By Michael Newman

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Lincoln-Way East and Downers Grove South faced off at last week’s Lockport Sectional with East coming away with the team title. The two teams will face off again this weekend for the state championship as Lincoln-Way East goes after their fourth straight 3A team championship. Prospect and New Trier are among the teams that will have a say in the outcome.

The main storyline in this meet could be who will complete the triple win. Shaliyah Dixon-Tucker (Downers Grove South HS) will attempt to win the 100 Hurdles, 100 Meter Dash, and 200 Meter Dash. Morgan Harris (Oswego East HS) will also attempt to repeat what Brittny Ellis did last year in winning the 100, 200, and 400 Meter Dashes. LaJarvia Brown (Alton HS) could capture wins in the Long Jump, Triple Jump, 100 Hurdles, and 300 Hurdles.

The must see field event will be the Triple Jump. Three of the top 20 nationally ranked athletes in the event will go after the state title. Jaimie Robinson (Homewood-Flossmoor HS) won in 2A last year. LaJarvia Brown (Alton HS) won in 3A. Hannah Schilb (St. Charles North) will also challenge.

The distance races will be great. The status of the US #2 3200 Meter Run’s Judy Pendergast (Naperville North HS) is unknown. She struggled to qualify in the event last week due to a foot injury. A healthy Pendergast could be fun to watch going after a fast time. Otherwise, who will win that race? Michaela Hackbarth (Downers Grove South HS) is back defending her 3A title in the 800 Meter Run.

Here is a look at each of the individual events along with some of the top 2A teams that have qualified for this weekend’s state meet.

4x800 Meter Relay

IHSA State Meet Record – 8:59.03 – Wheaton-Warrenville South - 2012

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 8:59.03 – Wheaton-Warrenville South - 2012

2016 3A State Best – 9:13.26 – Hinsdale Central

2016 3A Sectional Best – 9:14.30 – Winnetka New Trier

2016 State Best – 9:13.26 – Hinsdale Central

Preview – The first 3A finals race should be a good one as it should come down to the two teams that have the fastest times in the state this season. Hinsdale Central showed how good they could be on April 22 when they ran 9:18 at Glenbard West. The same quartet ran 9:13 at the WSC-Silver Meet two weeks later. They should have Annie Zaher leading off for them. She is capable of running under 2:15. It will force teams to chase after them if Zaher gives them the lead. Reilly Revord anchoring gives them a runner who can run in the 2:13-2:14 range. New Trier has continued to improve dropping their time from 9:20 at the CSL-South Conference Meet to 9:14.30 at their sectional meet last week. They have a seasoned quartet led by Savannah Noethlich that has run a 2:16 open 800 this season. Both teams are talented. It’s going to take 9:10 or better to win this race. One of these two teams should do it.

Glenbard West ran 9:18.79 in mid-April with Lindsey Payne in their line-up. With Payne concentrating in the 3200 and 1600, this team is capable of running under 9:15. The Hilltoppers ran 9:22 without Payne last week in winning the Lake Park Sectional. Schaumburg has run 9:20 in each of their last two races. They should drop their time down especially with the competition they should be facing. Palatine is traditionally tough in this event. In their last 25 state meets in this event, Palatine has come away with 22 state medals including five state championships. The Lady Pirates have started out slow but look to be peaking at the right time having run 9:25 at their conference meet and 9:26 last week. They will have 2:12 800 runner Kelly O’Brien anchoring. They could be the surprise in this event.

Grant was ahead of Palatine at the Buffalo Grove Sectional running 9:23 led by Madison Romig and Brooke Drabek. Maine South and Hoffman Estates were at 9:23 or under last week and could push their way under 9:20. Oswego has missed making state in this event the past two years. Led by Maddy Kammerer and Kayla Wooten, they ran 9:24 at the Ottawa Sectional. This is a team that is capable of running under 9:20 and placing in the top five.

Glenbrook South ran 9:21 behind New Trier at CSL South and could also be a surprise in this event. Lake Forest, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles East, and York have all run under 9:26 and are capable of finding a spot on the podium Saturday. I would also watch Naperville North. They ran their seasons best of 9:26 at last week’s sectional at Ottawa. They have the talent to go under 9:20 anchored by Claire Hamilton and could be the big surprise in this race.

4x100 Meter Relay

IHSA State Meet Record – 46.04 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East - 2014

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 46.04 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East - 2014

2016 3A State Best – 46.50 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East

2016 3A Sectional Best – 47.53 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East

2016 State Best – 46.50 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East

Preview – It was a tough pill to swallow in last year’s state final as Bolingbrook edged Lincoln-Way East for the state championship by one hundredth of a second. The Griffins have come back strong this season looking to win their third championship in this event in the last four years. They have run under 48 seconds five times this year including the state leading 46.50 at the SWSC-Blue Conference Meet on May 5. They have a good nucleus led by Kayla Hylton and Asia Brown. The IHSA State Record of 46.04 that the East team of 2014 ran could fall if the conditions are good.

