On the cusp of the biggest weekend of IL indoor track and field, we take a look back at the 51st Annual Proviso West Boys Invitational. Check out a few meet highlights that featured interviews with coaches and athletes. In addition, a few race and performance clips are mixed in.
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The stakes will be extremely high for a number of teams on what is now termed "Power Weekend" in the state of Illinois. The 60th Annual Invitational is arguably the longest running invite in the state. Just like the 50th, this one is expected to dazzle and thrill everyone in attendance.
Key event overview-
The shot put is expected to be the kingpin field event and it will get busy right away as two of the state's top throwes in Joey Bockwell (Jr., Lyons Twp) and Dakota Edwards (Sr., Proviso West) look to eclipse the 60 foot barrier. Bockwell touched a 59'2" in a recent home meet. It was a huge improvement from the 50'4.25" from last year's state championship. Edwards has been tearing up the early portion of the indoor season, he recently took 5th at the Grayslake Central Throwcase V. His personal best is 58'0.25".
Addis Wilson (Jr., Oak Park-River Forest) is quietly emerging into one of the state's best high jumpers, clearing 6'8" as a PB. He has competed in the PW fieldhouse twice this season and is undefeated.
Victreze Thomas (Sr., Cahokia) ranks second in the state shot put annals at 46'6" and he feels he is ready to top the 47 foot barrier. If so, he would take over the state lead.
All-stater Daylin Donaldson (Jr., Belleville East) is the class of the 60HH field at 8.18. With the right start and push, he could threaten the meet record of 7.89+. He will return later in the 400m as one of the favorites who could dip under 50.00.
The Mile will be the featured distance on the track with three of the top seeds being all-state cross country runners. Amilo Rajandram (Jr., Chicago Whitney Young), Conrad Saner (Jr., Downers Grove South), and Samuel Assefa (Jr., Chicago Lane Tech) holding those distint honors. Patrick Hill (So., Elmhurst York) is a talented youngster who could steal the headlines. Look for the winner to challenge for the 4:10 barrier.
Keep your eyes wide open for the 200m. The championship section is expected to light the track ablaze as several outstanding performers take the stage. Justin Johnson (Jr., Evanston) earned all state honors last spring, has a PB of 21.47.
Finally, the showstopper will close out another meet edition, three to four teams could crack the 3:30 mark if they execute clean transitions. Evanston and Cahokia are the favorites.