Downers Grove North's Vince Davero won the WSC Silver title last year; he could be a major player this winter
TOP RETURNING PERFORMERS
This event is inconsistent across the state. Performances, especially outdoors, are affected by wind conditions and teenage volunteers raking pits unevenly (another entirely different discussion). As we enter the indoor season we at least eliminate outdoor conditions which may give you all an idea of who some top contenders may be.
Ryan Schaefer (Sr., Glenbrook South)- The state's top returning jumper landed some big jumps at his home facility including a whopping 23-1.25. Schaefer's shining moment was a fourth-place at the Illinois Top Times. We will see if he's aided by home cooking this winter or can be more consistent in hostile conditions. Give Schaefer credit though, he took on a full slate of jumps into the summer. Will those jump miles ultimately lead to his first all-state honor or even a title?
Brody Squires (Sr., Aurora Waubonsie Valley)- Produced a solid indoor season last year with a personal best of 21-10.50 that netted a second place in his conference championship. Of course, the winter season is a launching pad for the latter part of the year. As the state's top returner outdoors (23-2.75), the ultimate goal is to win a state title. Squires will be motivated after finishing 19th in the state prelims.
Jacob Morrison (Sr., Mt. Vernon)- Let's acknowledge the fact that Morrison made his track and field debut during the outdoor season in 2022. And before we can go further, he has never even competed in indoor track and field. is back to defend his 2A title, he is currently in basketball season. Maybe he will decide to debut indoors for the first time once his hardwood obligations are complete.
John Gore (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor)- Earned his bread and butter and notoriety via the relays and occasionally in a sprint event or two. The speedy Gore is also a very good long jumper that many outside of the Vikings camp don't know about. This indoor season is the perfect time to display the 22-foot-plus talent. It was a little puzzling to see that Gore did not jump in last year's sectionals. Hopefully, the indoor season will spring Gore into the outdoor state title talk.
Joshua Franklin (Sr., Crete-Monee)- A talented athlete who is a star quarterback as well as an all-state wrestler. Franklin may be better at the triple jump but is still, a threat to be one of the best leapers in the state by season's end. It would be pleasing if he had more opportunities to jump indoors at some of the better invites.
Honorable Mention: Lance Somerfield (Sr., Orland Park Sandburg), Cabott Craft (Sr., Champaign St. Thomas More), Mason Kooi (Sr., Springfield Lutheran), Vince Davero (Jr., Downers Grove North), Kendall Houston (Sr., Plainfield South), Dedrick Richardson Jr. (Jr., Frankfort Lincoln-Way East), Javius Catlin (Jr., Rockford East), James Ammenhauser (Sr., Naperville Neuqua Valley), Kaiden Miller (Sr., Grayslake Central), Jabreel Washington (Sr., Joliet Central), Nicholas Deloach Jr (Sr., Cahokia), Teegan Davis (Sr., Princeton)