There are no other 3A teams that have run under 48 seconds this season. O’Fallon came close last week when they ran 48.00 to win their sectional. Prospect is sneaky good and could be the surprise in this event. The Knights ran 48.19 in their MSL Conference Championship race. Oswego East has run 48.26 this season. Anchored by Morgan Harris, this team could run in the 47’s. The question is will it be enough to catch Lincoln-Way East?

Springfield could also surprise in this event led by sophomore Ozzy Erewele. Lindblom Academy ran 48.42 last week and could come away with a top five finish. Belleville West ran 48.26 last week and will be a threat for one of the top spots. Also watch for Mother McAuley, Homewood-Flossmoor, and Oak Park-River Forest in this event.

3200 Meter Run

IHSA State Meet Record – 9:56.96 – Kayla Beattie – Woodstock - 2011

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 10:17.28 – Maria Cicero – Elmhurst York - 2001

2016 3A State Best –  10:07.18 – Judy Pendergast – Naperville North

2016 3A Sectional Best – 10:37.14 – Lindsey Payne – Glen Ellyn Glenbard West

2016 State Best – 10:07.18 – Judy Pendergast – Naperville North

Preview – After Judy Pendergast ran 10:07 at Glenbard West on April 22, it was almost a given that the defending champion in this event would be the favorite a month from that point in Charleston. That thought was not meant to be. Pendergast injured her foot just before the DVC Championships when a new spike she was fitted for was too small causing an injury to her muscle in her foot. She had to race last week at Ottawa to make it to state. She led until the final 600 meters when the foot started to hurt her again. She ran 10:57 qualifying but not in the position she wanted. She still has a chance to toe the line on Saturday and has more than a week to let her foot heal. Will it be enough to get her to the position that she was at a month ago?

Pendergast’s injury opens up doors to so many people. The 2016 season has been a banner year in this event as 14 3A runners have run under 10:50. The sectional times show how close it is as the top ten runners are within thirteen seconds of each other.

If Pendergast is back to 100% health, she will be the runner to beat. If not, then the focus could fall on Lindsey Payne. The sophomore is in her first year of track but it does not look like it as she has a 10:29 personal best. McKenzie Altmayer (Geneva HS) has run under 10:45 the last three weeks running 10:40.95 last week. The athlete that is running with the most confidence is Emily Shelton (Minooka HS). The sophomore looked strong last week running 10:41 to win the Ottawa Sectional. From that race, it is evident that she could run faster. Dakota Roman (Batavia HS) has been a surprise in this distance as she dropped her personal best down to 10:42. I would keep an eye on her in this race.

Jocelyn Long (Barrington HS) ran 10:42 last week to win her sectional. If the race is close at the end, it could come down to Long’s kick. She does have 2:15 800 speed. Libertyville’s Melissa Manetsch has been a surprise having run 10:43. Brooke Wilson had a successful cross country season. Her track season has been good having run 10:45 last week in her sectional race. Ashley Tutt has run 10:43 this year but could be a surprise in the race. Speaking of surprises, freshman Katie Hohe (Glenbard West HS, Glen Ellyn has dropped her personal best to 10:43. Watch for a good race from her. Brett Chody (Lake Forest HS) who has also run 10:43 this season.

If Pendergast is not fully healthy, all eyes will be on Payne who could run 10:25 or faster. Chances are good that we have 7 or more runners under 10:40. Tactics will go out the door when the gun goes off. We will have to wait and see how fast this races goes.

100 Meter Hurdles

IHSA State Meet Record – 13.54 – Dawn Harper – East St. Louis-Senior - 2001

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 13.54 – Dawn Harper – East St. Louis-Senior - 2001

2016 3A State Best – 14.23 – Shaliyah Dixon-Tucker – Downers Grove South

2016 3A Sectional Best – 14.23 – Shaliyah Dixon-Tucker – Downers Grove South

2016 State Best – 14.21 – Imani Carothers – Chicago Brooks College Prep

Preview – Shaliyah Dixon-Tucker just missed qualifying for the finals in this event at last year’s state meet. She missed making the finals by one hundredth of a second. That state performance has driven her for the past year. Now, she enters the meet as the favorite and the athlete with the best time in the state. The senior could run under 14.10 in the finals.

LaJarvia Brown (Alton HS) ran 14.34 for the second week in a row at her sectional race. She could be one of the runners to push Dixon-Tucker. Alexis Pierre-Antoine (Lincoln-Way East HS, Frankfort) is coming on strong the past couple of weeks. She dipped her PR down to 14.45 behind Dixon-Tucker last week at Lockport. Watch for her to run faster this weekend.

