It's time for the 54th Annual Prospect Wanner Invite
Date/Time: Friday, April 29, 2022
Location: Prospect HS; Mt. Prospect IL
Meet Program:
Order of Running Events (Time Schedule is Approximate):
4:30p field events
5:30p 3200m Run - Section 1 - Waterfall
5:50- Hedstrom-Clements Wanner Knights' Invitational Service Award
6:00- Frosh/Soph Medley
6:15- MileSplit IL 4x800 Relay
6:30- 4x100m Relay
6:40--3200m Run
6:55- 110m High Hurdles
7:10- 100m Dash
7:20- 800m Dash
7:30- 4x200m Relay
7:40- 400m Dash
7:55- 300m Intermediate Hurdles
8:10- Dick Pond Gauntlet 1600m Run
8:25- 200m Dash - 5 Sections
8:40- Rockin' 4x400m Relay
Opening thoughts: Some traditions never die. The Wanner Knights Invitational has undergone several name changes, nicknames, and monikers in its 54-year history. This year's edition with the namesake "Joe Wanner" should be another good one
Good action is expected on the track and in the field-
It's prom season and that could mean several top squads may be without several of their key pieces this evening. 3A #2 Minooka will be without its ace sprinter Tyler Colwell because of the prom. However, there will be some power in the team aspect with #9 New Trier and #10 Lockport with quality squads.
The 4x800 relay has always been the main event at Wanner as it has produced many state championship level quartets over the years. Last year it was Minooka who came in and bullied the field. Will there be any of that this time around? Nationally ranked Chicago Lane Tech leads the state with a 7:53.51 mark since their run in California earlier in the month. The Techsters will not underestimate the competition, especially with the likes of Naperville Central and Downers Grove South in the field.
If Mother Nature is somewhat in a good mood we could see some outstanding times in the sprints and relays. Prospect has been impressive with its sprint corps thus far. The Knights collectively could grab a state-leading mark in the 4x200. They have the speedy junior Dominik Balenda leading the way. Look for the first sub 1:29 when the dust settles. The 4x100 could be a warning though earlier in the meet card.
Top hurdler Gabe Czako (Sr., Lockport) will contest the 110HH against Collin Forrest (Sr., Minooka) and others. Czako is also in the 400.
Lake Park is one of the top-power ranked teams but they did not bring their entire team, just the top event eventers, and several tracksters. One of them is Desmond Horton (Sr) who is looking to retake his position at the top. Jalen Falcon (So., Lockport) and Abraham Ailemen (Sr., Lane Tech) are also in the field and top five in the state with marks over 45-feet! Could the triple jump outshine the mystic of the distance races? We will see! The Lancers will toss their shot putters Cooper Cerese (Sr) and Tyler Michelini (Jr)- both top 10 performers this season over 56 and 57-feet.
We may be in another golden age of the mile as times are incredible top to bottom in terms of balance. The third section should be a dandy. New Trier senior standouts George Cahill and Nick Falk could be doubling back from the 3200. If so, this may be an audition for the state meet. But don't think the upstart Hunter Whitney (Jr., Chicago Lane), Luke Noren (Jr., Naperville Central), and Tim Neumann (Sr., Downers South) will show much pitty. Add Zachary Balzer (Jr., Minooka) to the mix and there could be guys pushing 4:15 or better. The entire 13-man field has seeds under 4:28!
The Showstopper will feature four teams under 3:30 in the fast section. Let's hope we see someone break 3:25.