Charleston-
Sycamore is numero uno, but the team battle is going to be closer than you think-
Sycamore is a strong team. No, a very strong team that has been atop the Power Rankings all season long. It starts in the field with thrower William Rosenow (So.), who leads the class in the discus throw (173'1.25") and sits third in the shot put (56'2"). Then, of course, the face of the program is senior standout Aidan Wyzard in the long jump. He has soared over 23 feet on numerous occasions, producing a personal best 24'2.25." Wyzard is a threat in the 100 (10.66), 200 (21.59), and 4x100. Dylan Hodges (Sr) is a major force in the 400. If all things are equal, the Spartans are projected to score 74 points.
Even if Sycamore realizes its full potential, it will not be enough to keep a legacy program, Cahokia, off its heels. The Comanches have won eight titles in the last 25 years, but the last one was in 2016; the nine-year drought is the longest in their dynasty era. If they are to end it, the Comanches are going to have to spray the board with big points in the relays (4x1, 4x2, 4x4), individual efforts from Victreze Thomas (Jr) in the triple jump, Jaylen Pennington (Sr) and Corrion Raiford (Jr) will post up in the 400, and Akeelan Dowell (Sr) will guard the 100 and 200.
Defending champion E. St. Louis Sr has been relatively quiet this season with the loss of significant firepower to graduation. However, the Flyers are still a dangerous team with their sprint relays and Darius Ivy (Sr.) in the 400 and 800. Shamond McClain (Sr) is the class leader in the triple jump. If nothing else, this team is capable of earning another team trophy.
Let's talk some distance running-
Chicago Payton will headline the 4x800, in which they are two-time defending champions and class record holders. The Grizzlies ran an incredible IL#1 7:44.62 on the scene. They are the best team here and have shown to be mean guests on any track they step foot on. The four-headed monster of Preston Ellis (Sr), Tra'monti Williams (Jr), Declan Slavin (Jr), and Vaughn Collier (Sr) will also branch off into individual events: 1600 and 800.
"Goob" Gabriel Mclain (Sr., Benton) vs. Simon Lane (Sr., Chicago University) may be the story of the meet as the titans are slated to duel in two events. They have not competed against one another in the 3200 this season. Ironically, they were both in the Arcadia Invitational, but in different sections. At the Distance Night In Palatine, Lane won the overall mile title (IL#1 4:12.27) and bested McLain. It will be difficult to solve Lane, who can operate on a fast or snail pace (like he did at his sectional championship). Watch out for the Greer twins, Raphael Greer and Gabriel Greer; they are underrated long-distance runners.
Back to the field events-
How can you sky past 17 feet in the pole vault and be vastly underrated like Andrew Nuyen (Jr., Rochelle)? It seems like he's gone from zero to 17'1" overnight. But what is remarkable is that he improved six feet from 2023 to 2024 and then another two feet, and good change this season. After taking third in the state last year, Nuyen is the favorite to win it this weekend and finally get the recognition that he deserves.
Defending shot put champion Andrew Kinsman (Sr., Benton) joined the 60-foot club at sectionals with a toss of 60'9" and appears ready to add on to it.
The high jump field is littered with a ton of 6'6" performers on the season. Jack Tilton (Sr., Rochelle) and Matt Pluff (Sr., Freeburg) are tied at 6'8. This year's experience will be unique for both performers. Tilton is entering his first state meet, and Pluff is eager to remove a rough experience in which he did not make the finals.