There are seven other 3A athletes that have run under 15 seconds this season led by the 14.61 run by Maya Mason (Prospect HS, Mt. Prospect) at the MSL Championships two weeks ago. Tara Schumacher (Oswego East ran a personal best last week at Ottawa and could find her way into the top five. Savannah Long (DeKalb HS), Mya Robinson (Thornton HS, Harvey), Cassidy Selep (Prospect HS, Mt. Prospect), and Rokelle Stanley (East St. Louis-Senior) are possibilities of cracking into the top five.

100 Meter Dash

IHSA State Meet Record – 11.41 – Alexandria Anderson 2004 / Morolake Akinosun 2012

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 11.41 – Alexandria Anderson 2004 / Morolake Akinosun 2012

2016 3A State Best – 11.94 – Amira Young – Chicago Whitney Young

2016 3A Sectional Best – 12.05 – Kayla Hylton-Lincoln-Way East / Shaliyah Dixon-Tucker Downers Grove South

2016 State Best – 11.77 – Mariya Hudson – Cahokia

Preview – This could be a wide open event. The Lockport Sectional final is an example as Kayla Hylton and Shaliyah Dixon-Tucker ran 12.05 in almost a dead heat with Hylton given the win. Both of these athletes will challenge for the state championship. Dixon-Tucker will be coming right back after running the 100 Hurdles. The closeness of that Lockport could happen at state. Seven runners have gone under 12.10 this season. It’s anyone’s guess who could win this.

It could be Amira Young that comes away with the win. The sophomore ran 11.94 at the Chicago City Championship and could be in front at Charleston. Another sophomore, Ozzy Erewele of Springfield, ran 12.00 to win the Central State Eight Conference Meet. She ran 12.14 to win her conference meet last week and could take home at state championship. Morgan Harris (Oswego East HS) ran a wind-aided 12.07 to win at Ottawa last week. She did run 12.37 at her conference meet. Right behind Harris was D’Jenne Egharevba (Naperville Central HS) who ran 12.09 in that race. She missed most of outdoor season due to a minor injury. She could be the surprise in the event.

Hannah Wilson (Glenbrook North HS, Northbrook), Asia Brown (Lincoln-Way East HS), and Tamya Houston (O’Fallon HS) are a few of the other athletes that could make it into the finals. Like we said, this final will be wide open. I do thing the winning time could dip under 11.9 in the finals.

800 Meter Run

IHSA State Meet Record – 2:07.05 – Courtney Clayton – Rockton Hononegah - 2013

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 2:07.05 – Courtney Clayton – Rockton Hononegah - 2013

2016 3A State Best – 2:12.19 – Michaela Hackbarth – Downers Grove South 

2016 3A Sectional Best – 2:12.19 – Michaela Hackbarth – Downers Grove South

2016 State Best – 2:12.19 – Michaela Hackbarth – Downers Grove South

Preview – Michaela Hackbarth is the defending champion in this event and will be the favorite to capture her second state championship. The senior has gone undefeated this season in this event and has run the state’s fastest time (2:12.19) last week in her sectional race. Hackbarth ran 2:11.27 to win the state championship a year ago. I am guessing she will be under 2:10 in this race.

There is a pack two seconds behind Hackbarth’s sectional time. Eleven of those runners are within three seconds of each other. Emma Moravec (Downers Grove North HS) finished second behind Hackbarth last season and has the third fastest time in the state (2:12.80). Vanessa Flaherty (Lyons Township HS) ran 2:14 behind Moravec at the WSC-Silver and will also be in the mix. Imani Davis (Lane Tech HS, Chicago) finished fourth last year in this event and will be one of the runners chasing after the state championship after she ran 2:14.45 to win her sectional race. Kelly O’Brien (Palatine HS) qualified for this event and the 1600 along with most likely running in the 3200 Relay. O’Brien ran 2:12.72 at the end of April. If O’Brien does run this event, she could be the one to knock off Hackbarth if they are close in the final 150 meters.

Avryl Johnson (Libertyville HS) has come on strong having 2:14.67 to win the Buffalo Grove Sectional ahead of O’Brien and Fremd’s Nora Finergan. Johnson could be a factor in this race. Jenna Lutzow (Belvidere North HS) finished fourth as a freshman in 2014. She ran 2:15.09 at her conference meet two weeks ago. Look for her to be towards the front. Sarah May (York HS, Elmhurst) was a surprise winner at Lake Park running a 2:15.64. She could also surprise this weekend. Mackenzie Callahan (Minooka HS has run 2:15 and will be a threat up front.

4x200 Meter Relay

IHSA State Meet Record – 1:36.86 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East - 2013

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 1:36.86 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East - 2013

2016 1A State Best – 1:40.68 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East

2016 1A Sectional Best – 1:40.77 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East

2016 State Best – 1:40.68 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East

Preview – Lincoln-Way East enters state as the favorite. They are the only team to run under 1:41 this season with 1:40.68 their best at their conference meet.   They will have competition with two schools that have run under 1:42 this season. O’Fallon could be dangerous in this meet. They ran 1:42.69 to win their sectional race last week. The Panthers did run 1:41.44 at their county meet at the end of April. Do not sleep on this team. Homewood-Flossmoor continues to improve as they head to the state meet. Their seasonal best time dropped to 1:41.77 when winning the Danville Sectional last week. Keep an eyes on the Vikings.

