Dan Watcke was one of the key performers from the state of Illinois that participated last weekend in Eugene
Whether you concentrated your track & field chops this past weekend on the U20s (Under 20 Championships) or the Senior Nationals, a nice showing was put on by several performers who represented Illinois prep ranks formerly and present out in Eugene, Oregon.
U20s (top finishers with a world qualifying mark advance)-
Daniel Watcke: The Hinsdale Central junior was still on a west coast swing, only this time he took part in the 800m. In his customary style, Watcke hung to a pedestrian opening pace that reached just over 57-seconds, Watcke hit the accelerator and had an opportunity to place among the top two but finished third in 1:51.20.
Nicolas Dovalovsky: The former Neuqua Valley star now at U of Illinois led for the majority of the 1500m but could not hold his position and ended with a fourth place in 3:52.20.
Riley Ammenhauser: The U of Michigan freshman concluded a terrific first season by taking third in the triple jump. The former superstar from Neuqua Valley connected on her best effort which was the final attempt with a 41-4.25.
Senior Nats (top 3 advance meeting WC mark)
Evan Jager: American's premier steeple chaser via Jacobs HS will head back to the World Championship. It was an emotional weekend for Jager who had battled injuries over the past few years. Jager, who is the American record holder, took second in 8:17.29.
Will Williams: The former Bloom Twp HS product continues to churn out great efforts. He sat in the pivotal third spot until the penultimate attempt and ultimately took fourth with a mark of 26-6.75.
Luke Winder: The Plainfield Central and North Central College star had a major showing out in the pole vault taking second on misses (18-8.25). Winder is off to Europe in hope of obtaining the WC mark for worlds.
Shamier Little: Chicago's very own courtesy of Lindblom HS was stoked after securing her second time on the world team. Little grabbed the final spot in third in 53.92.
Tori Franklin: The former Downers Grove South HS/Michigan State U State star makes her third world team taking second in a season best 47-10.50.