IHSA Adjusts to Field Size Time, in the Athletes' Favor
The IHSA is compensating for a field size issue that plagued the Girls' 3A meet last week. Despite over 30 entrants in both the girls' 4x800 and 800, the IHSA opted for only two preliminary heats in each event. This proved especially costly in the first heat of the girls' 800, when Benet Academy standout junior Keira Jenke made a move out of a crowded pack with 200 to go, but was tripped from behind and hit the track along with Lincoln-Way Central sophomore Mia Forystek. Forystek recovered and still qualified, but Jenke required medical attention and was seen the next day in a sling with a sprained AC joint and a mild knee sprain.
For the boys' 3A meet, the IHSA has swung in the other direction, dividing all distance fields into three parts, including the 3200. In fact, all three classifications will now feature three sections of the 3200, which means six 3200s will be run back-to-back on Saturday morning. The expanded format will be a major benefit for runners in 3A, where state races tend to be closely contested and fast-paced.
OPRF Leads a Crowded Team Title Race-
Oak Park-River Forest was left off some power rankings entirely during the season, but they enter Charleston ranked No. 1 in the final MileSplit Power Rankings. This is thanks largely to the title potential of sprinter senior Caleb Schulz and senior jumper "Gee Gee" Kwabena Osei-Yeboah. But they are far from a lock.
Challengers include New Trier, Homewood-Flossmoor, Belleville West, Edwardsville, Belleville East, and East Moline United Township- all teams with scoring depth across multiple disciplines. Sectionals were grueling, particularly for southern teams like Belleville West and Edwardsville, who may need to shift their title-chasing strategies slightly from what they initially envisioned.
Ben Crane Chases the Distance Triple Crown-
New Trier's super senior Ben Crane, the 3A cross-country champion and a BYU commit, is the clear favorite in the 3200. He'll be joined in a fast section of just 15 runners by defending champion senior Joe Bregenzer from Barrington. Like last year, a sub-9:00 time may be necessary to win.
If Crane claims the 3200, he'll have a shot at the elusive "Distance Triple Crown" with the 1600 later in the day, but will have a more formidable challenge to take away that win. Junior Philip Cupial of Downers Grove North, last year's surprise 1600 champion, returns alongside seniors Tommy Nitz from Huntley, Max Sudrzynski from Jacobs, and junior Jameson Tenopir from Cary-Grove. Cupial has endured an up-and-down outdoor season, but still has the closing speed and savvy to win a kicker's race.
Depth in the Sprints Makes for Compelling Races all Around-
The breakout sprint star of the season is senior star William Landwer of New Trier, the Illinois indoor 60-meter champion and 100-meter sectional leader with a 10.54 from the Deerfield Sectional. He'll face off with Caleb Schulz in what could be a pivotal team-title clash.
The Century is loaded with contenders like senior Clayton Lakatos from Edwardsville, "DJ" Dontrell Young from Oswego, and others capable of winning. The 200 is even deeper- over half the field has run sub-22 this season. The top seed is Chase Cutler, a Hononegah sophomore who leads the state with a 21.06. But don't count out senior Austin Rowswell from Lincoln-Way West, who will close his meet in the 200 and is also the favorite in the 400, where he is the only runner under 47 seconds this year. Cutler, Young, and defending champion senior Troy McLean of Belleville West are also serious players in the quarter.
East Moline United's Field Power Push
One of the biggest stories of the season has been the emergence of East Moline United Township in the field events. Senior Michael Kpomassy is a real title threat in both the shot put and discus, and junior teammate Francis Sessenou joins him as a double qualifier. Meanwhile, senior Icone Logo enters as the 3A classification leader in the triple jump.
If United is going to leave Charleston with a trophy, it'll be on the backs of these three delivering near-perfect performances. But don't be surprised if they're the talk of the meet by the time Friday concludes.
Belleville West and the Push for 4x400 Glory
Illinois' 4x400 meter relay has continued to strengthen each year since the pandemic, and this season might be its most competitive yet. Belleville West entered the O'Fallon Sectional as favorites but were pushed to the brink by Belleville East, Normal Community West, and a surging Springfield squad. All four teams broke 3:20, with Belleville West needing a 3:16.56, currently the top time in Illinois, to win.
While Belleville West is aiming for a team trophy, there's little doubt that they also want an unforgettable sendoff for Troy McLean, their 400m ace. Keep an eye on Kenwood, Evanston, Bolingbrook, Batavia, and Downers Grove North, who are always dangerous in the final relay.
Surprise State Leaders in the Sprint Relays Look to Validate Themselves
In the sprint relays, several surprise teams have emerged. Barrington grabbed early headlines with a sub-42 4x100, only to be surpassed by York, who ran a stunning 41.5-the fastest time in the state.
In the 4x200, Glenbrook North exploded onto the scene with a 1:26 clocking, then backed it up at sectionals, earning the top seed heading into state. But defending champions Edwardsville (4x100) and Kenwood (4x200) are lurking, both trying to repeat with big-meet experience on their side.
Springfield, Maine South, Dundee-Crown, Batavia, Belleville East, and Belleville West are all capable of winning in either event, which makes these relays as unpredictable and exciting as any on the schedule.
What Will Downers Grove North Have in Store for the Field in the 4x800?
It's easy to overlook Downers Grove North in the 4x800, given their quiet regular season, but the defending champs and two-time cross-country state champions remain the team to beat. Last year, Plainfield South and Plainfield North nearly unseated them in a thrilling race that finished just shy of Sandburg's all-time record of 7:37.36.
This year, Plainfield North again leads the challengers, with help from Naperville Central, Lincoln-Way Central, Normal Community, and a surprising Berwyn-Cicero Morton team that's been dialed in this event since indoors. For the third straight year, it may take a sub-7:40 performance to win what has always been the marquee opening event for this meet.
It's going to be a happy and jumping-for-joy time this weekend on the campus of Eastern Illinois University