Rayna Raglin and Will Nohren lead their respective events by convincing margins
Weekly Downstate Athlete Spotlight
Author: Trae Cotner
The weekly downstate athlete spotlight highlights athletes from central and southern Illinois who delivered great performances that deserve recognition.
Week at a Glance
This week's newsletter highlights performances from central Illinois and downstate athletes during the early stages of the indoor season. These performances took place during the first few weeks of the early season! Check out some of the athletes who have stood out from the downstate area so far!
Athlete Spotlights
Tip: Keep each athlete section consistent so readers can skim easily
Raphael Greer
Grade: Junior
Event: 3200m- 9:00.21
Performance Highlight: Raphael finished in 2nd place at Mizzou, running an Illinois #1 time and just edging out his brother. Raphael barely missed going sub-9:00 indoors, which signals bigger and better things ahead.
Gabriel Greer - Marion HS
Grade: JR
Event: 3200m-9:00.43
Performance Highlight: No, you are not seeing double. Gabriel Greer also clocked a 9:00 indoor time, while just being edged at the line by his twin brother. The Greer twins are looking to cement themselves as the best juniors in the state this season, regardless of class.
Colton Ladage - Chatham (Glenwood) HS
Grade: Senior
Event: 60m Dash 6.89
Performance Highlight: Ladage was at it again, lowering his school record and running an Illinois number 3 time. He took down a solid field at Triad, which included his own teammate, Cruz Evans, who burst on the scene with his own sub-7.00 effort. The Glenwood Titans were very impressive at Triad!
Will Nohren - Shelbyville HS
Grade: Senior
Event: High Jump 2.14m (7-0.25)
Performance Highlight: Nohren cleared the 7-0 barrier for the first time at the Triad invite on Friday, vaulting himself into the National Conversation. Nohren may be the best athlete south of Bloomington this season.
Braden Missey - Belleville West
Grade: Senior
Event: Long Jump 7.19m (23-6)
Performance Highlight: Missey picked up where he left off last season with a victory in Chicago. Missey is a key component in the title hopes of the Belleville West team, which is poised for an incredible season after last year's 3rd-place finish. Missy had two jumps over 23 feet on Saturday and won the competition by almost two feet!
Max Weber - Bethalto (Civic Memorial)
Grade: Senior
Event: 3200m 9:08.80, 1600m 4:23.12
Performance Highlight: The 2A XC champion was a double winner at the Triad invite in the 3200 and 1600, running very solid times for the early season. The 9:08 solo effort showed there is a lot more in the tank for Mr. Weber as the season progresses.
Glenn Collins - Bethalto (Civic Memorial)
Grade: Junior
Event: 800m 1:58.67
Performance Highlight: The Junior from Bethalto had a great race at the Triad Indoor, taking down a strong field in the 800.
Morquez Bulliner - Belleville West
Grade: Junior
Event: 60m Dash- 6.85, 200m Dash- 21.56
Performance Highlight: The Morquez Bulliner era is upon us in Southern Illinois. The Junior has stepped into the sprint spotlight for Belleville West and is on a mission to carry his team to a state title outdoors. Along with Missey, and Jaylyn Cole, the crew from Belleville West will be putting up big numbers all season. The relays for this team are also dynamite.
https://il.milesplit.com/videos/791358/belleville-west-takes-the-crown
Victreze Thomas - Cahokia HS
Grade: Senior
Event: Triple Jump 14.17m (46-5.75)
Performance Highlight: Victreze Thomas took home the victory in Chicago and led a Cahokia team that is absolutely loaded. Thomas came home with a big-time PR and showed he is the man to beat in the 2A triple jump.
https://il.milesplit.com/videos/791384/victreze-thomas-wins-the-triple-jump
Rayna Raglin - Alton HS
Grade: Senior
Event: 60m 7.53, 200m 24.27
Performance Highlight: Rayna Raglin from Alton HS made the trip up north to Chicago and came home with two victories and two state-leading marks. She took down a very strong field easily in the 60m Dash and came back to dominate the 200. Raglin is the current sprint queen downstate.
https://il.milesplit.com/videos/791383/rayna-raglin-steals-the-show
Hannah Safranek - Normal University HS
Grade: Junior
Event: 60m Hurdles- 8.97
Performance Highlight: Hannah Safranek took the trip up north as well and came home with an impressive 60m Hurdle time, finishing 2nd overall. As the University HS athletes transition to the 3A scene, look for Safranek to play a big role in this former 2A powerhouse's fortunes.
Joi Story- Edwardsville
Grade: Senior
Event: Shot Put 13.10m (42-11.75)
Performance Highlight: Joi Story and her Edwardsville teammates also made the trip up north this past weekend, and Story had a breakout performance, winning the shot put. The Edwardsville team is loaded, and Story will have a say in the 3A Shot Put state title.
https://il.milesplit.com/videos/791359/edwardsville-girls-shows-up-and-show-out
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Submit stats, results, or highlights to: tcotner@sps186.org