Pete Struck Classic Kicks Off Big Track and Field Weekend

Apr 28, 2023

Section three (3) 1600m was a thriller and worth the drive for the fans near and far

RESULTS I VIDEOS I PHOTOS

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ORLAND PARK- Over the years different invitationals have been landmark destinations for certain purposes. Sandburg coach John O'Malley has methodically changed the completion of the Pete Struck Classic. It is no longer just another Thursday evening invite where teams compete and get marks. It was a mini showcase of some of the best talent around the Chicagoland area.

The temperatures hovering around 70F and sunny, it was a perfect time to partake in some field events. The long jump was the first stop for eyewitness action. Lance Somerfield (Sr., Sandburg) was a state finalist last season and was out to prove his Eagles had more than distance runners in its stable. With a slight tailwind to his and the competitor's back, Somerfield led the charge with an IL#4 22'8.75" effort. Two other jumpers surpassed the 22-foot barrier, Jabreel Washington (Sr., Joliet Central) and Josyah Holland (Jr., Crete-Monee) connected on 22'1.50" personal bests.

Under the tutelage of coach John Sipple, Vince Davero (Jr., Downers Grove North) has thrived in the triple jump. Sipple is one of the state's top distance coaches who spends an ample amount of time teaching and coaching jumps in the spring. Davero achieved another momentous achievement in his career which includes all-state honors. He won the title with a career-best 45'8" which pits him eighth in the state.

Javaris Ambrose (Sr., Thornton) was one of the featured individuals in the field events. Although he did not set any meet records or achieve personal bests in the shot put and discus throw, he walked with two gold medals and a standing ovation for his outstanding efforts. Ambrose took the SP (54'5.25") and copped a season-best in the DT (154'7").

Michael Prieto (Jr., Hinsdale Central) and Austin Kulig (Sr., Andrew) both had outstanding days in the high jump but it was Prieto who won on less misses with a leap of 6'4.75."

As predicted with the absence of Minooka star Cael Hiser, it would be the Edward Clark III of Crete-Monee show. He started his sprints assault with a win PB photo finish win over Lucas Parr (Jr., Chicago Marist) in the Century 11.06-11.07. He did not run on his team's winning 4x1 relay (42.77) nor did he run the 400 or 4x2 relay. Instead, it was a blistering PB 200 domination in 22.16. Clark III closed the meet with a 48.9 come from behind showstopping anchor that netted the Indians victorious in 3:27.60 over Downers North.

The 1600m has become the signature event-

Kudos to coach O'Malley and his coaches for once again assembling a great field- one that rivaled any on Illinois soil this season. Two key names to watch were Marcellus Mines (Jr., Joliet West) who appears to be fine after running 4:15 last weekend at Distance Night in Palatine. He had been plagued by back issues. The other was Aden Bandukwala (Jr., Hinsdale Central).

A healthy Mines means that he is going to push the pace hard like a veteran. The opening lap was 60.7 and then a gap opened on the second circuit in 2:04.3. Initially, Bandukwala took steps to prevent a jailbreak by Mines but backed off. With one lap remaining at the bell in 3:08.5, Mines possessed a 30-meter plus lead on the field.

It appeared as though he was going to run away with the victory. But, Bandukwala would have the final say, pushed the turbo button with less than 100 to go on the homestretch, and overtook a stunned Mines for the win in 4:12.40. It would be a new state leading mark while Mines' 4:12.57 is the second best time in the state. Both runners now put themselves on the map as state title contenders if they choose to run this event later in the post-season.

1	Aden Bandukwala	11	Hinsdale (Central)	4:12.40	1
2	Marcellus Mines	11	Joliet (West)	4:12.57	1
3	Ryan Eddington	11	Downers Grove (North)	4:13.70	1
4	Caden Weber	11	Downers Grove (North)	4:14.95	1
5	Trent Anderson	12	Orland Park (Sandburg)	4:15.86	1
6	Zachary Balzer	12	Minooka	4:16.18	1
7	Owen Forberg	12	Oak Lawn (Richards)	4:16.26	1
8	Asa Gaspar	12	Downers Grove (North)	4:18.89	1
9	Michael Skora	12	Hinsdale (Central)	4:19.22	1
10	Grant Schroder	10	Downers Grove (North)	4:19.27	1
11	Ben Crane	10	Winnetka (New Trier)	4:19.42	1
12	Topher Ferris	12	Downers Grove (North)	4:19.53	1