By Michael Newman

DyeStat Illinois Editor

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It was not the season that Ja’Mari Ward wanted. It was still a memorable one for the Cahokia graduate. Even though he missed the state meet and more than a month of competition due to injuring his knee at the Collinsville Invitational, he still ended his career with the longest performances ever by an Illinois High School athlete in the Long and Triple Jump. He added a national junior title in the long Jump in California at the end of June which led to him competing for the United States at the IAAF U20 Championships in Poland. He jumped 26-1 ½ in the prelims at that meet leading all qualifiers. He finished sixth in the finals. Great things are ahead of this young man.

Ward did not compete in Charleston but his presence was essential for the success of Cahokia winning their sixth straight 2A state championship. He was there to cheer on his teammates. The morning of the finals, he gave a speech to motivate his teammates to do what they did. He was the captain and the heart and soul of that team.

Darryl Sullivan (Marion HS) had the third best clearance nationally in the High Jump this year (7-4) and set a new 2A state meet record in the event. Sullivan also won the 2A Long Jump. Sam Sikon (Carbondale HS) won both the Shot Put and the Discus in Charleston and was also considered in this category.

We are proud to congratulate Ja’Mari Ward of Cahokia High School as the 2016 DyeStat Illinois 2A Boys Athlete of the Year.