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The CYUP Misfits Invite Presented By Hoka Looks To Be The Main Meet This Indoor Season

Writer's picture: Carson VittorioCarson Vittorio

Updated: Jan 17



The CYUP Misfits Invite Presented By HOKA is finally here. The meet has now moved to a two-day format with many of the Mile and 2 Mile races now taking place Friday evening and the rest of the meet taking place on Saturday. Overall this looks to be the best year for this elite meet and will be the biggest high school invite to take place on Illinois soil this indoor season. This meet will produce great action and great festivities thanks to CYUP and HOKA!



Friday January 17th

6:30pm - High School 2 Mile (Outside Top 18 Entries)

Girls

Klaire EIghner of Maroa-Forsyth (IL) was 13th at the IHSA 1A State Meet in 17:30 in Cross Country. She made her season debut two weeks ago when she ran 11:26 in the 2 Mile at the KYA HS Indoor Classic. She is the favorite in this race. Elizabeth Garrett of Palatine (IL) ran 11:32 in a 2 Mile during XC which was on grass. She finished 124th at the cross country State meet her freshman year. Paityn Brady of Sacred Heart-Griffin (IL) will be running her first-ever 2-mile on the track here this weekend. The freshman star was 12th at the IHSA 1A State Meet in cross country this fall. She could be a sneaky name to watch in the field. Anastasia Buske of Wisconsin Lutheran (WI) will be a name to watch in this event. The sophomore ran 5:28.46 for the full mile at the Gately Park Open in early December. She is coming off an excellent XC season where she was 9th at WIAA D1 State.


Boys

Caleb Mathias of Champaign Central (IL) ran 14:49 for 3 Miles this Cross Country and looks focused on running something fast here. He ran 9:27.57 at Distance Night in Palatine for the 3200m which got him the fastest seed in the field. Brady Norman of Riverside-Brookfield (IL) had a good year in 2024 that started when he qualified for the IHSA 3A State Meet in the 3200m. He finished the year as he took 77th at the IHSA 3A State Meet for Cross Country. Tre Dammen of Monroe (WI) is one of the top-seeded runners in this field. He was 6th place at the Wisconsin State Meet in the 3200m last spring and was 3rd at the State Meet this fall. He could pop off something impressive here. Simon Lane of Chicago University (IL) had a great season last spring that was highlighted by an all-state finish in the 3200m at the IHSA 2A State Meet running 9:35. He also had a great mark in the 1600m of 4:24. He followed that track season up with another all-state effort at the IHSA 2A State Meet in Cross Country where he ran 14:47 for 3 miles. He could run close to 9:25 here if he has kept up his conditioning since XC. Gavin Rodgers of Edwardsville (IL) was one of the most improved runners in Illinois this past fall. He went from not qualifying for the IHSA 3A State Meet in the spring to running 14:35 this year in the 3 mile and placing 41st at the State Cross Country Meet. Carson Kaiser of Kaneland (IL) will run his first ever 2 Mile on the track here Kaneland's freshman phenom ran one of the fastest times we have ever seen at Detweiller Park from a freshman with his 14:41 mark at the 2A State Meet. He has a great pedigree as he ran 4:29 in Junior High for the 1600m, which makes this a very interesting name to watch here. Thomas Jochum of Glenbard South (IL) garnered the attention of many when he won the Freshman Mile at Distance Night In Palatine last spring. After a massive developmental jump this Cross Country season, Jochum is now a household name as he placed 2nd at the IHSA 2A State Meet in 14:31 for 3 miles. He could potentially break 9:20 here if everything goes well.


7:25pm - Community 3000m

This is a two-person race with the favorite in the field being Roger Pinon who is the coach of the Pinon Elite Track Club. He ran 9:00.79 two years ago for the 3K at Gately and will be looking to attempt to break 9:00 here. The other runner is Anna Sophia Keller-Arroyo who is one of the most accomplished runners in Illinois history. She totaled 11 state championships during her time at Effingham St. Anthony and had a great career at Notre Dame where she ran her 3K PR of 9:37.17. It will be great seeing the great ASK back racing on Illinois soil.


7:35pm - Community Mile

The community looks to be a great race that will allow our older generation the ability to compete at the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center. David Eckhart looks to be the main man in this race with a seed time of 4:10. The former Maine South runner was an all-stater during his time in high school and went on to have a great career at the University of Illinois. He now works for Hoka and will be looking to compete in this awesome event and likely come away with a win. Graydon Rill returns to Chicago to race the Mile. Rill was formerly at Fenwick High School, but since graduating has competed unattached. He ran 4:19 for the 1600m in 2023 for Fenwick, could he run near that here or better? Aaron King looks to be one of the top runners in this race as the former 1:49 800m runner from the University of Illinois enters the meet with a seed time of 4:35. Chad Sutton enters the meet with a seed of 4:41 in the Mile. Sutton is primarily a marathoner and will be moving down a few distances to run this race.


7:35pm - High School Mile (Slower than 4:32 Boys and 5:25 Girls)

Girls

Of course, over time this meet has expanded to where it is now necessary to add another day to the meet. This gives some spotlight to a few more athletes than there normally would be. Ireland Wildhart of Prospect (IL) makes a track appearance here. Typically she races during indoor track, but outdoors she is part of Prospect's Lacrosse team. Could that change for her senior year after a great Cross Country season that saw her take 14th at the IHSA State Meet. Ava Dughetti of Lincoln-Way Central (IL) had a great track season last year that saw her run a PR of 5:24 in the 1600m. She will be near the front of the race. Molly McGreal of Trinity (IL) is an extremely intriguing name for this portion of the meet. She took 18th place at the IHSA 2A State Meet, but doesn't have that fast of a Mile PR so she will be put into a slower heat. She will be someone to watch as she will likely solo run a fast time.


Boys

Daniel Grauer of Mt. Zion (IL) is the top seed in the field for the Friday night miles! The Braves state qualifier was 44th at the cross country state meet this past fall. He is an accomplished miler as he qualified for 2A State last spring taking 22nd place. Tom Johnston of Palatine Fremd (IL) had a breakout race at this meet last year when he ran 4:39 for a massive PR at the time. He got better throughout the season which saw him end with a 4:32 PR. He is coming off a good cross-country season where he ran 15:39 for 3 miles. Could he break 4:30 here? Jay McDonald of Summit (CO) had a great freshman year that saw him run 4:40.51 for the full mile at elevation. Coming down closer to sea level will automatically make the Tigers runner faster. How much faster though? He had a great cross-country season that saw him run 15:23 for 5K. He is in shape to pop off something fast here. Gavin O'Connor of Chicago Brother Rice (IL) was one of the top runners in 2A this past Cross Country season. He was 12th at the IHSA 2A State Meet with a time of 14:47. He currently holds a PR of 4:32.09 in the 1600m and we can expect that he will run faster than that here.


Saturday January 18th

8:00am - Pole Vault

Girls

Reese Wolfe of Chatham Glenwood (IL) enters as the clear favorite to take home the Pole Vault crown. She has a PR of 13-0 in the vault which was at the Central State 8 Conference Championships. She was the State Champion at the IHSA 3A State Meet this past spring and was 8th at AAU Junior Olympics. She debuted at AAU Northern Indoor nationals where she vaulted over 10-11.75 for the win. Grace Pauli of Limestone (IL) has vaulted over 11 feet before as she sports a PR of 11-2.5 in the event. She no heighted at the state meet last spring and it seems to have motivated her as she kicked off her season with a 10-11.75 performance for 2nd at AAU Northern Indoor Nationals.


