2021 IHSA Class 1A Boys State Meet Preview

 

By Michael Newman

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Harvest Christian Academy has some of the top Class 1A distance performances in this 2021. Will the Lions win a state championship with the bulk of points from their distance events? St. Joseph-Ogden, led by Hayden Knott in the weight events, could be the chief challenger along with Northridge Prep and El Paso-Gridley.

Here is a look at the events at the top teams to watch for on Thursday.

 

Running Events

 

4x800m Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 7:37.36 – Orland Park (Sandburg) - 2016

 

IHSA State Meet Record (4x880y) – 7:38.0 – Harvey Thornton - 1976

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 7:53.69 – Monticello - 2006

 

2021 1A Best – 8:07.45 – Niles (Northridge Prep)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 8:07.45 – Niles (Northridge Prep)

 

Preview – Northridge Prep has been waiting for this moment since their 2nd place finish in the 2019 Class 1A State Meet. The Knights come in as the sectional and 1A leader after running 8:07.45 at Hope Academy. Harvest Christian was eight seconds behind Northridge Prep at Hope Academy. Their seasonal best is 8:10.12 run three weeks ago. El Paso Gridley at 8:10.75, Elmwood at 8:12.40 have qualified for state and are the only teams under 8:13 in this classification.

 

The next teams in this field are at least 15 seconds behind the first four. Pinckneyville, DePaul College Prep, and Shelbyville are in this field and other 8:31. Illini West and Warsaw are teams that could surprise.

 

4x100m Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 40.86 – Crete-Monee - 2019

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 42.13 – Herrin - 2010

 

2021 1A Best – 43.25 – Catlin (Salt Fork)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 43.25 – Catlin (Salt Fork)

 

Preview – Salt Fork is the hot quartet in this field having run 43.25 in their sectional win last week at St. Joseph-Ogden. There are three teams all under 44 seconds including St. Joseph-Ogden, Maroa-Forsyth, and Forreston. One bobble by Salt Fork and one of those teams can come away with the win.

 

It gets tight after that with eight teams between 44.00 and 44.10. The second race before the final section could feature Pecatonica, Illini West, Gibson-City-Melvin-Sibley, and Hope Academy. Any of those team could win this event from Section 2.

 

3200 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 8:42.89 – Donald Sage, Elmhurst (York) - 2000

 

IHSA State Meet Record (2-Mile) – 8:42.6 – Craig Virgin, Lebanon - 1973

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 9:05.23 – Jon Davis, Fithian (Oakwood) - 2015

 

2021 1A Best – 9:03.81 – Mathew Olech (SR), Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 9:31.83 – Justin Mumford (SR), Trenton (Wesclin)

 

Preview – Matthew Olech has been impressive all season having run a personal best of 9:03.81 at Palatine in May. Olech’s time is almost two seconds faster than the Class 1A State Record set by Jon Davis in 2015. The weather will be warm again in Charleston. I just don’t see a slow pace early on even with warm weather. Miles Sheppard of Warsaw could push the pace early. Layton Hall of Arthur-Lovington, Justin Mumford of Trenton-Wesclin, and Daniel Winkelman of Harvest Christian Academy should all be in that early front pack.

 

Jacob Belha of Sherrard, Tyler Guthrie of Father McGivney, and Tommy Murray of Riverdale all have times under 9:51 this season. Ty Barbre of Carmi-White County and Akili Parekh of Latin School could surprise with top five finishes.

 

110 Meter Hurdles

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 13.79 – Travis Anderson, Edwardsville – 2016

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 13.79 – AJ Harris, Wheaton (North) - 2012

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 13.93 – Phil Sikkenga, Elmhurst (Timothy Christian) - 1997

 

2021 1A Best – 14.77 – Isaiah Chatman (SR), Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin Sibley)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 14.78 – Luke Myszka (JR), Downs (Tri-Valley)

 

Preview – This race should be extremely close with Isaiah Chatman’s 1A lead time and the sectional lead time of Luke Myszka are within one hundredth of a second of each other. Bennet Soltow of Forreston ran 14.92 in his sectional win at Winnebago. Those are the only three athletes in this field with sub-15 second times. Watch for those three to contest for the state championship.

