Kankakee: more than track and field, it's a family affair


The Kankakee Boys and Girls track & field teams are emerging as leaders in the state

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Prior to when Kankakee head coach Marquis Lowe took the reigns of the program, the boys had never placed inside of the top 10 at the IHSA State Championship final standings in the multiple class era of track and field (began in 1977-78). The girls on the other hand enjoyed success under the tutelage of legendary coaches Theresa Burgard and Benny Phillips.  The team's best finish on the girls' side was fourth (twice- 2010, 2011).

There was a change after the 2018 season in which Coach Phillips was not retained as the headman.

Enter Marques Lowe.

Coach Lowe, who also serves as the head coach of the Vipers Track Club had been successful on the youth development scene for a number of years. Lowe has developed four keys to success. First year: Change The Culture. Second Year: Respect The Culture. Third Year: We Are The Culture. Fourth Year: I Am The Culture. So being patient was on his side when he stepped in to lead the Kays. The patience is working as the Kays had a very prosperous indoor campaign and are ranked among the elite teams in the MileSplit IL Power Rankings.

Recently, Coach Lowe took a moment to share some of his sentiments after the Illinois Top Times.