Boys

Will Viken of Rolling Meadows (IL) enters this competition as the top dog. He no heighted at the State Meet last year on Saturday, but has improved well during the off-season. He vaulted 15-10 at the Rise Winter Championships which makes him the guy to watch in this field. Ryan Stiglic of Lincoln-Way West (IL) is also a recipient of no heighting at the State Meet last spring. He has since followed that up with a 15-4 effort this winter. Isaac Roman of Crown Point (IN) is only a sophomore but will be among the names fighting for the win here. He was 6th at the Indiana State Meet last season and was the USATF Junior Olympics National Champion in the event. He has already started his season with a 15-5 win at AAU Northern Indoor Nationals and could very well win this competition. Marcus Czapar of El Paso-Gridley (IL) and Calvin Leman of Morton (IL) both add some great depth to this field with PR's around 14-6.


8:00am - Shot Put

7th-8th Mixed

Darnell Gaffney Jr. of Gary Steelers Track Club (IN) is only in 5th grade but will be the top-seeded athlete in the field. He threw 32-3.75 at AAU Northern Indoor Nationals. Alexander Fisher of Zephyrs Track Club (IL) threw 28-5.75 to take 2nd at the AAU Northern Indoor Nationals Meet. He will be the 2nd best seed in the field. Lawrence Oliver of My Best Track Club (IL) is the 3rd best seed in the field with his 25-8.5 PR.


HS Girls

Amanda Douglas of Proviso West (IL) threw 36-7.75 at the AAU Northern Indoor Nationals to win the Shot Put. She is the top seed in the field this weekend. Aubrey Phillips of El Paso-Gridley (IL) isn't typically known for her throwing prowess and more for her high jump pedigree. She picked up the Shot Put for the heptathlon in the summer. She threw 34-0.75 and will be the 2nd best seed in this field. Mirembe Muledhu of Roseville Area (MN) has only competed in the event once before this and that resulted in a 33-8.75 effort at the USATF Minnesota All Ages Meet.


HS Boys

Masson Heiny of Richmond (IN) is a thrower to watch on the boy's side with a PR of 56-2.75. He will make his season debut here. Roman Wolanin of Maine East (IL) has just slightly a better PR than Heiny with his 56-3 performance at the Hammerman Meet #4 last summer. He took 14th at the IHSA 3A State Meet and will be looking to defend his home turf here.


8:00am - Long Jump

4th-6th Girls

Alana Lewis-Curtis of Zephrys Track Club (IL) has the top seed in the 4th-6th grade girls division. She jumped 14-3.75 to obtain that status. She was 19th at AAU Junior Olympics last summer in the long jump. Josephine McGee of Wings of Glory Track Club (WI) has the next-best seed in the field with a 14-1 PR.


4th-6th Boys

Kamren Brown of Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) is still young as he is still only in 5th grade, but has shown his ability with his 18-7.25 jump at AAU Northern Indoor Nationals. Miles Thoma of Zephyrs Track Club (IL) has the 2nd best seed in the field with his 15-5 effort at the Rockford Fire Indoor Invite. He was 54th at AAU Junior Olympics this past summer.


7th-8th Girls

Mariah Woods of Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) made the jump from the Gary Steelers Track Club to her current club this past year and it's paid off as she has jumped 16-10.5 this year at AAU Northern Indoor Nationals. She will try and get another win here. K'Saundra Frison of Mann/Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) enters the meet with a PR just slightly off Woods with her 16'8.75" leap last summer. She was 21st at AAU Junior Olympics and 29th at USATF Junior Olympics in the Long Jump. Gabrielle Jones of Chicago Heights/Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) is the 3rd athlete that has the potential to win this event. She sports a PR of 16-6.5 which she jumped at AAU Northern Indoor Nationals. She was 22nd at AAU Junior Olympics this past summer.


7th-8th Boys

Skylar Watson of Madison Elite Track Club (WI) looks to make his mark in the Long Jump here. He enters the meet with a seed of 17-7.5 which happened over a month ago. He could be in line for a 18+ foot effort. Phoenix LeMier-Idris of Elgin Sharks Track Club (IL) is the next seed with his 16-8.75 PR.


HS Girls

Dominique Johnson of Huntley (IL) is one of the best long jumpers in the State as she finished 3rd at the IHSA 3A State Meet last year in the event. She is looking to make her name known more nationally in the event and has shown glimpses with her 19-6.75 PR. She needs to get over 19 feet more consistently to excel to the National promise that she is capable of. This meet could be the start of that. Olivia Dalson of Neuqua Valley (IL) beat Johnson at the IHSA 3A State Meet with her runner-up effort. She sports a PR of 19-2 and will be a top name to watch here. Daniella Riemer of Divine Savior Holy Angels (WI) has a PR of 18-11.5 entering this meet and could be in line to jump a PR this weekend. She has already eclipsed the 18-foot barrier this season when she jumped 18-1.5 at the Milwaukee Open #2. Alanna Loyd of Milwaukee Pius XI (WI) jumped 18-8 last summer but has had trouble trying to replicate that performance since. If she can rekindle that magic she had that day then she will be a name to watch in this competition. Noelle Hunt of Champaign Centennial (IL) has a PR. of 18-5.75 from her sophomore year and is trying to return to that form. She has jumped 17-8.25 already this year. She will provide some great depth to this event.


HS Boys

Kwabena Osei-Yeboah of Oak Park-River Forest (IL) was the IHSA 3A State Champion in the Long Jump in 2024. He was also an all-American in the event as he finished off his season jumping over the 24-foot mark. He is back competing at the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center this weekend. Parrish Hartley of Chicago Kenwood (IL) is a former IHSA 3A State Champion in the event when he won in 2023. He was 3rd this past spring but got much faster overall and emerged as one of the state's top sprinters. Translating that change in speed to the Long Jump can be hard at first, but after a year of training, we could see something special out of Hartley this weekend. Daniel Robinson of Neuqua Valley (IL) enters this meet with a PR of 23-3.5 which he received at his Sectional Meet last season. He placed 34th at the IHSA 3A State Meet, but injury hampered his performance there. Keith Cyracus of Plainfield North (IL) had a great jump at the SPC Conference Meet where he jumped 23-0, but was unable to rekindle that magic at the State Meet as he took 30th place. Arman Lepuzanovic of Rolling Meadows (IL) had a great indoor campaign last season which saw him jump 22-10. He jumped 23-2.5 this past outdoor season at his Sectional Meet.


Triple Jump

Girls

This going to be a highly anticipated matchup between Jordan Hamb of Chicago South Shore (IL) and Dominique Johnson of Huntley (IL) who have missed a matchup against one another due to age groups and classifications. Both athletes have obtained a PR of 41-5.75. Johnson is more decorated than Hamb who has recently picked up the event starting last year. This will be the event to watch for the field events. Courtney Burt of Chicago Whitney Young (IL) was an all-American at USATF Junior Olympics with her 6th place performance in 39-6. Kee'Lani Whitlock of Chicago Kenwood (IL) also has a PR over 39 feet with her 39-0.5 mark that got her 11th at USATF Junior Olympics. Both of these jumpers add great depth to this amazing field.


Boys

Andrew Cartier of De Pere (WI) enters this meet as the guy to watch in the Triple Jump on the guy's side. His PR of 48-5.25 is nearly 2 years better than the next-best mark. He was the Wisconsin State Champion last year in the Triple Jump. Christian Wallace of Kenosha Indian Trail (WI) will be Cartier's top competition in the state of Wisconsin this year. His 46-6.5 PR happened when he took 3rd at the Wisconsin State Meet. Jack Andersen of Rolling Meadows (IL) is the top Illinois competitor in the field with his 45-3.5 PR. He was 16th at the IHSA 3A State Meet last year and could be a name that could surprise.