Even though Galesburg ran 1:45.36 last week to qualify, they did run 1:42.34 at their conference meet. Don’t be surprised if they are towards the front. Granite City is a young team that could be towards the front. They have run 1:43.07. Also watch for Mother McAuley, Proviso West, and Hinsdale Central to challenge for an all-state position.

400 Meter Dash

IHSA State Meet Record – 52.63 – Alexandria Anderson – Chicago Morgan Park - 2005

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 52.63 – Alexandria Anderson – Chicago Morgan Park - 2005

2016 3A State Best – 54.84 – Kylie Welch – Bloomington

2016 1A Sectional Best – 55.86 – Kierra Griggs – Chicago Hts Bloom Township

2016 State Best – 54.84 – Kylie Welch – Bloomington

Preview – The state final race in this event could be a repeat of the Danville Sectional final where Kierra Griggs nipped Kylie Welch by nine hundredths of a second. The two athletes have the top two times in the event with Welch’s 54.84 at her conference race the fastest. Morgan Harris could be the chief threat to these two runners. Harris has run 56.71 at her conference meet. Dajah Brown (Plainfield South HS) is the only other runner under 57 seconds as she ran 56.89 behind Harris win at the Southwest Prairie Conference Meet.

Runners to also keep an eye on include Asia Brown (Lincoln-Way East HS), Imani Hall (Danville HS), and Tara Smart (New Trier HS, Winnetka). Michaela Hackbarth (Downers Grove South HS) and Imani Davis (Lane Tech HS, Chicago) are both coming back from the 800. Don’t be surprised if one or both make the finals. Griggs and Welch are the class of the field. 54.6 or better is the time that should win the state championship.

300 Meter Hurdles

IHSA State Meet Record – 40.61 – Shalina Clarke – Evanston Township - 2005

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 40.61 – Shalina Clarke – Evanston Township - 2005

2016 3A State Best – 43.76 – LaJarvia Brown – Alton

2016 3A Sectional Best – 44.66 – Savannah Long - DeKalb

2016 State Best – 43.01 – Jenny Kimbro – Caitlin Salt Fork

Preview – This event is truly wide open. LaJarvia Brown ran the fastest 3A time this year in mid-April in Edwardsville. Since that meet, Brown has not broken 45 seconds. Savannah Long (DeKalb HS) has the fastest sectional time (44.66) run last week at Huntley. Alexis Pierre-Antoine (Lincoln-Way East HS, Frankfort) ran 44.93 at Lockport last week and could also be in line for a state title. Rokelle Stanley (East St. Louis-Senior HS) just went under 45 seconds (44.98) at her conference meet. We could see her win.

Anything will happen in this race. The next four runners are within three tenths of a second of each other. Halle Bieber (Naperville North HS) has been running stronger every week. The freshman could finish in the top five as her PR is 45.26 this season. Mya Robinson (Thornton HS, Harvey), Anna Baltudis (Lane Tech HS, Chicago), and Tara Schumacher (Oswego East HS) are also possibilities of breaking into the top five.

This race becomes a lock for Brown if she gets her time in the mid-43 range. Her trend of times does not support that but the Alton senior is big meet performer. If Brown is in the 44’s or over 45, she could still be the favorite but will have a lot of company close to her.

1600 Meter Run

IHSA State Meet Record – 4:43.65 – Kayla Beattie – Woodstock - 2011

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 4:49.34 – Shelly McBride – Crete Monee - 1985

2016 3A State Best – 4:51.09 – Judy Pendergast – Naperville North

2016 3A Sectional Best – 4:57.93 – Kelly O’Brien - Palatine

2016 State Best – 4:51.09 – Judy Pendergast – Naperville North

Preview – With state list leader Judy Pendergast only running the 3200 this weekend, this event could come down to two teammates battling for the win. Annie Zaher (Hinsdale Central HS) was the state champion as a sophomore in 2014. After an injury plagued year last season, Zaher has come back strong running 4:53.58 for this event. Her teammate Reilly Revord has been just as impressive running 4:53.63 to win at Wheaton-Warrenville South at the end of April. Both athletes will be coming back from the 3200 Relay. Both could surpass their seasonal bests in this meet.

Kelly O’Brien has the best sectional time. The question is if she will run in this event? O’Brien qualified in both the 800 and 1600. We know she will be running in the relay. She has run 4:57 twice this season and will be a factor in this race. Another athlete that will play a factor in this race is Meagan Biddle (Hoffman Estates HS). The senior has been running strong after her win at Palatine where she ran 4:54.29 to defeat O’Brien. Biddle has a strong finish that could match both those of Zaher and Revord.

