By Michael Newman

When you start to talk about the 2A Boys field events this spring, the discussion starts and ends with Sam Sikon (Carbondale, senior). His state meet in the Shot Put last year was up and down struggling in the prelims that were moved indoors. He found his focus in the Saturday finals breaking the IHSA 2A State Meet record with a 62-11 ¼ put. The one number that he has his eyes on is the overall IHSA State Record in the event (66-5 ¾) that Jermaine Kline set in 2011. He was within less than two feet of that last season. I am sure we will want that record as his by the time he leaves Charleston.

Sikon also won the Discus last year and will look to repeat in that event. The other four events are wide open with the opportunity for new faces to step to the top of the podium.

Shot Put

Top 25 Returnees

Outlook – All eyes will be on Sam Sikon in this event. The two-time defending champion achieved a 65-2 ½ personal best in winning his conference meet last May. I am sure we will see him in the 68 foot range by the time we get close to the state series. Three other all-state athletes from last year are back led by third place finisher Verdis Brown (Chicago Mt. Carmel, junior). He had a massive 56-8 ½ personal best at state last year. That is impressive especially as a sophomore.

Jered Allison (Freeport, senior) and Jack Bunting (Marion, senior) are the two other returnees in this event that have hopes to finish in the top three. Sam Thomas (Geneseo, senior), Tucker Sullivan (Marion, senior), and Clayton Hannula (Kaneland, junior) are some of the other athletes that could be in the mix to finish in the top five.

Discus

Top 25 Returnees

Outlook – Only four feet separated Sam Sikon and Kane Carrigan in this event at last year’s state meet. With Carrigan graduated, Sikon looks to be the athlete to watch in this event. Sikon had a seasonal best of 180-5 last year. Jordan Hawkins (Roxana, junior) is the next athlete back as he finished fourth last year. His seasonal best (170-5) is ten feet behind that of Sikon. I still think he could be a threat for the state title.

Nathan Graves (Alleman, senior) had a 169-10 personal best throw to get him third in the 1A finals last year. He is the only other athlete coming back that has thrown 160 feet or better. He will also be in contention for the state title. It is open for the next spots led by Jered Allison, Nathan Harman (Monticello, junior), Clayton Hannula, and Harley Russell (Mt. Zion, junior) leading the way.

Long Jump

Top 25 Returnees

Outlook – State champion Darryl Sullivan and state record holder Ja’Mari Ward have graduated opening the door with an array of possibilities heading into this year. Three athletes that finished in the top nine are back. Myles Aldridge (Normal University, senior) finished seventh last year and is the top returning state meet placing athlete. He did jump 22-3 during the season. Michael Smith (Mattoon, senior) and Leo Stewart (Cahokia, senior) look to also contend for the state title.

Three other athletes went past 22 feet last season including Alec McElyea (Illinois Valley Central, senior), Seth Groom (Marmion Academy, junior), and Rodrick McMiller (Perspectives Charter/Calumet, senior). Dearis Herron (Lanphier, senior) and Nathan Graves are athletes that you should also keep an eye on.

Triple Jump

Top 25 Returnees

Outlook – Seth Groom caught some of the fans and coaches by surprise as he jumped 46-8 ¼ to finish third in last year’s state meet. He is the top returnee in this event. He was stuck in the 44 foot range for most of the season. He popped a 45-6 ½ jump in the prelims followed by his effort in the finals.

Myles Aldridge and Dionte Smith (Burlington Central, senior) are the only other athletes back from last year’s top nine. Maurice Holloway (Freeport, senior), Nathan Graves, Trevell Whitehorn (Marion, senior), and Alex Rice (Ridgewood, senior) are some of the athletes that will be towards the front of the rankings in 2017.

High Jump

Top 25 Returnees

Outlook – This event is wide-open with state champion Darryl Sullivan along with the top three finishers all graduated. Four all-state athletes return from last year’s finals. Nicholas Jackson (Champaign Central, senior) and A’Jonte Lee (Lanphier, junior) both cleared 6-6 last spring having the top returning marks. Ethan Poston (Metamora, junior) and Jonathan Decker (Tolono Unity, junior) both cleared 6-5 in 2017 and will also be in the hunt for a state title. Leo Stewart and Lucas Sisler (Princeton, senior) lead a talented group that could all be in the mix for the top five.

Pole Vault

Top 25 Returnees

Outlook – This event is wide-open just like the High Jump. Jared Trupp (Burlington Central, senior) is the top returning athlete in place (third) and height (14-7). He is the only athlete back that has cleared 14 feet or higher outdoors. He should be the favorite in this event.

Danny Walker (Kaneland, senior) won the 2A title as a sophomore and could be a threat for the 2017 title. Kyle Kruthoff (Erie-Prophetstown, sophomore), Alec Morrissey (Effingham, junior), and Kacper Jaskowski (Vernon Hills, senior) are some of the athletes that could challenge for a top three finish.