6:15 MileSplit 4x800m Relay
The main storyline now and forever is the "Milesplit IL" 4x800 relay. The meet record is 7:34.1 was the national record set in 2000 by York. That gold standard signals that the state meet is approximately one month away and that it's time to get serious if you want to be considered in the IHSA championship chatter. Last year's winner Chicago Lane Tech took fourth in the 3A state final. The newly named 'Champions' have a completely new and rebuilt quartet but unproven and will have their hands full with the likes of Naperville Central, Mt. Prospect, Palatine, and Downers Grove South. However, there are teams on the edge ready to shine and run big season bests.
Zac Close and the 3200m- The junior from Neuqua Valley is the favorite and could take huge steps toward being a state favorite next month. Close ran an indoor best 9:14.60 during the indoor season and this will be his outdoor debut. At least for a great portion of the race or more, he will have some company in Nicholas Strayer (Jr., Lyons Twp). We could see a time in the 9:10-9:15 range.
Tyler Michelini- One of the best shot putters in the state and an honorable mention nationally. The Lake Park senior has thrown over 60 feet numerous times but he does not have a gold medal from the Wanner Invite. There have been many great throwers come through the rings here. Let's see if the Lancer standout can etch his name in the winning category. Michelini will have his hands ready in the discus throw against Maverick Ohle (Jr., Naperville Central). Ohle has thrown the plate 175-3.25 and that ranks third in the state.
Prospect sprints- Last year we were surprised and in awe of the Knights ability to scoot around the track. They are good once again and will not sneak up on anyone. The 4x100 and 4x200 will be strong. Book it. Dominik Balenda (Sr) is back and ready to burn up the track. He will have a strong teammate in Jack Berman (Sr).
The 1600- This event may be overshadowed by the 4x800 and what happened in other distance oriented meets in recent weeks. But the Wanner Invite always seems to bring out the best in the field. The meet record is 4:09.62 by Chicago St. Ignatius' Jack Keelan. So in order words, there have been fast times and state champions compete in this meet. A pair of juniors, Foster Shelbert of Naperville Central and Will Kozlowski of Chicago Lane will battle it out. They met at the Batavia Distance Madness in February and Shelbert edged Koz in the top five sweepstakes. Add in Luke Noren (Sr., Naperville Central) as another sub 4:20 performer a year ago and we could see something special.