McKenzie Altmayer (Geneva HS) will be coming off of the 3200, but she has been doing this all year. She ran 5:00.59 at her sectional. Elizabeth Hagstrom (York HS, Elmhurst) just missed going under 5 minutes at Downers Grove in mid-April, but she could end up finishing in the top five. Kathryn House (Loyola Academy, Wilmette), Lindsey Payne (Glenbard West HS, Glen Ellyn), Audrey Ernst (St. Charles North HS), and Dakota Roman (Batavia HS) will all be coming back from the 3200 Run but could be factors in this race. Kathryn Kenwood (Glenbard West HS, Glen Ellyn) and Charlotte Nawor (Highland Park HS) should be surprises in this race.

I think this race could be tactical and become a kicker’s delight race. That would fall into the hands of Zaher, Biddle, Revord, and possibly Payne. It would not surprise me if the winning time is under 4:55.

200 Meter Dash

IHSA State Meet Record – 23.32 – Alexandria Anderson – Chicago Morgan Park - 2005

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 23.32 – Alexandria Anderson – Chicago Morgan Park - 2005

2016 3A State Best – 24.62 – Morgan Harris-Oswego East / Norma Abdur-Rafia- Oak Park-River Forest

2016 3A Sectional Best – 24.62 – Norma Abdur-Rafia – Oak Park-River Forest

2016 State Best – 24.01 – Mariya Hudson – Cahokia

Preview – Seven runners this season have run under 25 seconds including the six that qualified for this event. There is no clear favorite but this race should play a part in deciding the team champions. Lincoln-Way East’s Kayla Hylton and Jasmine Howell were within five hundredths of a second of each other at last week’s Lockport Sectional with Hylton running 24.72 for the win. Both athletes could place in the top three. Norma Abdur-Rafia has the fastest sectional time entering this meet and is also tied for the 3A state best with Morgan Harris. Abdur-Rafia’s sectional win over Amira Young (Whitney Young HS, Chicago) shows that she could end up winning Saturday afternoon.  Young will also be a factor having run 24.70 to win the Chicago City Championships. Harris is going after the sprint triple. If the two earlier races go good, Harris could duplicate what Brittney Ellis did last season with her triple.

Shaliyah Dixon-Tucker (Downers Grove South HS) will also be going after a triple win and should score big points for her team in this event. The senior ran 24.94 at the WSC-Gold Conference Meet and should be a factor in the race. Hannah Wilson (Glenbrook North HS, Northbrook) is the hot sprinter right now running a personal best 25.19 at her sectional. She could be a surprise in the event. Noemi Powell (Round Lake HS) and Charlene Horton (TF North HS, Calumet City) could also be factors in this event.

4x400 Meter Relay

IHSA State Meet Record – 3:45.14 – East St. Louis-Lincoln - 1984

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 3:45.14 – East St. Louis-Lincoln - 1984

2016 3A State Best – 3:53.41 – East St. Louis-Senior

2016 3A Sectional Best – 3:57.41 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East

2016 State Best – 3:53.41 – East St. Louis-Senior

Preview – The sectional races shook up this event a little as Proviso West, who has the third fastest 3A time in the state, and Neuqua Valley, who ran 3:56 indoors failed to advance out of their respective sectional. East St. Louis-Senior has the fastest time in the state from a race that they ran at Edwardsville the middle of April. They have run under 4:00 one more time (3:57.66) which would put them in the mix with the other schools that have qualified. New Trier has come on strong the last two weeks running 3:57.25 at their conference meet two weeks ago and then 3:58.69 in their sectional race a week ago. Lincoln-Way East has the top sectional time (3:57.41) and are improving meet to meet.

Rockton Hononegah dipped under 4 minutes for the first time this season running 3:59.66 to win their sectional. Two WSC-Silver Conference teams Oak Park-River Forest and Hinsdale Central have also run under 4 minutes this season and could be up front in the finals. Fremd and Lake Forest could be surprises.

Field Events

Long Jump

IHSA State Meet Record – 20-9 – Alexandria Anderson – Chicago Morgan Park - 2005

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 20-9 – Alexandria Anderson – Chicago Morgan Park - 2005

2016 3A State Best – 19-6 – Maddie Manganiello – Downers Grove South

2016 3A Sectional Best – 19-3 – LaJarvia Brown – Alton

2016 State Best -19-6 – Imani Carothers-Chicago Brooks Prep / Maddie Manganiello-Downers Grove South

Preview – Maggie Mandaniello is surging on confidence right now after jumping a 19-6 personal best at the WSC-Gold Championship and then following that up jumping 18-8 ¼ to win her sectional last week. She will be one of the athletes to watch in this very good field. LaJarvia Brown (Alton HS) jumped a seasonal best 19-3 to win her sectional and could be the favorite in this competition. Hannah Morris (Bloom Township HS, Chicago Heights) jumped 19- ¼ at Lockport on April 22 and will be in the hunt for the win. Sade Akinfe (Oswego East HS) has jumped 18-10 ¼ this year, Hannah Schilb (St. Charles North) jumped 18-9 ½ last week at her sectional, and Jaimie Robinson (Homewood-Flossmoor HS) improved her seasonal best to 18-8 ¾ in finishing second to Morris at the Danville Sectional. All three athletes have the talent to win the state championship.

