates can set him up. Last year, Watcke ran a blistering 1:50.34!
Downers Grove North has a strong unit led by Roy Llewellyn (Sr). Don't be surprised if the fast starter is chosen to lead things off for the Trojans.
Plainfield North will make its case among the elite field with seniors Josh Bedford and Nick Simpson. They have 2:00 personal bests on their resumes.
Sandburg is the meet record holder and has more top ten all-time performances than any other school. They also have another very good unit to bolster. The Eagles ran 8:08.61 several weekends ago without lead runner Brock Rice (Sr).
Minooka won this event the last time it was conducted in the 7:51. Zachery Balzer (Jr) was just a freshman then. His stock has since risen as well as teammate Emerson Fayman.
4x200 (Plainfield South 1:30.50/2011): There is a chance that the meet record could fall. Minooka is the team to beat with its 1:31.87 mark. The Indians will feature top speedster Tyler Colwell (Sr).
Batavia will be in hot pursuit on the strength of Jonah Fallon (Sr). As always it will come down to clean transitions and flawless stick play. Downers North and Downers South could be a disruptive force if an opening comes about.
4x400 (Plainfield South 3:22.63/2011): Six sections to be contested in the "Showstopper." The all-time mark could be safe but that won't prevent state leader Batavia from going after a fast mark. The Bronchos have a strong 400m runner Fallon back in action to help get it done. Teammate Jacob Hohmann (Sr) will aid in the mission.
Minooka is equally seeded at 3:35 with Batavia. The Indians have what it takes to win the final race of the evening. Downers North and South add value to the field as well.