High Jump

Girls

Kaylee Meyer of Schaumburg (IL) enters this meet with the top PR of the field with 5-8. She was 4th at the IHSA 3A State Meet last spring in the high jump and had a great summer that saw her finish 5th at the USATF Junior Olympics. While Meyer enters with the top seed, arguably the favorite in the field is Aubrey Phillips of El Paso-Gridley (IL). Phillips was the National Champion last year at the AAU Junior Olympics which is of course no easy feat. She enters the meet with a PR of 5-7 and has already jumped 5-5 this indoor season. Londyn Hendry of Plainfield John F. Kennedy (IL) shows us what the future holds in this event as she is only in 8th grade. She has jumped 5-5 already this indoor season and could turn some heads and win this event if everything goes right. Teammates Layla Bonilla and Phoenix Higginbottom of Chicago Whitney Young (IL) both hold PRs of 5-4 in this event. They provide some nice additional depth to this field.


Boys

Taelor Clements of Yorkville (IL) enters this meet with a seed mark of 6'6.75. He has jumped over 6-5 a total of 3 times and is very consistent. He finished 7th at the IHSA 3A State Meet last spring. Kyle Brents of Dundee-Crown (IL) enters the meet with a PR of 6-5 which happened last spring at the Fox Valley Conference Meet. He was 16th at the IHSA 3A State Meet. He is ready to go for this meet as he jumped 6-4 at the Rockford Fire Indoor Invite in mid-December. Braylon Brown of Ypsilanti Lincoln (MI) will also have an opportunity to win this competition. He jumped 6-6 last season which is his PR. He is ready to go for this meet as he has already jumped 6-4 this winter.


8:00am - MS Mile

4th-6th Girls

Callie Ding of Barrington Station/Palatine Pack (IL) had a fantastic first year in the sport as she was 17th at the IESA 4A State Championships in cross country. She ran a 5:44.65 1600m this past winter which has caused her to have the top seed. Chloe Crim of Shorewood Troy/Aurora Flyers (IL) is entered with a seed of 5:46, but is much better than that mark. Her PR in the 1500m was last year at AAU Junior Olympics when she took 3rd in 5:03.93. That converts to a 5:26 1600m which is the best performance the field has to offer. She was 4th at the IESA 4A State Championships this past fall. She is the favorite in the field and could run something special. Maren Castelli of Chicago St. Benedict/Pinon Elite Track Club (IL) is not a very experienced miler but her PR of 5:47 for the full mile is only her 2nd recorded Mile time. She is an extremely talented runner who ran 12:41 for 2 Miles this past fall for cross country.


4th-6th Boys

Samuel Pagnotto of Arlington Heights South (IL) will be the top seed in this field with his 5:32 that he ran in December for Palatine Pack. He ran at both the IESA 4A State Championships and at USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics. Can he keep his momentum rolling into 2025 with a win? Zayn Sutton of Chicago Flyers Track Club (IL) will be in contention for a win here as well with his PR of 5:21 in the 1500m from last summer where he was 24th at AAU Junior Olympics. Emmet Voyles of Palatine Pack (IL) is only in 5th grade but will be a name to watch in this race. He won at AAU Northern Indoor Nationals in the 1500m with a 5:16. That converts to a 5:39 1600m. He could pull off another win at the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center here.


7th-8th Girls

This will be worth the early morning wake-up call as this will be the best Mile field that we will witness this year at the junior high level in Illinois. This star-studded field promises to excite. Sarah Foad of Pleasant Valley/Mississippi Valley Track (IA) has made a name for herself on the national scene at the AAU Junior Olympics as she was 6th in the 1500m last summer. She ran an impressive 4:49 for 1500m which converts to a 5:10 1600m. She overall has garnered many all-American honors and even a few national titles over the years. Chloe Wettstein of Lake Zurich South/Palatine Pack (IL) has gotten through a massive last 6 months of development where her PR in the 1600m went from 5:32 to 5:13. That 5:13 happened in December so we know she is ready to go for this race. She was 2nd at the IESA 3A State Championships in cross country and 10th at USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics. She is ready to run a fast mile here. Lennox Szymonik of Hampshire/Elgin Sharks Track (IL) is another all-American that is in this field as she was 7th last summer in the 1500m at the AAU Junior Olympics in 4:58 which converts to 5:20 for 1600m. Her most impressive race last year had to be her 3K though where she was National Runner-Up with a PR of 10:30. That's a 11:16 3200m conversion. Audrey Dickinson of Illini Bluffs/1ne Motion Athletic Corp Club (IL) is another state champion in this field as she was the IESA 2A State Champion in the 400m, 800m, and 1600m this past spring. She has run well in the few meets that she has run this indoor season and will finally be challenged in this star-studded field. Hunter Dias of Chicago Latin/Pinion Elite Track Club (IL) was 3rd at the IESA 3A State Championships last year in the 1600m with a new PR of 5:21.21. She is one of the top returning milers in the state and will be a name to watch in this field. Abigail Kocher of Lake Zurich South/Palatine Pack (IL) cannot be ignored in this field. She ran 5:22 in December for the 1600m and will be in the chase pack of this race.


7th-8th Boys

This field is one of the best fields that you will see all year with many athletes being capable of breaking the 5:00 barrier and having almost all of the top-end talent. Brayden Domont of Bourbonnais (IL) looks to be a star of the future with a very impressive 2024 Cross Country season. He was crowned the IESA 4A State Champion with a time of 10:08, but his most impressive performance came at USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics where he was National Runner-Up in 12:06 for 4K! That is arguably one of the best performances in history for a Junior High Boy from Illinois. Maybe even the best. Abram Garcia of Polo Aplington/Dixon Distance (IL) was the IESA 1A State Champion in the 800m and 1600m. He won the 1600m in a PR effort of 4:40 which is very impressive for a 7th grader. He had a great cross country season where he was the IESA 1A State Champion in cross country and an all-American at USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics. Ethan Carter of Dixon Reagan/Dixon Distance (IL) was runner-up to Domont last year at the State Meet running 4:41.63. He was the IESA 3A State Champion in cross country and was 6th at USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics. He will be trying to beat his friends and rivals here in this race. Alrik Swan of Chicago St. Matthias/MiniCRR (IL) has been the bridesmaid three separate times at the state meet recently and will looking finally break out onto his own and get some career-defining wins. Could he get that here? He has a PR of 4:42 in this event so he is someone to watch.


9:10am - High School 60H Prelims

Girls

The hurdles certainly look to be exciting with Carrie Vannoy of Oak Park (MI) leading the charge. Her 60H PR is from last winter when she ran 8.69 at the MITS State Finals. She has already run 8.79 this season so far which is pretty good for the 14.13 100H runner. She was 4th in the 100H at AAU Junior Olympics. Jordan Hamb of Chicago South Shore (IL) is the favorite to win this event coming into the meet. She had a phenomenal year last season in the 100H with her 13.71 PR that she ran to be Runner-Up at USATF Junior Olympics. She broke the 14-second barrier a total of 5 times. It will be hard seeing anyone being able to beat her here on her home turf. Payton Gee is a freshman at Oak Park (MI) and will be looking to make an impact in this race. She already has run 8.87 in the event this indoor season and is an accomplished middle school hurdler. She was 6th at AAU Junior Olympics and ran 14.43 over the 33-inch 100H. Simone Bernard of Chicago Whitney Young (IL) adds depth to this event as an accomplished hurdler. She dropped a PR of 14.18 in the summer over the 100H and finished 19th at USATF Junior Olympics.


