Prospect and Downers Grove North have been the darlings of the Mustang Relays 4x800 (Laura Duffy photo)
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Outlook: Some think the Prospect girls may break their meet record (9:04.68) and go under 9:00 for the first time indoors. That will be a stretch for the Knights, who graduated some great talent over the years and will replace the fleet with new faces. What is realistic is that they are among the favorites, if not the favorite, to win a fourth straight crown. Individually, Chicago St. Ignatius has been performing well this season on the strength of junior Annika Swan and the immediate emergence of freshman Allison Shutler. Last year's runner-up, Downers Grove North, will tangle again, as will York.
Regardless of the graduation factor, the boys will be boys. That means the race will be as hot as ever, especially with a potent Downers Grove North team that is deep with talent. The Mustangs have top dogs, Grant Schroder and junior Philip Cupial, as the ultimate beginners and finishers if they desire. Orland Park Sandburg, Plainfield North, and Plainfield South have been among the best team quartets of this event in the state for several years. That will continue, but keep your eyes on Downers Grove South, Morton, Yorkville, Chicago Lane, and Chicago Whitney Young.
The 4x200s will be fast and furious on both sides of the aisle. The key will be keeping the stick on the track and avoiding catastrophic incidents.
The Showstopper will put a cap on the evening. Can the boys recapture the state best or can the girls get under 4:00 for the first time this season?