Allison Woerner (Glenwood HS, Chatham) could be a sleeper in this event having jumped 18-4 ½ at her conference meet. Also watch for Kameesha Smith (Thornwood HS, South Holland) and Alissa Gorzak (Naperville Central HS) who could end up finishing in the top five.

Triple Jump

IHSA State Meet Record – 41-5 – Deana Simmons – Decatur MacArthur - 1996

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 41-5 – Deana Simmons – Decatur MacArthur - 1996

2016 3A State Best – 41-0 ½ - Jaimie Robinson – Homewood-Flossmoor

2016 3A Sectional Best – 40-6 – Hannah Schilb – St. Charles North

2016 State Best – 41-0 ½ - Jaimie Robinson – Homewood-Flossmoor

Preview – This could be the best 3A field event in this meet as two defending state champions face off. Jaimie Robinson won the 2A title last year while attending DeLaSalle Institute. She is on top of her game this year having jumped 41- ½ outdoors. LaJarvia Brown (Alton HS) is the defending 3A champion and is only two inches behind Robinson (40-10 ½) this season. Both could push each other past the IHSA Meet Record at this meet. Hannah Schilb jumped into the mix of this competition this weekend when she jumped a personal best 40-6 at the Hoffman Estates Sectional. While all eyes could be on Robinson and Brown, it could be Schilb that leaves the runway with the state championship. All three athletes are ranked in the top twenty nationally.

There is almost a two foot gap between the top three and the rest of the competition. Fighting for top five spots in this event will be Allison Wahrman (Glenbard North HS, Carol Stream), Natasha Shafer (Prairie Ridge HS, Crystal Lake), Sade Akinfe (Oswego East HS), Isabel Maletich (Downers Grove North HS), and Kelsey McLaurin (Barrington HS).

High Jump

IHSA State Meet Record – 5-11 – Melinda Morris – Buffalo Tri-City - 1980

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 5-10 ¾ - Nicole Williams – Sterling - 2003

2016 3A State Best – 5-9 – Jejena Rowe – Chicago Hts Bloom

2016 3A Sectional Best – 5-8 – Jelena Rowe – Chicago Hts Bloom

2016 State Best – 5-9 – Jelena Rowe – Chicago Hts Bloom / Gillian Urycki – Metamora

Preview – Jelena Rowe should be the favorite in this event. She has been one of the most consistent jumpers this season clearing 5-9 both indoors and outdoors. There are six athletes that have cleared 5-7 or higher this spring. Jes Skudlarek (Prospect HS, Mt. Prospect), Lenae Ludy (Plainfield South HS), Tamar Mosby (Belleville East HS), Katie Mans (Alton HS), Ololade Ayoola (Lincoln-Way East HS, Frankfort), and Grace Daun (Wauconda HS) have all cleared those heights and could be one of the athletes to end up winning this event.

Pole Vault

IHSA State Meet Record – 13-4 – Lindsay Murray – Harrisburg - 2014

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 13-3 – Sarah Landau – Geneva - 2004

2016 3A State Best – 12-4 – Chisolm Nwoko – Oak Park-River Forest

2016 3A Sectional Best – 12-3 – Katie Schroeder – Grayslake Central

2016 State Best – 12-8 – Ali Munson-Lisle Benet Academy / Aliyah Welter-Monticello

Preview – This event is wide open. It could be a letdown compared to the previous seasons in this event as there are only three athletes that have cleared 12-0 or higher. Chisolm Nwoko has stepped up as the top athlete in the Pole Vault having cleared 12-4 at the WSC-Silver meet two weeks ago. Katie Schroeder (Grayslake Central HS) cleared 12-3 at the Buffalo Grove Sectional last week. Alyssa Morello (Lake Zurich HS) has been a surprise this year as she has raised her personal best up to 12-0. All three could push each other to 12-6 or better in this meet.

Kennedy Gift (St. Charles East HS) has the second best sectional performance as she cleared 11-7 last week and could be a surprise in the event. Also watch for Savannah Howie (McHenry HS), Nikki Ogorek (Normal Community HS), Louisa Washburn (Yorkville HS), Lila Alder (Loyola Academy, Wilmette), and Lily Moore (Libertyville HS) to be some of the athletes to challenge for a top five finish.