Boys

John Peters of Merrillville (IN) looks to be the favorite to win this event at the Misfits Invite with the only hurdler with a PR under 8 seconds in the 60H. He ran 7.92 to take 2nd at the Hoosier State Relays. His 110H PR is 14.06 which makes him a very accomplished hurdler and the guy to watch in this race. Kieran Barnewall of Chesterton (IN) had an excellent year in 2024 where he ran 8.16 in the 60H and 14.23 in the 110H. He was 3rd at the Indiana State Meet and will be a guy who can win if Peters slips up. Maxwell St. Clair of West Allis Nathan Hale (WI) has been running excellently this indoor season with him already achieving a mark of 8.22 in the event. He was 6th at the Wisconsin State Meet last year.


9:30am - 60m Prelims

4th-6th Girls

Riley Young of Legacy Runner Athletic Club (IL) is the top seed in this division of the 60m with her 8.27 mark from the Rockford Fire Invite. She won at AAU Northern Indoor Nationals a few weeks ago and could win at the same venue again here. Kennedi Williamson of Legacy Runner Athletic Club (IL) was the star of the show a few weeks ago at AAU Northern Nationals as she won the 60m, 200m, and 400m. She has a PR of 8.39 and is only in 5th grade. Young got the win over Williamson at the Akinosun Elite Invite. These two will battle for the win here once again.


4th-6th Boys

Jeremiah Williams of Milwaukee Speed Academy (WI) is the top seed entering this meet with his 8.23 60m that he ran at the Rockford Fire Indoor Invite. He was 64th at AAU Junior Olympics in the 100m last summer. Miles Thoma of Zephyrs Track Club (IL) will be someone to watch in this field as he has a PR of 8.44 in the 60m. He took 47th at AAU Junior Olympics last summer.


7th-8th Girls

The 7th-8th Girls 60m will be an excellent race, much like every middle school sprint race up to this point in the year at Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center. We see two superstar junior high sprinters going head-to-head here. Eniece Danzy of Chicago Beasley/Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) is a multi-time all-American on the AAU and USATF scenes. She sports a PR of 7.99 in the 60m and 12.14 in the 100m. She is due for a big breakout race here soon and they week could be the week that she finally gets it. Gabrielle McKinney of Kenwood/University of Chicago Track Club (IL) has had some epic battles with Danzy over the past few years. She has a PR of 8.00 and just barely lost to Danzy at AAU Northern Indoor Nationals. They once again go to battle here for what will surely be another great matchup. Other great athletes will be competing in the 7th-8th grade 60m. Kyndoll Brooks of Milwaukee Mustangs (WI) ran 8.02 in the 60m at the Gately Park Open in early December. She is a very good sprinter who could throw her name into the hat if McKinney or Danzy falter. Lana McKendree of Barrington Prairie/Palatine Pack (IL) was the IESA 4A State Runner-Up in the 100m and has a mark of 12.73 to her name. She has already run 8.09 in the 60m. She was 17th at New Balance Outdoor Nationals in the 100m last summer. Another name to keep an eye on is Mariah Woods of Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) who sports a PR of 8.17 in the 60m. She adds some great depth to this field which will surely be an event worth the wait.


7th-8th Boys

Skylar Watson of Madison Elite Track Club (WI) is the top seed in this division of the 60m. He ran 7.50 to win the Gately Park Open in early December and will be looking to obtain another victory here. Ricardo Naklielski-Torres of Milwaukee Speed Academy (WI) is the 2nd best seed in the field with his 7.66 and Regan Aten of Chatham Glenwood/Bulletproof Athletics Club (IL) is the 3rd best seed in the field with his 7.75


HS Girls

The 60m has been quiet as of late with not any big performances happening up to this point in the season, we could finally see that breakthrough here. Angelena Bullocks of Chicago Whitney Young (IL) is the favorite coming into the meet with the top seed of 7.51 which she ran at the CPS Championships last year. She was an all-American in the 100m last year when she took 5th at USATF Junior Olympics. She was the IHSA 3A State Runner-Up in the 100m. Kee'Lani Whitlock of Chicago Kenwood (IL) will be in a close battle with her club teammate for the win here. She sports a PR of 7.54 in the 60m and has run 11.80 in the 100m. She was 5th at the IHSA 3A State Meet last spring. Rounding out the rest of the top names in the field look to be some quality sprinters. Kyenret Rinkam of Brookfield Central (WI) has had a great start to her indoor campaign as she has obtained a PR of 7.53 in the 60m at the Akinosun Invite. She is undefeated at this track in the 60m this year and can potentially retain her streak here. She was 4th at AAU Junior Olympics last year in the 100m and has a PR of 11.97 in the event. Courtney McDonald of Plainfield East (IL) was hurt to start this indoor campaign but looked to be back on track at the Akinosun Invite with her 7.69 effort. She has a PR of 7.62 in this event and could run faster than that this weekend. Annabelle Coudron of Wisconsin Lutheran (WI) has a PR of 12.05 in the 100m and ran 7.72 in the 60m last year. She was 3rd at the Wisconsin State Meet and will be in the mix for a top 3 finish.


HS Boys

The Boys 60m will be a moment for many of the state's top sprinters and some outsiders to make a name for themselves as 7 guys all have chances to take home the win here. Daniel Robinson of Neuqua Valley (IL) is the co-top seed in this field with his 6.93 mark that he ran at the DuPage Valley Conference meet in 2024. He returns to the same track that he won AAU Northern Indoor Nationals at and will look to be a champion again. Harley Rizzs of St. Laurence (IL) is the defending IHSA 2A State Champion in the 100m last spring and is the co-top seed with Robinson. He was undefeated in the 100m for the entire outdoor season and will be looking to kick off his senior year with a bang. Sean O'Byrne of Homestead (WI) just recently ran at the Morolake Akinosun Elite Invite and will be making another trip to Chicago. He ran 6.95 last year which is his PR in the 60m. He was 4th at the Wisconsin State Meet for the 100m. It takes a bit for Evan Smith of IC Catholic (IL) to get going as he chases running sub 7 for the 60m once again. He ran 6.97 last indoor season but hasn't been near that yet this year. He could make his jump early and run something big here. Parrish Hartley of Chicago Kenwood (IL) stepped into his own as a sprinter in the outdoor season of 2024 as he ran 10.67 in the 100m. His PR in the 60m is 7.03, but he is much faster than that. Christian Ortiz of Hamilton Southeastern (IN) is more known for his running in the 200m and 400m, but has a PR of 7.02 in the 60m. He was part of the 4x100m team that won the Indiana State Title this last year. Austin Rowswell of Lincoln-Way West (IL) returns to the track after injury kept him out for all of 2024. According to his coach, he is ready to get back into the mix of things. He ran 10.88 as a sophomore in the 100m and could be a potential top dude in this race.


11:15am - 600m Run

4th-6th Girls

Londyn West of Aurora Flyers (IL) has run 2:35 already in the 800m which is the 2nd fastest 800m PR in the field. She finished 10th at AAU Junior Olympics in the 800m last year and will be the name to watch in this race. Micah Lewis of Elgin Sharks Track Club (IL) has run 1:04.01 in the 400m already this season, you expect that even if you add an extra 200m, she will be one of the names to watch here. Maren Castelli of Chicago St. Benedict/Pinon Elite Track Club (IL) ran 2:32 in the 800m last year which is the fastest mark in the field. She is much improved from last year and just might be the favorite in the field. Callie Ding of Barrington Station/Palatine Pack (IL) had a great cross-country season, running 12:15 for 2 miles. She could be a name that sneaks up on people in this race.


