A strong finish in the 1600m enabled many competitors to gain some season personal bests
A moderate snowfall on the eve of the biggest boys' invitational of the season reminded us all that winter was indeed still here. Fortunately for the competing athletes, it's the indoor season and an opportunity to show off during "Power Weekend."
Track and field is like any other sport, great events and meets will pass you by if you don't adjust as a meet manager. It just happens that Lakes built a new barn in the northern Chicago suburb with the infusion of innovative coaches and staff, and the 'D117 Clash at The Coliseum' was born.
Field-
The field events started with a name that has been a household staple in recent years. AMMENHAUSER. First, it was Riley Ammenhauser who surprised the world by winning the outdoor triple jump as a freshman and later adding multiple state titles and national accolades for Naperville (Neuqua Valley). She is currently a star at the University of Michigan and her younger brother James Ammenhauser is now a senior and ready to continue the family dominance in the jumps.
Ammenhauser started with the long jump and with only three attempts, he had to make good on every opportunity. It was a 22'6.25" effort in the second round that overtook Kellen Brnfre (Jr., Edwardsville) for the victory. After a bout over at the high jump, Ammenhauser returned to the sandpit for the triple jump. Kaiden Miller (Sr., Grayslake Central) was too tough as he grabbed a state-leading 44'11.75" on his second attempt. Ammenhauser took the runner-up spot with a 44'6" effort.
All eyes were on pole vaulter Paul Migas (Jr., Lakes) who is a national-class athlete that's grounded at home. In his first invite at home, he easily won the competition with a clearance of 14-11. He had entered the competition at 14-6.
Track-
The 4x800 relay opened the meet with some stellar performances with Prospect holding off Neuqua Valley 8:16.29-8:19.44. But it was a short time later that the main event 3200m looked more like a state championship preview. And the outcome did not disappoint. There were 20 boys under 10:00! It was a blistering opening half around 4:41 with a half dozen runners in contention. However, over the next half mile, Camyn Viger (Jr., Plainfield South) and Zac Close (Jr., Naperville Neuqua Valley) separated from the talented pack. Viger would ultimately win in IL#2 9:13.23 PB.
The 800m was another competitive event with some star power featured. 3A state cross country champion Aden Bandukwala (Jr., Hinsdale Central) opened his season using a conservative 57.7 opening 400m and later dashing away on the final lap to win in 1:56.00.
Perhaps a new star was born in the dashes. Senior Austin Belle of Neuqua Valley spoke softly but carried a big stick. He powered past a strong 60m field and won in IL#2 6.90. Later on near the end of the competition, he stormed the one-lapper in 22.68.
Homewood-Flossmoor won the 4x200 relay in 1:31.92- it's the second fastest time in the state and it was done without one of its top speedsters John Gore (Sr).