 

Kollin Schlipf of El Paso-Gridley could be close with a 15.09 seasonal best. Nathan Kirby of Salt Fork could challenge for a top three finish. Jadon Robertson of Cowden-Herrick could surprise in this state finals race.

 

100 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 10.31 – Marcellus Moore, Plainfield (North) - 2018

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 10.47 – Lubeech Graves, Cairo - 1990

 

2021 1A Best – 10.58 – Aidan Laughery (JR), Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin Sibley)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 10.58 – Aidan Laughery (JR), Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin Sibley)

 

Preview – Aidan Laughery finished seventh as freshman in the 1A State Meet in 2019.  The junior enters this meet with three races under 10.9 FAT timed. His closest competition could come from Peyton Locke of Rockridge who ran 10.92 to win at the Erie Sectional last week. Riley Williams of Hope Academy has a time under 11 seconds this season and could be a factor in this race.

 

Tony Phillips of Bishop McNamara, Ben Gilbert of Maroa-Forsyth, and Caleb Lerus of Lycee Francais de Chicago are all expected to be in the final section. Eli Rieker of Peoria Christian has run 10.95 this season. He did run 11.18 at his sectional to push him into the third section. Keep an eye on him in that race.

 

800 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 1:49.71 – Jason Van Swol, New Lenox (Lincoln-Way) - 1998

 

IHSA State Meet Record (880y) – 1:48.9 – Dave Ayoub, Peoria - 1977

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 1:51.22 – Peter Callahan, Winnetka (N Shore Country Day) - 2009

 

2021 1A Best – 1:55.74 – Hayden Colclasure (SR), Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 1:57.44 – Andrew Brockmeier (SR), Niles (Northridge Prep)

 

Preview – This is a deep and talented field with 11 runners with sectional times under two minutes and 33 total runners in this field. We could see three sections in this event. Andrew Brockmeier and Hayden Colclasure were only separated by seven hundredth of a second in their sectional race at Hope Academy. Both runners will be coming back from 4x8 races. Times under 1:56 may be needed to win the state title. Eli Mojonnier of Bismarck-Henning has run 1:56.44 but ran 2:01 in his sectional race. He is ranked #14 from the sectional performances. He could be a threat from Section 2 if they divide three ways.

 

Isaac Jones of Astoria ran a personal best of 1:58.12 in his sectional race last week. Keep an eye on him on Thursday. Tyler Bickerman of Rushville-Industry, Kaleb Rutter of Riverton, Mark Maska of Northridge Prep, and Thomas Harmon of Elmwood all will be factors in the final section. Tommy Marron of Breese Mater Dei has run 1:58 during the season but ran 2:00.29 in his sectional win at Chester. He is on the border to run in the first or second section. Either way he will be a threat to finish in the top five finishers.

 

4x200m Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 1:25.83 – Cahokia - 2015

 

IHSA State Meet Record (4x220y) – 1:25.7 – East St. Louis-Senior - 1975

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 1:27.93 – Tuscola - 2012

 

2021 1A Best – 1:30.52 – St. Joseph-Ogden

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 1:30.52 – St. Joseph-Ogden

 

Preview – The Class 1A State Meet Record should not happen in this race. There is over a two second difference from the 1A Meet record and the seasonal best from St. Joseph-Ogden. Salt Fork and Winnebago are within half a second of the Spartans and will be the best bet in winning this championship.

 

Maroa-Forsyth, Pecatonica, and Hope Academy have times under 1:32 and will chase for a top five finish. Dakota looks to be in third of what could be a four-section event. They could also threaten for a finish in the top five.

 

400 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 46.24 – Kahmari Montgomery, Plainfield (Central) – 2015

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 46.76 – Ryan Shields, Chicago (Leo Catholic) - 2002

 

2021 1A Best – 50.11 – Jameson Cluver (SR), Watseka

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 50.11 – Jameson Cluver (SR), Watseka

 

Preview – Jameson Cluver popped a big personal best of 50.11 in winning in his sectional race last week. It was two seconds faster than previous PR in the beginning of May. Cameron Crow of Litchfield dropped his personal best time down by over a second in his sectional win.

