This is supposed to be a projection on the indoor season, but we needed to put a face on what transpired at the end of 2024

FULL RETURN LIST
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We could be looking at one of the deepest returning indoor fields in quite a while. At one time, a ton of acrimony leveled at the event because many high jumpers were committed to playing basketball year-round. A group of top runners agreed to give up hoops or split time. For track and field, getting the athletes out is half the battle.
There are over 50 returners who have cleared 6'0", which is the natural measuring stick between respect and mediocrity. We take a look at some of the key returners below:
Kewon Marshall (Sr., West Aurora): We all should have known as soon as he was announced as the 3A state champion with a leap of 6'8.25," it was a product from West Aurora. Marshall competed in just three indoor meets last year due to a long basketball season. That appears to be the case again, but he will have a target on his back when he returns.
Voldy Makabu (Sr., Champaign Centennial): The 2023 outdoor state champion who, like most great leapers, plays basketball at a high level. For Makabu, track and field is going to be his future. He signed with Illinois State. When he returns to the jumping pad, he may be seeing red if not fully locked into the sport.
Devyon Hill-Lomax (Jr., Edwardsville): He did not factor into the Tiger's state title points last year. The result was still a state title but a tie with Oak Park-River Forest. Edwardsville will be just as potent, so don't expect Hill-Lomax to fall short again.
Drew Rogers (Sr., Paris): Not the former distance runner but the jumper who is also a state champion. Rogers had everyone fooled until he won the Top Times title last year. Let's see if he can return to the track this winter. Maybe not, because he is a pretty good basketball player.
Logic West (Sr., Chicago Kenwood): Forget the long jump for a moment; this kid is a talented overall athlete. He can also run on high-level relays and short sprints and has clocked a robust 49.23 in the 400m. Back in the HJ, this may be his best aptitude to be successful at the highest level. It may come down to prioritizing things.
Griffin Schlenbecker (Jr., Wheaton Academy): Gained most of his status through TNT Track Club in the summer. He is a 6'8" performer who is still listed in the high school program. Hopefully, we will get a glimpse of the talent that Schlenbecker possesses.
Matt Pluff (Sr., Freeburg): Older brother Zach Pluff is still the school record at 6'9.25." Matt has a personal best of 6'7.5" from last year's ITT. He has an overall PB of 6'9.5" and took third in the New Balance outdoor championship. So, the experience of competing in one of the biggest track and field meets is on his resume.

Voldy Makabu put on a show in several big time meets last year (Laura Duffy photo)
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Top returners in each classification--
3A-
Rank | Mark | Athlete/Team | Grade | Meet DatePlace |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 6-10.75 (2.1m) | 2025 | ||
2 | 6-8.75 (2.05m) | 2025 | ||
3 | 6-8 (2.03m) | 2026 | ||
4 | 6-7.5 (2.02m) | 2025 | ||
5 | 6-6.75 (2m) | 2025 |
2A-
Rank | Mark | Athlete/Team | Grade | Meet DatePlace |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 6-7.5 (2.02m) | 2025 | Illinois Top Times1st F | |
1 | 6-7.5 (2.02m) | 2025 | Illinois Top Times2nd F | |
3 | 6-7.25 (2.01m) | 2025 | ||
4 | 6-4.75 (1.95m) | 2025 | Warrior Invite1st F | |
5 | 6-4.5 (1.94m) | 2025 |
1A-
Rank | Mark | Athlete/Team | Grade | Meet DatePlace |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 6-4.5 (1.94m) | 2025 | ||
1 | 6-4.5 (1.94m) | 2025 | ||
3 | 6-2 (1.88m) | 2027 | ||
4 | 6-0 (1.83m) | 2025 | ||
4 | 6-0 (1.83m) | 2026 | Titan Indoor1st F | |
4 | 6-0 (1.83m) | 2025 | Newman Invitational1st F | |
4 | 6-0 (1.83m) | 2026 | ||
4 | 6-0 (1.83m) | 2025 | ||
4 | 6-0 (1.83m) | 2027 | Rantoul Invite7th F |