Expect to see darting, exciting, and engaging action at the 2025 CYUP Misfits Invitational presented by HOKA (Jorge Espinosa photo)
----------------------------------
As many elder statesmen have said, 'Please don't wait until it's gone to appreciate something great.' In this case, the 2025 version of the CYUP Misfits Invite is that invitational that you DO NOT WANT to miss!
In its fifth year, the Misfits is unique because the premise of the meet's events takes you back to the original essence. Centerpiece races like the 300m, 600m, 1000m, and the MILE stand out from the rest. Keep in mind there are
Boys-
HOKA Mile: This race is the centerpiece of the meet, sponsored by the namesake. This is a national elite field featuring some of the top milers over the past several years. TJ Hansen (Sr., Freeland, MI), Keegan Smith (Sr., Knoxville Catholic, TN), and Tony Anania (Sr., Norwalk, IA). The trio has clocked 4:06 or better and will aim for that mark at the very least. In addition, the field is expected to top out at 4:14 on the caboose.
Smith could double back in the "duece," but the favorite may be a fresh junior, Jaden Merrick of Cedar Falls, Iowa. He has told many in the know that he expects to run under 8:50.
The middle distance is no slouch. Spencer Alf of McFarland, Wisconsin, has run 4:14 and 1:52. He will be featured in the 1000m. The 600m has a pair of 1:51 performers. The opportunity to go under 1:20 will be ripe. Owen Horeni (Jr., Yorkville, IL) and Mason Schmitz (So., Hamilton Southeastern, IN). Schmitz could set the sophomore national record.
The sprints are good too-
The IL 2A 100m state champion Harley Rizzs (Sr., Burbank St. Laurence, IL) is entered into the 60m field and will surely put pressure on a strong cast of foes. He has run 6.93 with a nearly unblemished record. One is fellow instate stalwart Daniel Robinson (Jr., Naperville Neuqua Valley), who has run 6.98. More importantly, Robinson is healthy and hungry.
Rondre Austion of the Detroit Motor City Track Club will look to take down the 300m record. The junior from Oak Park HS has run 47.xx in the 400. Parrish Hartley (Sr., Chicago Kenwood) is a 100/200 standout but is ready to tackle the challenge.
The long jump field will anchor the field events-
This will undoubtedly be the deepest LJ field in meet history. Hartley will return to his sweet spot, where he has been one of the elite jumpers in the state. Hartley won the state title as a sophomore and is routinely over the 23-foot mark. There are several other competitors in the high 22-foot watermark.
Senior Will Viken of Rolling Meadows comes from a pole vault family in which a trio of his brothers have all been outstanding. He will attempt to clear 16 feet for the first time.
Senior Andrew Cartier of De Pere, Wisconsin, has nearly cleared 49 feet in the triple jump. That will be a goal on the fast surface at Gately.
Girls-
Distance running will show its head above the fray-
Pick your poison: The HOKA Mile or the two-mile...
The mile will be the first of the two, and it is loaded! There are 14 girls under 5:00, including five under the 4:50 mark. Elin Latta of Colorado will lead the charge; she ran a disgusting 4:45.13 (1600m) as an eighth grader. Elyse Wilmes (Sr., Father Tolton Catholic, MO), Annika Swan (Jr., Chicago St. Ignatius), Jessie Jazwinski (Sr., Shelby, MI), and Kayleigh Norris (Sr., Harrisonville, MO) are sub 4:50 performers.
Watch these two field events-