Top flight tracksters will be off and running at the Morolake Akinosun Elite Invitational on January 11
The 6th Annual Morolake Akinosun Elite Invitational is expected to offer a diverse slate of events on January 11, pleasing a wide range of palates. Check out the latest watch list:
Key boys entries:
Jay Tally (Sr., Homestead, WI)- The Badger state big class 800m champ, clocked 1:51.21, is entered and ready to show off his early-season fitness.
Mikel Smoot (Sr., Merriville, IN)- State championship finalist who ran a lifetime best of 48.86.
Daniel Robinson (Sr., Naperville Neuqua Valley)- A double threat in the 60m and long jump, leaping past 22 feet is something that Robinson is keen. He is also in the 6.90s on the straightaway dash. Watch him closely!
Standout distance runner Bryce Counihan (Sr., Lincoln-Way Central, IL) is entered in the 1600m with a solid mark of 4:19.55.
Benjamin Dean (Jr., Eastbrook Academy, WI)- A 200m specialist who was an emerging force last year, clocking 21.58. Before Dean goes on to bigger and better things, look for him to tear things up at the Akinosun Invite. Dean ran a lifetime best of 21.58 last season.
Antonio Jackson (Sr., Sun Prairie West/Milwaukee Speed Academy)- On his way to having an outstanding senior campaign after busting for 21.87 and 10.88 over the summer...
Gabriel Olson (Sr., Oak Park, WI)- One of the top all-around speedsters in his state, circulating the track in 47.88 and 21.60. Olson can also drop down to the short stuff, he is entered in 60m. His 10.52-century PB will hold up against tough competition.
AJ Ince (Sr., Normal Community)- The younger brother of the legendary Ali Ince has come into his own over the past year. AJ was part of a stout 4x800 and proved himself individually in the 4x8 and 1600-meter runs.
Key girls entries:
Keira Jenke (Sr., Lisle Benet Academy; IL) enjoyed a bounce-back cross country season, which saw her earn the last all-state medal in Class 3A. Jenke will be competing in her signature event, the 800 meters, in which she clocked a personal best of 2:14.32. She may add the 1600 meters to her plate later in the competition.
Kyenret Rinkam (Jr., Brookfield Central) will continue to get reps in the short sprints arena. She has one of the best track resumes in the Midwest, including several state championships and AAU All-American honors. Rinkam will be of interest to fans, as she took second in the Akinosun 60m and third in the 200m. Her PBs are 23.49 and 7.46!
Izzy DeCabooter (So., Verona Area, WI)- Enjoyed an excellent freshman campaign a year ago, earning all-state honors in cross country and clocking 4:59.25 for the 1600m during the track season.
Ali Londrigan (Jr., Chatham-Glenwood, IL)- After performing well on one of the state's top cross country programs, Londrigan will be out to improve on her impressive time in the mile (4:54.49).
The 800m appears to be the strongest event on the current docket. Jenke, Francesca Mora (So., Chicago Latin), and Emma Larson (Sr., Verona Area, WI) are all 2:15 performers.