ONU 1A/2A Preview

Out of all the events in the 1A/2A ONU Classic, the mid-distance fields are going to be the most competitive. We could see an early season State rematch between 800m Silver medalist, #2 Evan White of Rockford Christian, and the Bronze medalist, #3 Joe Faris of Dwight. While Faris opens his season this week, White has shown great fitness this early in the season with his 2:00.5 recently. If put together, this matchup can result in some crazy sub-2 minute performances. Rockford Christian’s Blake Lindberg and #8 Julien Honeyville could also come together to form a solid 4x800 to put up against Morris. Although #7 Cuyler Swanson is opening up his season with only a 4x800m, we know he will still be able to compete with the 3200m competition, as his surprise 4th place finish in last year’s state meet from a slower heat shows he knows when he needs to peak. Everett Swanson is also only entered in the 4x800m, but we can assume he has the same plan as his brother heading into the season. Coming off his 400m win at the Circuit, #9 Matthew Hardwell of Rantoul looks to compete alongside the Chicago Hope Academy sprinters. #1 Graham Meister of Dwight also makes an appearance, potentially setting up another State Champion season. On the girls side, #2 Klarke Goranson of Manteno is going to be unchallenged in distance, as she has already dropped a wicked 4:59 2 weeks ago. #1 Reagen Bishop of Eureka will seamlessly continue her official undefeated season this year in pole vault. Also from Eureka, #8 Sophia Watson’s 400m is mostly unmatched, but there could be an unexpected challenge from Morris’ Ava Conley, which may result in a sub 1-minute duel.