Phil Cupial leads a strong cast in the final indoor track and field 'Performer of the week' poll (Jorge Espinosa photo)
VOTE: The poll closes Thursday at 2 p.m. CT.
Check out this week's nominees and cast your vote below.
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This week's nominees:
Isaiah Whitaker (Sr., Bloomington Central Catholic)- Despite a limited schedule, Whitaker took back his indoor supremacy in the pole vault, winning the Illinois Top Times title in all-time meet record fashion, clearing 18'0.50" for US#1.
Philip Cupial (Sr., Downers Grove North)- Had never run on a banked track before, the highly anticipated debut in the Illinois Indoor Championships was a successful one. Cupial led five runners under 4:11, with his jaw-dropping 4:08.04, which is IL#1/US#4 and a facility record.
Chase Cutler (Jr., Rockton Hononegah)- Put all of his eggs in one basket, the 400m. When he opened the circuit in 22.44, the sell-out crowd was on its collective feet. Cutler maintained his edge through the finish line, clocking an eye-popping 47.29. The time would be an all-time best. He pushed friendly foe, Henry Faber (Sr., Aurora Metea Valley), to new heights, second in 47.89.
Braylen Anderson (Sr., DeKalb)- Only had one goal, running fast in the 200m and taking down the legendary Plainfield North Marcellus Moore's all-time record of 21.09. Coming off of his New Balance Indoor National's high a few weeks ago, Anderson left a strong field standing still from the moment he left the starting blocks. The final verdict was a sensational 21.17, good for IL#2 all-time.
Mynard Blake (Jr., Evanston)- In a weekend filled with fast 60m marks, Blake stood tall above them all, rocking the ITT and the Illinois scene, matching a state-leading mark in 6.75. He wasn't done. He led off the 4x200 relay with a lightning-fast split; the Wildkits were victorious in 1:30.45.
Aidan Connors (Sr., Plainfield North)- In a weekend filled with sizzling 3200s from both indoor championships meets, Connors was able to earn the king of the mountain at IIC. Burning all of his octane on the final circuit (28.83), captured the win in 9:01.61 (IL#3).
Ben Schoettle (Jr., Glen Ellyn Glenbard West)- No longer an underdog, shocked the 60HH world, upsetting the previous state record holder with a new record in 7.73.
Janardie Turner (Jr., Rockford Jefferson)- A great weekend when you add up the accomplishments. He won the long jump in 24'0.25." Turner returned later in his favorite event, the 60HH. Though he finished second, he ran the second-fastest time ever in state history- 7.74.
Phil Cupial leads a strong cast in the final indoor track and field 'Performer of the week' poll (Jorge Espinosa photo)