4th-6th Boys

Woods Zucchi of Milwaukee Speed Academy (WI) enters as the top seed in the field and has a PR of 2:47 in the 800m this winter. He will be looking for his 2nd win of the season at this venue. Aston Jensen of Milwaukee Speed Academy (WI) is the 2nd fastest seed in the field and sports an 800m PR of 2:55. Logic Zucchi of Milwaukee Speed Academy (WI) has run 2:54 for the 800m and will be trying to throw his name into the pot for the win here.


7th-8th Girls

Sophie Menker of Lake Orion St. Joseph/Motor City Track Club (MI) is a very accomplished 8th grader who will look to run away with this race. She has PRs of 59.12 in the 400m and 2:16.72 in the 800m which is the perfect brew for a great 600m. She is a multi-time all-American who brings much experience to this race. She has already run a 600m this year where her time was 1:38.71, she will be faster than that this weekend. Chloe Wettstein of Lake Zurich South/Palatine Pack (IL) ran 2:29 in the 800m in 2024 and that garnered her all-state honors with an 8th place finish. She made big developments over the cross country season which would lead you to believe that she could be a potential top contender in this race. Audrey Dickinson of Illini Bluffs/1ne Motion Athletic Corp Club (IL) ran 2:24 in the 800m last spring. She has one of the fastest 800m PR's in the field which makes her a key athlete to watch in this field. She was the IESA 2A State Champion in both the 400m and 800m last year. Madeline Serur of Arlington Heights Thomas/Palatine Pack (IL) was 14th at the IESA 4A State Meet and will be a top name in this field after a massive developmental year in XC. She ran 1:02 in the 400m last year, if you take that 400m speed and add the new aerobic base that she has from XC, that spells great for the 600m distance.


7th-8th Boys

Evan Berryman of Lake Shore/Milwaukee Speed Academy (WI) is the top seed in the field and that is due to his very impressive 400m where his PR is 55.50. He was 26th at AAU Junior Olympics this past summer in the 400m. Jax Barton of Chatham Glenwood/Bulletproof Athletics (IL) has a PR of 2:11.80 in the 800m which is a very impressive mark and makes him a top contender in this field due to it. He was 5th at IESA 4A State Meet in the 800m. Luca Nims of Bourbonnais (IL) looks to be the favorite in this field. He was 4th in this event a year ago and has a PR of 2:09 in the 800m which got him 2nd at the IESA 4A State Meet.


HS Girls

The Girls 600m looks to be a key event of the weekend with a lot of talent under 56 in the 400m and 2:10 in the 800m. Ellie Barada of Bloomington South (IN) is the fastest girl in the 800m in the field with her 2:06.87 PR from the Indiana State Meet where he was 2nd place. She has some speed to her as well as she has covered 400m in 56.78. Janae Coleman of Oak Park (MI) is only a freshman and is already a very experienced runner on the AAU circuit. She is fast as she sports the fastest 400m PR in the field of 54.53 and has run excellently in the 800m with her 2:09.02 mark from last year. She was AAU Junior Olympics Runner-Up in both the 400m and 800m. Layla Jordan of Goodrich (MI) was an AAU Champion this past summer in the 1500m and 5th in the 800m. The Michigan 800m State Champion will look to attack this race from more of an endurance-based approach. She has a PR of 2:07.85 which is blistering for the 800m. Dayshana Kellogg of Oak Park (MI) will be one of the top athletes in this field. The combination of her 55.56 400m speed and 2:12.57 800m endurance makes a good combo for a fast 600m. She was Runner-Up at the Michigan State Meet in the 400m and State Champion in both the 4x200m and 4x400m relays. Daniella Bumber of Henry-Senachwine (IL) is another speedster who will be trying to make an impact in the 600m. She was the IHSA 1A State Runner-Up in the 400m last spring. She also runs cross country which she covered 3 miles in 18:53 this fall.


HS Boys

Over the first few years of the Misfits Invite, the 600m was the premier event with the current National Record set by Will Sumner happening at the event. This year the event looks to once again be a fantastic field of athletes. Caleb Winders of Bloomington North (IN) enters this meet as the name to watch in this field as he has already run 1:53 this indoor season. He has a PR of 1:49.74 in the 800m and was 5th at New Balance Outdoor Nationals & Runner-Up at the Indiana State Meet in the event. He is more of an endurance 800m runner which is obvious by his 4:13.69 1600m PR. Expect him to grind out this 600m. Mason Schmitz of Hamilton Southeastern (IN) is also making the trip from the Hoosier State to Chicago. He is one of the quickest runners in the field with his 48.99 PR in the 400m. He is also a great 800m runner with him being the USATF Junior Olympics Champion in it. Owen Horeni of Yorkville (IL) looks to defend his home turf in this race and get a massive win for his career. Horeni was 4th at the IHSA 3A State Meet in the 800m in 2024 and followed that up with an amazing cross-country season where he ran 14:28 for 3 miles. He is fit and could pop off something fast here. Gabriel Olson of Oak Creek (WI) is the fastest 400m runner in the field which instantly makes him a top guy to watch in this race. He was 5th at the Wisconsin State Meet in the summer.


12:35pm - 60H Finals

  • Field TBD in Prelims


12:45pm - 60m Finals

  • Field TBD in Prelims


12:55pm - High School Mile (Under 4:32 Boys and 5:25 Girls)

Girls

These miles before the highly anticipated HOKA Mile will look to shine a light on some of the best-rising stars in the nation here. Elise Hagen of Niwot (CO) returns to Illinois as she ran her Junior High career at the Latin School of Chicago. She was 12th at the Colorado State Meet in the 1600m. She had a great cross-country part of one of the best teams in the nation. Jane Lynch of Loyola Academy (IL) ran 4:58 last summer at Magis Miles and will be looking to run better here than she did in the HOKA Mile last year. She was all-state in the 3200m last track season. Klarke Goranson of Manteno (IL) is only a freshman but ran 5:05 as an 8th grader. After a great cross country, you would expect Goranson to be in great shape to PR here. There will be a lot of Girls trying to dip under the 5:00 barrier in these races. Molly Mocko of St. Petronille/Zephrys Track Club (IL) was moved up into this race with her 5:06 mark from New Balance Outdoor Nationals. She ran that when she was only in 6th grade and the now 7th grader has a lengthy resume already including an AAU Junior Olympics National Championship in the 1500m. She won her 2nd IESA XC State Title this past fall. She also sports a PR of 2:22 in the 800m. She runs with the high schoolers this weekend.


Boys

The Boys Mile sections are looking to be extremely very competitive with many athletes being very close to one another's PRs. Gabe McLain of Benton (IL) was 3rd at the IHSA 2A State Meet in the 1600m and will be running his first 1600m since then. He ran 4:15.63 last year in the event. Elias Arbuckle of Dallas Center-Grimes (IA) ran 4:15.69 in the 1600m in 2024. He was 6th at the Iowa State Meet and will be another name of many to watch. Spencer Alf of McFarland (WI) may be scratching this event to prepare for the 1K, but if he doesn't then he could run a great mark here. He has run 1:54 in his career for the 800m so he can take the win if this comes down to a sit-and-kick race. Rory Gaan of Palatine Fremd (IL) had an injury derail the end of his track season in 2024. He had a great end to his cross country and will be looking to build off that here in his track season debut. He ran 4:16.14 for the 1600m and 9:09.37 for the 3200m during the outdoor season. Asher Oates of Independence (TN) is expected to be the top guy to watch in this field. He was 20th at Foot Locker Nationals this cross country season and ran 8:58 in the 2 Mile also during the xc season. He made massive strides forward and looks primed to run a quick time here. Sean Reith of Cloverleaf (OH) was the nation's top junior high runner last year with his 4:17.36 coming from 8th grade. He was both the Brooks PR Champion and RunningLane Champion in 2024 and will be running his first race in almost a month. Max Malloy of Elkhart (IN) has already run 4:17 this indoor season and looks primed to be ready for a breakout performance here. Calvin Seitz of Jasper (IN) ran 4:17 as a freshman. He will be making his season debut here.


