Cahokia triple jump ace Victreze Thomas has been happily hogging the downstate spotlight of late
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Weekly Downstate Athlete Spotlight
Author: Trae Cotner
The weekly downstate athlete spotlight highlights athletes each week from the central Illinois and southern Illinois area that had great performances that deserve recognition.
Week at a Glance
This week's newsletter is dominated by boys performances as most of the large invites downstate were boys meets. The girls' meets really get rolling this upcoming week in downstate IL. The girls will dominate the scene next weekend after some big meets.
Athlete Spotlights
Tip: Keep each athlete section consistent so readers can skim easily
Gabriel Greer - Marion HS
Grade: Junior
Event: 1600m Run- 4:21.48
Performance Highlight: Gabriel Greer continued his fine start to the indoor season, winning at his home meet at Marion in the 1600 in an Illinois #6 time. Greer and his brother have Marion on the cusp of a top five finish outdoors.
Colin Thomas - Edwardsville HS
Grade: Senior
Event: 3200m Run- 9:21.97
Performance Highlight: Colin Thomas had a great run in the 3200m against the Chicago area distance studs at the Lakes At The Coliseum Invite and came home in a very solid 9:21.97. Thomas could be a surprise point scorer at state in May for an Edwardsville squad that looks to rely heavily on its field-event exploits this season.
Gavin Stukenburg- Edwardsville HS
Grade: Senior
Event: Shot Put 18.38m (60-3.5)
Performance Highlight: Gavin Stukenberg was throwing bombs at Lakes on Saturday and vaulted himself into hallowed territory for the Edwardsville Tigers, surpassing the indoor school record in the process. Any time you can etch your name atop a record board that includes both of the Epenesa brothers, things are going well. Stukenberg is a key component of another strong Edwardsville team capable of scoring big points in May.
Colton Maltby - Rochester HS
Grade: Junior
Event: Shot Put 17.98m (58-10.75)
Performance Highlight: Colton Maltby launched an absolute bomb at Williamsville on Saturday, shattering the Rochester shot put record in the process. The Rockets from Rochester have 3 throwers over 50 feet this indoor season, and Coach McGhghy's throws squad is one of the deepest in class 2A.
McKenzie Doe III - Chatham (Glenwood) HS
Grade: Junior
Event: High Jump 2.03m (6-8)
Performance Highlight: Last year's state runner-up in the high jump won at Lakes over the weekend, continuing his great start this indoor season. The Titans from Glenwood have cemented themselves as a top team in Class 3A, and their jumps squad is lights out, going 1-2 in the high jump with Doe and teammate Larry Wills.
Robert Williams - Mascoutah
Grade: Senior
Event: Pole Vault 4.62m (15-2)
Performance Highlight: Robert Williams opened his indoor campaign at Marion, shattering the Mascoutah school record in the pole vault in the process and taking the victory. Williams is a strong candidate to score big points for Mascoutah in multiple events, but the pole vault, where he was an all-stater last season, seems to be his best shot at an individual state title.
Victreze Thomas - Cahokia
Grade: Senior
Event: Triple Jump 14.52m (47-7.75)
Performance Highlight: If there was any question who the top triple jumper in the state is, Victreze Thomas put that to rest over the weekend at Proviso West, popping a scintillating 14.52m effort to etch his name back on top of the indoor leader board. Cahokia is shooting for a state title outdoors, and Mr. Thomas is leading the way.
Jamia Esther - Danville HS
Grade: Sophomore
Event: 60m Dash- 7.51, 200m Dash- 24.82
Performance Highlight: Jamia Esther was a double winner in both of the sprints at ONU over the weekend. She leads a strong Danville team that also dominated in the 4x200m relay. Esther is an early candidate to turn some heads come outdoor season, with the top two short sprinters coming from the downstate area, with Esther and Rayna Raglin (Alton).
Alannah Lowery - Springfield (Southeast) HS
Grade: Senior
Event: Triple Jump 11.17m(36-7.75)
Performance Highlight: Alannah Lowery and the Lady Spartans from Southeast traveled north to Rockford, and Lowery came home with a victory and a new personal best in the triple jump. Lowery was a consistent jumper last year and looks to make her move to another level this season for a school rich in history in the horizontal jumps.
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Submit stats, results, or highlights to: tcotner@sps186.org