Shot Put

IHSA State Meet Record – 50-9 ½ - Emmonnie Henderson – Edwardsville - 2013

IHSA 3A State Meet Record 50- 9 ½ - Emmonnie Henderson – Edwardsville - 2013

2016 3A State Best – 46-9 – Courtney Morgan – Aurora Metea Valley

2016 3A Sectional Best – 44-5 – Courtney Morgan – Aurora Metea Valley

2016 State Best – 51-11 ½ - Kathleen Young – Warrensburg-Latham HS

Preview – Courtney Morgan will be the athlete to watch in this event. The junior has been undefeated all season with a 46-9 best. Evangeline Harris (East St. Louis-Senior HS) has been a surprise this season. The sophomore has a 44-4 ¾ best. If she can get close to that performance, Harris could push Morgan for the championship. Nikki Freeman (Cary-Grove HS) has been in the 42 foot range for most of the season with a 42-10 seasonal best and 42-6 sectional best last week. The senior could be the one that takes the top prize in this meet.

Alexandria McCoy (Auburn HS, Rockford) and Ellie Weltha (Bloomington HS) are athletes that could challenge for a spot in the top three. Lauren LaDere (Lincoln-Way East HS, Frankfort) upped her personal best to 42-0 at last week’s sectional. She could be a surprise in this event. Rachel Bicknase (Grant HS, Fox Lake) and Michaela Smith (Lake Park HS, Roselle) are some of the other athletes that will challenge for all-state finishes.

Discus

IHSA State Meet Record – 167-4 – Kelsey Card – Carlinville - 2010

IHSA 3A State Meet Record – 161-1 – Emmonnie Henderson – Edwardsville - 2011

2016 3A State Best – 150-2 – Nikki Freeman – Cary-Grove

2016 2A Sectional Best – 145-1 – Jada Jackson – Palos Heights Shepard

2016 State Best – 156-7 – Kathleen Young – Warrensburg-Latham

Preview – Nikki Freeman (Cary-Grove HS) has the top 3A performance in this event this season (150-2) but could be pushed for the win by three athletes. Jada Jackson has been the athlete to watch the past two weeks as she has upped her personal best to 146-11 at her conference meet. Jackson threw 145-1 to have the top sectional performance. Michaela Smith (Lake Park HS, Roselle) has thrown 146-3 this year while Courtney Morgan (Metea Valley HS, Aurora) has thrown 146-2. Both will be in the hunt with Jackson and Freeman for the state championship.

Teams (in alphabetical order)

Alton – qualified 7 individual to the state meet. LaJarvia Brown could push Alton into the top five. Brown is the favorite in four events (Long Jump, Triple Jump, 100 Hurdles, and 300 Hurdles). She could win all four of those events. Katie Mans has cleared 5-7 in the High Jump. She could pick up big points in that event. Alton could also pick up points from either Chayvon Buckingham or Jewel Wagner in the Shot Put.

Downers Grove South – qualified 8 individuals and 1 relay to the state finals. A team that should be in the top three and challenge Lincoln-Way East for the state championship. Shaliyah Dixon-Tucker will play a huge role in that as she is the favorite in the 100 Hurdles and one of the favorites in the 100. She should pick up huge points in both of those events. Dixon Tucker also is in the 200. She could also finish in the top five in that event. Michaela Hackbarth is the defending champion in the 800 Meter Run and is the favorite again in that event. Hackbarth also qualified in the 400 where she will get points for her team. Maddie Manganiello has the best mark in the state in the Long Jump. She will be one of the favorites. Their 400 Meter Relay is currently the 12^th best team this season in the 400 Relay. It would be a bonus if they can make it to Saturday in that event.

East St. Louis-Senior – qualified 6 individuals and 3 relays to the state meet. The Lady Flyers could be in the top five without any majorly wrong not happening. Their 1600 Relay has the top time in the state. They will challenge for the event title. Evangeline Harris is one of the top athletes in the Shot Put. It is possible that she finishes in the top three. Jazzmine Poole will be one of the top athletes in the Discus and could score some big points. Rokelle Stanley will be in the top five in the 300 Hurdles. She could also pick up points in the 100 Hurdles.

Frankfort Lincoln-Way East – qualified 10 individuals and 4 relays to the state meet. The three time defending 3A champions have the numbers and quality to take the state championship trophy back to Frankfort. The relays are the events that give this team their success. The Lady Griffins have the top sectional times in the 400, 800, and 1600 Relays and should score big points in those three events. Kayla Hylton will play a big part of the 400 and 800 Relays. She will also be one of the favorites in both the 100 and 200 and should get some major points in those two events. Jasmine Howell is ranked high in the 200. She will also get points as well as being in the relays. Alexis Pierre-Antoine will pick up some big points as she will be one of the favorites in the 300 Hurdles and the 100 Hurdles. Asia Brown could also get her team points in the 100 and 400. Ololade Ayoola will challenge for the High Jump championship. She should place fourth or higher in that event. Laura LaDere has been a surprise in the Shot Put. She could pick up points in that event. The 3200 Relay last year earned all-state honors last season after not being ranked high coming out of sectionals. They could be a surprise in that event again this year.