1:45pm - High School HOKA Mile

Outlook

The HOKA Mile is a great event that brings together some of the best runners in the country to converge on the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center for a great race between them in the Mile run. This year is the fastest the field has ever been on both sides and will be the #1 event of the meet. HOKA puts all the kids in the race into a state-of-the-art uniform as they compete at the highest level.


Girls

Elin Latta of South Texas Heat Homeschool (TX) ran in the HOKA Mile last year as an 8th grader as she broke the 5:00 barrier. After that, she continued to progress until she ran 4:45 in 8th grade for 1600m and 10:23 for 3200m. She already has had a great start to her high school career with an appearance at Nike Cross Nationals where she just missed all-American status with a 23rd place finish. Elyse Wilmes of Father Tolton Regional Catholic (MO) also sports a PR of 4:45, but will run this race a much different way than Latta. She has PRs of 56.96 in the 400m and 2:04.92 in the 800m, she is the fastest athlete in the field based on 400m and 800m PRs. She was the New Balance Outdoor Nationals Champion in the 800m and was the Missouri State Champion in the 800m and 1600m. Jessie Jazwinski of Shelby (MI) made her 3rd trip out to Foot Locker Nationals this past year, while it wasn't the finish that she would have liked, expect a very motivated Jazwinski to race here. She has a PR of 4:46 in the 1600m and was 10th in 2024 at New Balance Outdoor Nationals in the event. Jazwinski is a 2x all-American at Foot Locker Nationals and is one of the best runners in the nation. Annika Swan of Chicago St. Ignatius (IL) has been a State Runner-Up now 4 separate times. After hearing her talk at the Akinosun Elite Invite and race, this seems to be a much more confident Swan than before. She is done with the 2nd place finishes and wants to get some wins in these big races. The catapult could be here. He has a 4:46 PR and will be competitive with the field. Ani Wedemeyer of Pleasant Valley (IA) is another very quick miler as she has a PR of 2:09 in the 800m. She was the Drake Relays Champion in the 800m and was State Runner-Up in the 800m and 1500m. Isabella Keller of St. Anthony (IL) is coming into this race looking to prove something to the field and the State as she will be trying to remove any doubt in anyone's head that she is one of the best runners in the country. The sophomore didn't have a great end to her cross country season as she was not able to repeat her State Title and did not make it to Nike Cross Nationals. In 2023 she was 8th at Nike Cross Nationals, but injuries hampered her 2024 XC season. Expect a healthy Keller to attack this field. Speaking of tough cross-country seasons, Scout Storms of Barrington (IL) performed well in the season and helped her team get a Team State Title. This fall was hard for the 2023 Cross Country State Champion as allergies hampered a lot of her races and training. Luckily we are removed from the allergy season and Storms can show us that runner that we all know her to be. Emma Berres of Naperville North (IL) was 4th at the IHSA 3A State Meet for the 1600m last year. She ran 4:55 at Magis Miles in 2024. Her 2:12 800m PR can be a factor if this race gets close near the end. Elizabeth Butler of Hamilton Southeastern (IN) was 4th at the Indiana State Meet in the 3200m and will now be trying to make a name for herself in the 1600m. She ran the 1600m leg on a 4th place DMR at New Balance Outdoor National so she is very capable of being competitive in the event. Molly Farrell of Marshall (IL) was 3rd at the IHSA 1A State Meet last spring. She is one of the best runners in small-class Illinois. Mia Sirois of Barrington (IL) had an exceptional cross country season that saw her break the IHSA State Record in the 3 Mile as she ran 15:53. She was 6th at Nike Cross Nationals as she made a massive step forward in her fitness. She only has a 1600m PR of 4:58 which is will surely smash this weekend. She could very well win the race. Meg Peterson of Prospect (IL) ran 4:56 as a freshman and is a very experienced track runner. She was a State Champion in the 4x800m with her team and has a PR of 2:11 in the 800m.


Boys

TJ Hansen of Freeland (MI) has the fastest time in the field with his 4:02.81 1600m mark. Hansen is coming off a cross country season that saw him place 2nd at Nike Cross Nationals and once again become Michigan State Champion. The multi-time all-American's key to winning this race will be him getting out from the gun and trying to endure the speedsters of the field. Keegan Smith of Knoxville Catholic (TN) is one of the aforementioned speedsters in the field with his 1:51 800m PR. He has run 4:06 for the 1600m in his career and 8:52 in the 3200m. He was 5th at Foot Locker Nationals and 6th at Nike Cross Nationals. Smith has the speed and the endurance, he may very well run away with this race. He is the most complete runner in the field. Tony Anania of Norwalk (IA) ran 4:06 for 1600m in 2024 which garnered him a State Championship in the 1600m at the Iowa State Meet. He is another very complete runner as his PRs include 1:53 in the 800m and 9:03 in the 3200m. Jackson Miller of St. Louis University High (MO) is only a sophomore and made this prestigious field. His freshman year was filled with many accomplishments including being the Freshman Champion at New Balance Indoor Nationals in the Mile and taking 3rd in the High School Mile at HOKA Festival of Miles. Ayden Taylor of Wentzville (MO) also has a PR of 4:11 entering this meet. Last season he was 4th in the High School Mile at HOKA Festival of Miles. Luke Sievers of Rock Bridge (MO) is another Missourian who will be in this field. He was 4th at the Missouri State Meet in the 3200m and was 3rd this past cross country season. He brings more of a distance-based approach to the field. Jack Bidwell of Marshall (MI) is primed for a big performance in the 1600m. His other PRs are better than his Mile PR at present with him running 1:53 in the 800m and 9:01 in the 3200m. He is good in a distance above and below the Mile which is usually a sign of a big race to come. Canaan Dunham of Pella (IA) was the Runner-Up at the Iowa State Meet in cross country. He had a great fall and will be looking for that to translate to the track. He was the State Runner-Up in both the 1600m and 3200m in the spring. Ben Crane of New Trier (IL) is the only Illinois representative in the field and will be looking to defend his home turf. He had a great cross country season as he was an all-American with his 6th place finish at Foot Locker Nationals and his 14th place finish at Nike Cross Nationals. He is better than his 4:14 PR now and will be looking to showcase it this weekend. Owen Wolfe of Dowling Catholic (IA) enters the meet with a PR of 4:14. His 800m PR of 1:54 shows that he will be a contender if this race is close near the end. Josh Shriver of Summit (CO) makes the trek to Chicago which will be a nice change of scenery for him. Living in Summit Colorado, he trains and lives at 9000 feet of altitude, while Chicago sits at 579 feet. He will feel like he is swimming in oxygen down here and could very well be a surprising runner in the field. Corban McGaughey of Horizon Christian (IN) ran 4:14 in the 1600m in the Spring and is one of Indiana's top milers. He was 6th at Adidas Outdoor Nationals and will be making his season debut here.


