Newly minted University of Illinois head coach Petros Kyprianou and his staff have been working at breakneck speed in re-establishing the Illini as a sustainable elite program in the Big 10 and nationally.
The Illini just took another leap toward their mission by inking one of the most sought-after recruits in the state.
The 2022 track and field season saw senior Jackson Gilbert of Urbana HS/Vipers TC emerge as a premier force in the state. He started with a monumental win to close out the indoor season and win the Top Times title in 49.99- the only quarter-mile to break 50 seconds. An excited Jackson is ready to shine in the same Orange and Blue kit as his current status.
"I really like the coaches which means a lot to me. The team already made me feel a part of the family before I was on the team I believe that if we all work together to get better everyone will push each and will get better and a lot faster which is my end goal get as fast as I can," stated Gilbert. " U of I I believe has everything I need to do that. I always wanted to represent where I'm from Urbana my hometown."
Gilbert continued to turn up during the outdoor winning the 2A state championship in the 400m and dropping a huge personal best in 47.48. In addition, he clocked 21.69 in the 200m and took fourth in the state. In effect, he was the best overall long sprinter in the state. As good as things were in 2022, Jackson is ready to take things even further. "My goal is to break some records and win some more state titles. I believe in my training and I believe I will be able to run a fast time around 46.xx mid or low," he confidently indicated. "My times every year keeps dropping and I don't see it stopping anytime soon. And I want to repeat in the 400 and [win] whatever else I can for myself and my team."
