The long jump will be an interesting and exciting event for the fans this indoor season (Mike Baxter photo)
If we are to project the 2025 season for the long jump, it appears on paper that it will be great. In most people's minds, that is in May or June. We are going to keep this edition indoors. Five top 10 performers are back and ready to improve and surpass last year's solid group. There could be 30 performers over 22 feet, four more than last year.
Below is a snapshot of some of the top returning performers:
Kwabena Osei-Yeboah (Sr., Oak Park- River Forest)- Put many hours in the pit to ultimately reach the top of the food chain. The defending 3A state champion has already started the year off in good space as the state leader (22'9.50"). According to his coaches, there are some big goals. Osei-Yeboah is ready to soar in the 24-foot range before the end of March.
Daniel Robinson (Jr., Naperville Neuqua Valley)- Off to a hot start in the 60m, Robinson is also an accomplished jumper. Last indoor season, he connected on a 22'7.75" PB at his conference championship. Marred by a leg injury, Robinson could not fully reach his outdoor goals. This undercover season will be different if he can stay healthy. Hopefully, there will be some marque' matchups with Robinson and some of his peers.
Parrish Hartley (Sr., Chicago Kenwood)- The state champion from two seasons prior has the third-best returning mark of 23'1.50." Hartley enjoyed some remarkable performances, notching consistent 22-foot efforts at various meets. Hartley is also a legitimate speedster, running 7.03 (60m) and 10.67 (100m). Improved technique, consistency, and speed could vault this young man to another level.
Arman Lepuzanovic (Jr., Rolling Meadows)- The top underclassman in the state a year ago and was fourth at Top Times. He has a PB of 22'10" indoors and would like to match his outdoor best of 23'2.25."
Aidan Wyzard (Sr., Sycamore)- The future Northern Illinois U football player is ready for his final round of track and field (NIU does not offer T&F for men). Wyzard picked the final meet of 2024 to perform his best. He won the 2A Illinois Top Times with a 23'2.25."
MyNes Murray (Sr., Rockford Auburn)- Took third at the 3A Top Times last year and ninth in the state championship. He has a 23'0" PB and will be itching for more stardom.
Top five returners by class at a glance:
3A-
| Rank | Mark | Athlete/Team | Grade | Meet DatePlace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23-6.75 (7.18m) | 2025 | Illinois Top Times2nd F | |
| 2 | 23-1.5 (7.05m) | 2025 | ||
| 3 | 23-0 (7.01m) | 2025 | ||
| 4 | 22-10 (6.96m) | 2026 | ||
| 5 | 22-7.75 (6.9m) | 2026 |
2A-
| Rank | Mark | Athlete/Team | Grade | Meet DatePlace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23-2.25 (7.07m) | 2025 | Illinois Top Times1st F | |
| 2 | 22-2.25 (6.76m) | 2026 | Illinois Top Times2nd F | |
| 3 | 21-5.5 (6.54m) | 2025 | ||
| 4 | 21-3 (6.48m) | 2025 | ||
| 5 | 21-2 (6.45m) | 2028 |
1A-
| Rank | Mark | Athlete/Team | Grade | Meet DatePlace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21-9.5 (6.63m) | 2025 | ||
| 2 | 21-2.25 (6.46m) | 2025 | ||
| 3 | 21-1 (6.43m) | 2026 | ||
| 4 | 20-8.75 (6.32m) | 2025 | Pontiac Boys Invite3rd F | |
| 5 | 20-6.75 (6.27m) | 2027 |