 

This event seems to be wide-open. Daniel Jansen of Okawville, Jack Pearce of Pleasant Plains, and Caleb Lerus of Lycee Francais de Chicago al have times of 51 seconds or better. Any of these three runners could win the state title. Justice Brainerd and Alex Anderson of Morrison ran under 50.7 in their conference meet two weeks ago. They will be in the final section of this event. Either of those runners could challenge for the win or at worse top five finishes.

 

300 Meter Hurdles

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 36.53 – Deion McShane, Freeport - 2017

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 37.33 – Cody Wisslead, Sciota (West Prairie) - 2006

 

2021 1A Best – 39.02 – Isaiah Chatman (SR), Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin Sibley)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 39.26 – Isaiah Chatman (SR), Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin Sibley)

 

Preview – Isaiah Chatman, Luke Myszka of Tri-Valley, and Bennett Soltow of Forreston are only separated by three hundredth of a second after their sectional performances. They will be challenging for the win in this event just as the shorter hurdle race earlier in the meet.

 

There is a second difference between the first three and next runner Jackson Kern of Auburn. Sam Roszak of North Shore Country is the only runner in this field that has run under 41 seconds. He could challenge for a top three finish.

 

1600 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 4:05.17 – Jeff Thode, Hoffman Estates (Conant) - 2009

 

IHSA State Meet Record (1-Mile) – 4:07.1 – Andy Isla-Rubert, Hillside (Proviso West) - 1970

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 4:09.33 – Dorian Ulrey, Port Byron (Riverdale) - 2006

 

2021 1A Best – 4:18.42 – Mathew Olech (SR), Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 4:22.89 – Mathew Olech (SR), Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

 

Preview – The top four finishers from the Hope Academy Sectional have the top four sectional times. Mathew Olech has run 4:18 this season. He will be doubling back from the 3200 Meter Run. Ryan Hardiman and Peter Bernhardt of Latin School and Daniel Winkelman of Harvest Christian will be in the hunt for the win.

 

Justin Mumford of Trenton-Wesclin ran 4:19.89 at Palatine and will be also doubling back from the 3200. Don’t count him out in this race. Eli Mojonnier of Bismarck-Henning will be coming back from the 800 but does have a 4:25 best this season. He will be another runner to watch in the front. Miles Sheppard of Warsaw and Layton Hall of Arthur-Lovington are also doubling back in the 3200. Keep an eye on both runners trying for a top five finish.

 

200 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 20.89 – Anthony Moorman, Roselle (Lake Park) - 1997

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 21.36 – David Washington, Melrose Park (Walther Lutheran) - 1984

 

2021 1A Best – 22.15 – Caleb Lerus (SR), Chicago (Lycee Francais de Chicago)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 22.15 – Caleb Lerus (SR), Chicago (Lycee Francais de Chicago)

 

Preview – Caleb Lerus ran the fastest time in 1A at last week’s meet at Hope Academy. Aidan Laughery did not run this race at sectional. Lerus will be the favorite in this race. Ben Gilbert of Maroa-Forsyth and Brady Buss of St. Joseph-Ogden look to challenge for the state title. Cole Rushing of Goreville, Antonio Richardson of IC Catholic Prep, and Luke Myszka of Downs Tri-Valley will also be in the hunt for the win.

 

4x400m Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 3:13.66 – East St. Louis-Senior - 2007

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 3:19.95 – Rochester - 2010

 

2021 1A Best – 3:25.91 – Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 3:25.91 – Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

 

Preview – Harvest Christian Academy and Northridge Prep were separated by two seconds in last week’s sectional race. They should be closer on Thursday on a race that could decide the 1A team championship. Winnebago is close to both teams and the only other team under 3:30. Watch for the Indians to challenge for the win. Morrison is the defending 1A champion in this event and again will challenge for the title. Bloomington Cornerstone Christian Academy, Lena-Winslow, Shelbyville, and Riverton should be watched for in the final event of the 1A State Finals.