2:05pm - 300m Dash

4th-6th Girls

Riley Young of Legacy Runners Athletic Club (IL) and Kennedi Williamson of Legacy Runners Athletic Club (IL) will be battling out for the win here. Both have had great indoor seasons and have been ruling the 4th-6th grade scene. Micah Lewis of Elgin Sharks Track (IL) has one of the fastest 200m and 400m in the field with her 27.89 and 1:04.01. Shaniyah Crawford of Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) has already run the 300m this season with her time being 47.05. Her club teammate Sophia McGriggs of Morgan Park Academy/Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) ran 47.26 at that same meet. They will be in contention to be in the top three finishers.


4th-6th Boys

Abdas Meek of Legacy Runners Athletic Club (IL) will be the name to watch in this race with the fastest 200m and 400m in the field. His 25.87 200m and 59.27 400m level above the rest of the field. Micah Brooks of Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) ran 27.84 in the 200m and 1:05.21 in the 400m which is the perfect recipe for a great 300.


7th-8th Girls

Gabrielle McKinney of Chicago Kenwood/University of Chicago Track Club (IL) is one of the best junior high runners in the nation as she ran 24.80 and 57.35 as a 6th grader! The now 7th grader has continued her success this indoor season with some great races. Kamdyn Redway of Chicago Henry R. Clissold/Windy City Hammers (IL) has been having a terrific indoor campaign as she has run 59.57 in the 400m already. Her 41.63 300m PR from the Gately Park Open shows that she will be highly competitive in this race. Hannah-Joy Reed of Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) will also be competitive in this field. She was 2nd behind Redway at the Gately Park Open in the 300m when she ran 42.15. Her 400m PR this indoor season is 1:00.60, so expect her to lay down something faster than that 42.15 here. Gabrielle Jones of Chicago Heights/Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) was 3rd in that 300m at the Gately Park Open and will also be in the field here. She could be in the top 3 in this race.


7th-8th Boys

Demih Cash of Saints Track Club (IL) is the top seed in the field as he has run 56.66 in the 400m this indoor season. Cash will be looking to make a name for himself on a big stage here. Joshua Lendor of Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) may be the 2nd fastest seed time in the field, but he is the best competitor in the field it seems. He ran 55.07 this past weekend at the Akinosun Elite Invite and ran 39.33 in the 300m at the Gately Park Open. He is ready to pop off something fast here. Tyler Phillips of Frankfort Summit Hill/Legacy Runners Athletic Club (IL) has run 56.41 in the 400m this year and will be a top name to watch in this field.


HS Girls

Angelena Bullocks of Chicago Whitney Young (IL) enters this race as the athlete to watch as she has a PR of 23.76 in the 200m. The USATF All-American had a very excellent year in 2024 which saw her take Runner-Up honors at the IHSA 3A State Meet in both the 100m and 200m. To win this race she will need to break the fast 400m runners early. Delaney Brinker of Ladue Horton Watkins (MO) travels to Chicago as one of the favorites to win this event. Her 400m is the fastest in the field with a 54.47 PR. She just missed all-American honors at New Balance Outdoor Nationals in the event with her 7th place finish. Another great 400m runner in the field looks to be Nevaeh Burns of Oak Park (MI) who is one of the top sophomores in the state. She ran 54.89 in the 400m and 24.67 in the 200m. She is a very accomplished runner with multiple all-American honors and State Championships. She will be in the fold to win this race. Naomi Bey-Osborne of Kankakee (IL) returns to the track after a very frustrating 2024 that ended with her getting injured and missing out on the opportunity to run at the State Meet. Her PRs of 24.46 and 55.12 make her a racer of intrigue here. The key will be what kind of runner we see out of her this early in the year. She has stated that this is a redemption season and we will see firsthand how that starts this week. Kyenret Rinkam of Brookfield Central (WI) is coming off a great meet at the Akinosun Elite Invite. She is hoping to keep that ball rolling in the 300m here. Last year she ran 24.53 in the 200m which is a good indicator that she will be near the top of the field in this race. Avery Bott of Arrowhead (WI) represents Wisconsin in this field and provides some great depth to the field. Her PR of 24.77 in the 200m is great and makes her a name to watch.


HS Boys

Parrish Hartley of Chicago Kenwood (IL) is the top seed in the field and a speed-based runner also in the field. His PR in the 200m is 21.57 from last year where he was 8th at USATF Junior Olympics and 3rd at the IHSA 3A State Meet in the event. Hartley will be making his season debut at this event and will be intriguing to watch. Another speed-based runner is Christian Ortiz of Hamilton Southeastern (IN) who enters this meet with. a PR of 21.33 in the 200m. With his 48.44 mark in the 400m, it will be hard to see Ortiz losing this race, but anything is possible. He was 5th at the Indiana State Meet in the 400m. Rondre Austion of Oak Park (MI) has some impressive PR's as he has run 21.87 in the 200m and 47.52 in the 400m. His 400m mark is the fastest in the field. He is a multi-time all-American at AAU Junior Olympics and a multi-time all-stater in Michigan. He will be challenging for the win here. Mason Schmitz of Hamilton Southeastern (IN) is another athlete in this field with a 400m PR under 49 seconds with him just going under it with a 48.99. He is also a great 800m runner and will be running the 600m earlier in the day. If he can recover well then he could be a factor in this race. Austin Rowswell of Lincoln-Way West (IL) is running his first race in over a year and a half at this meet. He ran 21.84 and 48.25 as a sophomore and if he has returned fully healthy could be a difference in the field.


4:20pm - 1000m Run

4th-6th Girls

Londyn West of Aurora Flyers (IL) enters this race as the clear favorite to take home the crown here as she has a PR of 2:35.56 in the 800m. She was 10th at AAU Junior Olympics in the 800m. Emelie Wilkins of Ledgers (WI) is one of the top runners in the race. She ran 2:45.36 in the 800m. Kalli Walker of Gary Steelers Track Club (IN) has run 2:55.34 in the 800m and will be a top runner in this race. She was 37th at AAU Junior Olympics in the 800m.


4th-6th Boys

Woods Zucchi of Milwaukee Speed Academy (WI) looks to be the top dog in this race as he has the fastest 800m in the field of 2:47.49. His brother Logic Zucchi of Milwaukee Speed Academy (WI) will be fighting for 2nd with his teammate Ashton Jensen of Milwaukee Speed Academy (WI). Both runners have PRs in the 800m in the mid 2:50s.


7th-8th Girls

Hunter Dias of Chicago Latin/Pinon Elite Track Club (IL) has the fastest 800m in the field with her 2:24.50 that she ran at the IESA State Meet last year. She was 2nd in the 800m and 3rd in the 1600m at the IESA 3A State Meet. She is the most accomplished athlete in the field. Addison Davis of Burlington Central/Elgin Sharks Track Club (IL) ran 2:35.66 in the 800m this indoor season in her first-ever time running the event according to Athletic.net. She will be trying to challenge Dias here. Chloe Milton of Chicago St. Benedict/Chicago Trailblazers (IL) ran 2:44.30 in the 800m last year but went under a transformational cross-country season. She was 4th at the IESA 2A State Meet and was an all-American at USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics with her 20th place finish. Expect her to be challenging for the win here.


7th-8th Boys

Brayden Domont of Bourbonnais (IL) was 4th at the IESA 4A State Meet in the 800m this past spring. After an amazing cross-country season, expect Domont to be near the front of this race regardless of his state meet finish last spring. He will be looking to be under 2:50 here potentially. Samuel Garrison of Champaign Edison/Vipers Track Club (IL) is coming off a major milestone that he obtained last week as he broke 5:00 in the 1600m for the first time as he ran 4:58.97 at the Akinosun Elite Invite. He has run 2:13 this winter for the 800m, so he is in great shape to run something fast here. Luca Nims of Bourbonnais (IL) joins his teammate as one of the top guys to watch in this field. He was the Runner-Up at the IESA 4A State Meet in the 800m this past year. He has the best 800m mark in this field.


