4x800 relay-
For the first time in three years, a team not called Hinsdale Central is not the favorite. The Red Devils enjoyed a tremendous run, including the meet record (7:45.38) and another mark in the top five. They will be in section two of three and could win that one on the strength of senior star Aden Bandukwala (Sr.).
The main section three will be like the Wild Wild West, with cowboys and their horses looking to stir up major trouble. The state best of 8:12.09 by New Trier could be taken down before we arrive. If not, be on the lookout for these fine groups of quartets: Downers Grove North, Plainfield South, Lane Tech, and Naperville Central.
Let's start with DGN. The Trojans have ace Ryan Eddington (Sr.) back and he could anchor things. They ran 8:00.97 to take fourth a year ago. Expect them to be much better.
Plainfield South is always dangerous, with top man Camyn Viger (Sr.) ready to pounce on an opportunity to win it for his team. The Cougars ran 8:00.77 and was third last year.
Perhaps the "X" factor team is Lane Tech. The Champions have won this race several times, including a 2014 meet record of 7:54.21. After not running well in the meet they love, they have all four legs back and seething red. Their leading man Will Kozlowski (Sr.) will be have them ready.
Naperville Central was the runner up last year in 7:58.89 is again strong with Foster Shelbert (Sr.) on anchor duties.
If this is going to be one of the best and deepest fields in years, let's include Whitney Young who have seniors Kendall Easterly and Dalton Lowery as part of the crew. Plainfield North and Sandburg make up the field of a dozen.
4x200-
Wide turns and a short straightaway has always made this "NASCAR" race a dangerous one to spectate let alone compete in. All five sections are subject to dropped batons, crashes, and lane violations.
Section four is where things get serious with Downers Grove North, Yorkville, and Lane fight to stay upright and get through the finish line in one piece..
It could be the battle of Plainfield here as South vs North takes center stage. The Cougars ran 1:31.75 last weekend, one of the fastest times in the state. The Tigers clocked 1:31.97. It should be fun to watch if you are up in the rafters.
4x400-
There are five sections of the #showstopper. That means sections four and five is must watch action!
The fourth one will feature Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Plainfield South, Glenbard West, and Burlington Central. Their seed times could get marks down to 3:32 or better.
The final section will fill all six lanes, leading the charge is Naperville Central, who will be going for the state lead. Bode Smith and Foster Shelbert will head up their team.
Also in the mix are Yorkville, Plainfield North, Whitney Young, Lane, and Bolingbrook. Let's end this great evening with a clean and fast race!