Hinsdale Central – qualified 5 individuals and 3 relays to the state meet. The Red Devilettes could be a surprise in the top five if everything goes their way this weekend. Their 3200 Relay has the best time in the state this year. They will be one of the favorites in that event. Annie Zaher and Emilly Revord will play a big part in that event. They also have the top two times in the 1600 which could earn them some big points. Central qualified their 800 Relay and 1600 Relay to Charleston. If both relays advance to Saturday, they could pick up some much needed points. Ellie Bergevin could also pick up points for her team in the High Jump.

Homewood-Flossmoor – qualified 4 individuals and 2 relays to the state meet. The Vikings have low quantity in their qualifiers but those numbers have quality performances in them. It also means there is little room for mistakes if they want to finish in the top five. Jaimie Robinson will be a big factor for her team’s points as she will get big points as the favorite in both the Long and Triple Jump. Robinson will be a part of the 400 and 800 Relays. The 800 Relay could score big points by being in the top three. The 400 relay should also finish in the top five. Olivia Oliver will be part of those relays. She could also be a bonus if she advances to the finals.

Mt. Prospect (Prospect) – qualified 11 individuals and 2 relays to the state meet – The Lady Knights were dominant in their sectional meet which could set up a great weekend in Charleston. This team is deep and could score in many events. Maya Mason will be one of the favorites in the 100 Hurdles and could pick up points. Mason will also be in the 400 Relay that could finish in the top four. Brooke Wilson could pick up points in both the 3200 and the 1600. Cassidy Selep has qualified in multiple events. She could pick up points in both the 100 Hurdles and the Pole Vault. Jes Skudlarek could get points in the High Jump. Brenda Kendziera qualified in three events. She could score in the Long Jump. It would be a bonus if she could place in the High Jump and the 300 Hurdles.

Naperville North – qualified 6 individuals and 2 relays. They did not have the sectional that they hoped to have. The Huskies still do have the numbers to finish in the top 5. Judy Pendergast qualified in the 3200 even with an injured foot. She has one of the top times in the 3200 nationally. If her foot is doing better on Saturday, she should be the favorite in the race. If not, she should still pick up points. Sarah Schmitt placed last year in the 3200. She could also pick up points in that event. Halle Bieber could pick up big points for her team in the 300 Hurdles. It would be a bonus if she advances to the finals in the 100 Hurdles. Claire Hamilton did not have the race that she wanted in the 800 last week but still qualified. She could be in the top nine on Saturday. Their 3200 Relay has run 9:26 this season. There is a chance for this team to get points in that event. Elise Chao qualified in the Triple Jump and could pick up points in that event.

Oak Park- River Forest – qualified 9 individuals and 4 relays to the state meet. The Huskies do have the talent to find their way into the top three teams in this state championship. Norma Abdur-Rafia is the key cog for the team as she will be one of the favorites in the 200 Meter Dash. She will also play a part in three relays (400, 800, and 1600) that could all finish in the top four in this meet. Chisolm Nwoko will also help in the relays. She also has the best mark in the Pole Vault and could score big points in that event. Chena Underhill could also pick up points in the Pole Vault.

O’Fallon – qualified 7 individuals and 3 relays to the state meet. O’Fallon’s sprint squad could catapult the Panthers into the top five 3A teams this weekend. Their 400 and 800 Relays are among the three best in 3A. Both teams could score big points. It would be a bonus if the 1600 Relay advances to the Saturday final. Tamya Houston qualified in the 100 and could pick up points. Kersten Douglas advanced in the 200 and could also score.

Oswego East – qualified 7 individuals and 2 relays to the state meet. This squad could be a surprise in the top three if no mistakes happen over the prelims and finals. Morgan Harris will be the favorites in the 100 and 200 insuring her team some big points. Harris is one of top three athletes in the 400. She could also score big points in that event. Oswego East did not have their best 400 Relay race at sectionals but still qualified. They have the fourth fastest time in 3A. They could pick up points there if everything goes right. Sade Akinfe is qualified in both the Long and Triple Jump. She should score in both of those events. Tara Schumacher should also pick up points in both the 100 Hurdles and 300 Hurdles. Their 1600 Relay won the sectional race. It would be a bonus if they advanced to the finals.

Winnetka New Trier – qualified 11 individuals and 4 relays to the state meet. The Lady Trevians are another team that have the numbers that could get them in the challenge for one of the three state trophies. Their 3200 Relay has the top sectional time in 3A and second fastest overall in the state. They should score some big points in that event. Their 1600 Relay is also strong that could place fourth or better in the finals. Tara Smart will be part of that relay. She could score points in the 400 Meter Dash. Savannah Noethlich won her sectional 800. She could also pick up points in that event. Alex Cook could also pick up points in the Long Jump. Both 400 and 800 Relays advanced to Charleston. It would be a bonus if both advanced to Saturday’s finals.