HS Girls

Layla Jordan of Goodrich (MI) enters this race as the clear favorite to take home the 1000m crown. She has a 2:0785 PR in the 800m which is by far the best mark in the field. She was the Michigan State Champion in the 800m this past spring. She will be running potentially the 600 and Mile before this race though. That could leave the door open for someone if she runs both. Aaliyah Rogers of Ladue Horton Watkins (MO) is only a sophomore and will be a big name to watch in this field. Her PR of 2:11.59 puts her in a position to potentially win this race. She was 2nd last year at the Missouri State Meet in the 800m. Abby Lewis of Barrington (IL) will be the top Illinois entry in the field. She ran 2:15.71 in the 800m last year and was part of Barrington's 3rd place 4x800m relay. She will be trying to get a top-three finish here.


HS Boys

Jackson Miller of St. Louis University High (MO) will be running in the HOKA Mile not that long before this race. He ran 1:55 last year in the 800m as a freshman. His performance here will be based on how well his body recovers after that Mile. Spencer Alf of McFarland (WI) has already ran 1:56 last week at Texas A&M Indoor Championships. He is fit and ready to showcase that here. He is scheduled to run the 600m earlier in the day so he won't be completely fresh. He was the State Runner-Up last season in Wisconsin for the 800m with a mark of 1:54. Mason Brosious of Madison West (WI) ran 1:55.35 at the Wisconsin State Meet to finish 6th in 2024. He ran 1:56 this past weekend at the Akinosun Elite Invite and is fit enough to potentially win this race.


5:10pm - 4x200m Relay

4th-6th Girls

This will be a two-team battle between Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) and Saints Track Club (IL). The Gately Park Athletic Club's team will be led by Shaniyah Crawford and Sophia McGriggs while Saints Track Club will be led by Adriana King and Ellese DeShields.


4th-6th Boys

Gary Steelers Track Club (IN) is the only team entered in this event. They will be the champions barring a DQ.


7th-8th Girls

Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) is the only team entered in this event. They will be the champions barring a DQ.


7th-8th Boys

Gately Park Athletic Club (IL) is the only team entered in this event. They will be the champions barring a DQ.


HS Girls

Milwaukee Speed Academy (WI) is the top two seeds in the 4x200m and with athletes like Avery Bott, Kyenret Rinkam, and Sydney Falkowski it will be hard seeing them lose this race. They will have some teams that will try to win this. TrU Speed 219 (IN) enters the meet with a seed of 1:42.59. The team comprised of Portage High School runners will be looking to pull off an upset. The Vipers Track Club (IL) also has some elite runners headlined by Naomi Bey-Osborne. If she runs on this relay then they will be able to compete with the Milwaukee Speed Academy teams.


HS Boys

Milwaukee Speed Academy (WI) has entered two teams with seed times under 1:30 with them being at 1:28.00 and 1:29.00. They bring a lot of talented athletes to this meet so it's easy to expect one of their teams to win this race. Bulletproof Athletics (IL) is the next fastest seed with a time of 1:33.00. They will likely be led by Colton Ladage on this relay as they try to break up the Milwaukee Speed Academy teams. Wings of Glory (WI) will also make their way to Chicago to run the 4x200m. They are entered with a seed time 1:34 which makes you expect that they will be competitive here.


5:15pm - High School 2 Mile (Top 18)

Girls

The Girls 2 Mile might be just as good as the HOKA Mile with a star-studded field. Ella Hagen of Summit (CO) is the top seed in this field and that's due to her 10:06.19 mark at the 2024 Arcadia Invite to take 6th in the Championship 3200m. She was 3rd at the Colorado State Meet in the 3200m after that race. She followed her track season up with an exceptional cross country season where she took 9th at Nike Cross Nationals. She will be fresh and ready to go for this race. Mia Sirois of Barrington (IL) on the other hand will be coming off the HOKA Mile to run this race. She was the IHSA 3A State Champion in the 3200m last year in 10:16. She had an exceptional cross country season as well as she was the IHSA 3A State Champion and set the State Record for the 3 Mile in 15:53. She finished 6th at Nike Cross Nationals as she cemented herself as one of the top dogs in the nation. Isabella Keller of St. Anthony (IL) will be another athlete who will be running the HOKA Mile before this race. As stated before this will be proving grounds for Keller to the State and herself that she is still one of the best runners in the country as we know she is. Kate Foltz of Tuscola (IL) will be looking forward to a rematch with Keller after being crowned the IHSA 1A State Cross Country Champion in the 3rd fastest time ever run at Detweiller with her 15:59 performance. She didn't have the track season that she would have liked last year and will be looking to start 2025 off on a great note. Sunny Weber of Sandwich (IL) is coming off a great performance in the 1600m this past week at the Akinosun Elite Invite when she dropped a 4:50.09. The IHSA 2A State Champion in cross country has kept a great base and will be ready to run something exceptional here in the 2 Mile Fresh. Elizabeth Butler of Hamilton Southeastern (IN) will contest the HOKA Mile before running this race. She was 4th at the Indiana State Meet for the 3200m this past spring. Zoe Carter of Normal University (IL) enters this meet with a PR in the 3200m of 10:35.58 which she achieved when she took 2nd at the IHSA 2A State Meet. She is a 2x all-American in the 5K at Track Nationals. Karlin Janowski of Elmhurst York (IL) will make her first appearance in a high school 2 Mile. The Lady Dukes standout was 2nd at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet in 16:30 for 3 Miles. She could find her way into being into the thick of this race.


Boys

Keegan Smith of Knoxville Catholic (TN) will run in the HOKA Mile before he steps to the line for the 2 Mile. Smith is coming off a great cross country season where he was 5th at Foot Locker Nationals and 6th at Nike Cross Nationals. He has a PR of 8:52.52 in the 3200m. If he runs this race then he will surely be near the front. Jaden Merrick of Cedar Falls (IA) broke the 9:00 barrier for the first time last year when he ran 8:55.14 at Drake Relays to win the 3200m. He is going to be fresh as he enters this race. If there was someone that would be the favorite to win, it would be Merrick. Canaan Dunham of Pella (IA) just barely missed the 9:00 barrier in the 3200m last year when he was the Iowa State Runner-Up in 9:00.93. He will be coming off the HOKA Mile, but could he have enough rest to potentially break the 9:0 barrier here? Dylan Maloney of Plainfield South (IL) had a great cross-country season throughout the year as he set a few course records along the way. He finished 5th at the IHSA 3A State Meet in cross country which wasn't the result that he would have preferred to have. He was 3rd at the IHSA 3A State Meet on the track for 3200m. Maloney is tired of these results and is looking to make a statement race. Could that be here? Could the Cougar's senior break 9:00 here? Tony Anania of Norwalk (IA) was 3rd at the Iowa State Meet in the 3200m last spring. The Iowa 1600m State Champion will be racing in the Hoka Mile earlier in the meet and will come back to race this event. Matthew Giardina of Bishop Guertin (NH) ran 9:04 in the 3200m in 2024 and was the New Hampshire State Champion in the event. Giardina is in much better shape than that as we stand today coming off his cross-country season. He was 7th at Foot Locker Nationals and will be a name that we can expect to be at the front of this race.

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