 

Field Events

 

High Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 2.2225m (7-3.5) – Tom Smith, Heyworth - 1985

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 2.2225m (7-3.5) – Tom Smith, Heyworth - 1985

 

2021 1A Best – 2.03m (6-8) – Drew Hurelbrink (JR), Macon (Meridian)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 2.03m (6-8) – Drew Hurelbrink (JR), Macon (Meridian)

 

Preview – Drew Hurelbrink is the hot athlete in this event having cleared 6-4 or higher in five meets this season. Trenton Coulter of Mercer County and Jadon Robertson of Cowden-Herrick have seasonal bests of 6-6 and could be the top challengers to Hurelbrink. Jace McWhorter of Brownstown, Cameron Russell of Indian Creek, and Beau Edwards of Arcola ae also jumpers to watch for in this meet.

 

Pole Vault

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 5.334m (17-6) – Zachery Bradford, Bloomington - 2018

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 5.08m (16-8) – Kyle Kruthoff, Erie - 2019

 

2021 1A Best – 4.57m (15-0) – Ridge Willard (JR), Bloomington (Cornerstone Christian Academy)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 4.50m (14-9.25) – Ridge Willard (JR), Bloomington (Cornerstone Christian Academy)

 

Preview – Ridge Willard has a seasonal best of 15-0 and will be tough to beat on Thursday. Dustin Roberts of Carlinville and Will Carlisle of Litchfield are the only athletes over 14-0 this season. Ivan Favila of Urbana University and Charlie Gentle of Maroa-Forsyth are some of the athletes to challenge for a top five finish.

 

Shot Put

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 20.9296m (68-8) – John Meyer, Lockport (Township) - 2018

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 19.3548m (63-6) – Matt Maddox, Girard - 1997

 

2021 1A Best – 17.14m (56-2.75) – Hayden Knott (SR), St. Joseph-Ogden

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 16.54m (54-4) – Hayden Knott (SR), St. Joseph-Ogden

 

Preview – Hayden Knott and Luke Hatten of Lebanon are the class of this event. Knott has gone over 54 feet four times this season 56-2.75 his best at Rantoul at the beginning of May. Hatten has a similar record as Knott. He has a 55-11.25 best and has gone past 55 feet two of his last three meets. Jacob Rollins of Auburn has a best of 53-0 and is the closest to the two that are ahead of the rest. Daniel Lucas of Cowden Herrick and Kyle Uhl of Flanagan lead the rest of the field.

 

Discus

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 62.7634m (205-11) – AJ Epenesa, Edwardsville - 2016

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 58.8772m (193-2) – Alex Thompson, Winnebago - 2010

 

2021 1A Best – 53.70m (176-2.25) – Hayden Knott (SR), St. Joseph-Ogden

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 49.83m (163-5.75) – Jake Hewitt (SR), Alton (Marquette)

 

Preview – Jake Hewitt’s sectional leading throw of 163-5 is only the fifth best throw in Class 1A this season. Hayden Knott, Luke Hatten of Lebanon, Garrett Taylor of Salt Fork, and Jake Carter of Gillespie have gone longer in 2021 in this classification. Hewitt’s sectional throw was three feet farther than Knott’s sectional best of 160-11. This event should be wide-open.

 

Long Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 7.62635m (25-0.25) – Ja’Mari Ward, Cahokia - 2015

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 7.366m (24-2) – Babatunde Ridley, Carlinville - 1996

 

2021 1A Best  - 6.89m (22-7.25) – Sam Roszak (SR), Winnetka (North Shore Country Day)

 

2021 1A Sectional Best - 6.61m (21-8.25) – Sam Roszak (SR), Winnetka (North Shore Country Day)

 

Preview – Sam Roszak is one of three athletes that has gone past 22-0 this season. Cabott Craft of St. Thomas More has gone past that mark but only jumped 20-0.25 in his sectional meet win. Jadon Robertson of Cowden-Herrick is the third and will challenge for the win. Will Ross of Waverly and Kreeden Allen of Rushville-Industry will also challenge for the win.

 

Triple Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 15.5702m (51-1) – Cameron Ruiz, Lake Villa (Lakes) - 2017

 

IHSA Class 1A State Meet Record – 15.4686m (50-9) – Mike Conley, Chicago (Luther South) - 1981

 

2021 1A Best – 14.06m (46-1.5) – Will Ross (SR), Waverly

 

2021 1A Sectional Best – 13.69m (44-11) – Will Ross (SR), Waverly

 

Preview – Will Ross is the class of these qualifiers having jumped more than two feet farther than the rest of the field. Cameron Russell of Indian Creek, David Arney of Riverdale, and Ja’Kyan Shanklin of Athens will be the chief competition for the second spot. Cross finished seventh in state as a sophomore in 2019.

