2026 Boys Conference - Tuesday Previews

Mid Illini

The Mid Illini Conference is one of the best 2A distance conferences in the state, and we are set to see an electric 4x8 today. Metamora ran an incredible 7:48 last week to take the IL #3 spot in the 4x8. That exact relay is on the relay card for today, and they will have some great competition from Morton. Morton has listed their A-squad, with Abe Martin, Keyston Beyer, Joe Anders, and Campbell Akers all appearing on the relay card for this afternoon. Martin and Beyer are both incredible 800 runners in their own regard, but Anders and Akers just recently broke the 2 minute barrier. With these new additions to the sub 2 club, Morton could be able to compete with a powerhouse like Metamora. In the open 800, we are going to see a great matchup between Ben Gorsage and Zach Born. Although they are separated by division, these two have a great rivalry brewing as to who is the best 800 runner in the class of 2027. Both runners have run 1:52 this season, and both runners are undefeated against Illinois competition in the 800. The last time they met was during the indoor season, where Gorsage came out on top with a 1:54 over Born’s 1:55. This will be a strong rematch between the two for the Mid Illini Conference title. In the sprints, the main event to watch will be the 100. Jaiduan Cranford of Metamora is the narrow favorite with his seed time of 10.59. He will do his absolute best to suppress the duo from Bartonville Limestone, DJ Brooks and Logan Smallwood. Both BL runners have broken 10.70 this season, it should be a close race for the win. In the field, the standout athlete is Patrick Peterson of Dunlap. Peterson has been a tyrant in the Central Illinois throws arena, where he has only lost twice and only by a matter of inches. Peterson has put up some colossal numbers this season, with a devious 67’ 7” shot put and a wild 195’ 8” in the discus. He will be well ahead of his paygrade here, it should lead to two easy wins.