 

TEAMS TO FOLLOW

 

Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

 

Qualifiers: Total = 10; 8 Individuals, 2 Relays

 

Outlook – Can a team win a state championship where the bulk of their points come in the distance events? Harvest Christian Academy has quality points in the three distance events to challenge for the 1A state title. Mathew Olech is one of the favorites in both the 3200 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run. Hayden Colclasure will be one of the favorites in the 800 Meter Run. He will also anchor the quartet that will be one of the favorites in the 4x800m Relay. The Lions also are the top seed in the 4x400m Relay where they could also score major points in that event. Daniel Winkelman should score some big points for his team in both the 3200 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run. Daniel Dolby could score his team points in the Triple Jump. Alex Powell could also score points in that event. Cannon Lambert could pick some points in the 400 Meter Dash.

 

St. Joseph-Ogden

 

Qualifiers: Total = 11; 7 Individuals, 4 Relays

 

Outlook – The Spartans have a good chance of returning home with a trophy. It could be a championship trophy that they leave Charleston with. Hayden Knott has been king of the rings all season in Class 1A. The senior will be the favorite in both the Shot Put and the Discus. Brady Buss should score big points in the 200 Meter Dash and be within the mix to get some points for his team in the 100 Meter Dash. Brandon Mattsey has a shot to score points in the 800 Meter Run. The Spartans qualified in all four relay events. They will be the favorites in the 4x100m  Relay and 4x200m Relay. They should also be among the top nine in the 4x400m Relay and 4x800m Relay.

 

Niles (Northridge Prep)

 

Qualifiers: Total = 9; 7 Individuals, 2 Relays

 

Outlook – This team is like Harvest Christian Academy where they will need to rely on their distance qualifies. The Knights will be favorite in both the 4x400m Relay and 4x800m Relay. Andrew Brockmeier will be part of those relays. He will also be the favorite in the 800 Meter Run. Aidan Martin could be in the top nine in the 400 Meter Dash. It would be a bonus if Kambi Obioha also scored in that event. Max Elder could be among the top nine runners in the 3200 Meter Run.

 

El Paso-Gridley

 

Qualifiers: Total = 13; 9 Individuals, 4 Relays

 

Outlook – The Titans have the numbers to challenge for a trophy advancing 13 to Thursday’s 1A Finals. Kollin Schlipf will be one of the favorites in the 110 High Hurdles. He should also be among the point scorers in the 300 Meter Hurdles. Drew Elston could be among the top finishers in the Discus. El Paso-Gridley could pick up points in both the 4x800m Relay and 4x400m Relay. Asa Smith will be among the top runners in the 800 Meter Run. Smith will also help his team with points in both the longer relays. Sebastian Meyer and Nathan DeMarb may score points in the 1600 Meter Run.

 

Rushville-Industry

 

Qualifiers: Total = 11; 8 Individuals, 3 Relays

 

Outlook – It could be field events and relays where Rushville-Industry scores their points. Tyler Bickerman should be one of the top finishers in the 800 Meter Run. Kreeden Allen might score points in the 200 Meter Dash. Allen will be among the favorites in the Long Jump. Dez Cardoza should score in both the Shot Put and Discus. Rushville-Industry qualified for three relays. Their best bet to score points is in the 4x200m Relay.

 

Catlin (Salt Fork)

 

Qualifiers: Total = 8, 6 Individuals, 2 Relays

 

Outlook – There is not much wiggle room for the Storm in this meet if they want to finish among the first three teams. Nathan Kirby will be among the top scorers in the 100 High Hurdles. He could also finish in the top nine in the 300 Meter Hurdles. Garrett Taylor could pick up big points in the Discus and score in the Shot Put. Salt Fork is the top seed in the 4x100m Relay and will be the race favorite. They are also seeded #2 in the 4x200m Relay where they could go for the win.