Week 12 Breakout Performers of the Week

Boys Breakout Performer of the Week

• Everett Swanson - Morris
• Joe Faris - Dwight
• Lukas Probst - Naperville Central
• Kayden Malone - Belvidere North

Girls Breakout Performer of the Week

• Peyton Zeidler - Rochester
• Anneke Dam - Prairie Ridge
• Taara Sajdeh - Chicago University
• Sofia Borter - Geneva

Everett Swanson - Morris

Distance Night in Palatine 2 Mile 9:15.41

We have learned that twins in running are always dangerous. The Swanson twins from Morris have just proved that. For a while, it seemed like Cuyler was the stand out. However, Everett decided that this year is his year. Going into Section 3 of the 2 Mile at Palatine, Everett was ranked 12th and came out in 2nd, just behind his brother. Not only that, but he closed in a 1:02 last 400m. This is a 13 second PR for him this season, and already 30 seconds faster than his state race in the 2025 season. After barely missing an all-state medal a couple times, you can count on Everett to be gunning for that podium come late May.

Joe Faris - Dwight

Tony Thorsen 1600m 4:18.46 Manteno 800m 1:54.17

After finishing 3rd in the 1A 800m last year, Joe Faris comes back this year hungry for more. This week, he dropped career PRs in both the 1600 and the 800 with times of 4:18 and 1:54. Those bests weren’t just any bests though, those are both top 30 IL times both within the same week. Now the question is, what will Faris do with this? Is he going to dominate only the 800? Or will he attempt the 800, 1600 double this year in May? No matter what he decides, you can count on Faris to be hunting that gold medal this year because with competition, who knows what this guy will be able to accomplish.

Lukas Probst - Naperville Central

Distance Night in Palatine 800m 1:54.9

After running sub 2 a couple times indoors, Lukas Probst just barely made the cut for Distance Night in Palatine. However, Probst proves that it isn’t about where you are before the race, it’s about what time that clock shows when you cross the finish line. Running almost a 5 second PR, Probst dominated the Undercard 800m race. In fact, his 1:54 would’ve been in contention to fight for the win in Section 3 as well. Probst set himself up perfectly to be in contention for a podium spot in the 800m come late May.

Kayden Malone - Belvidere North

Glenbard South Raider Inv 400m 48.68

Kayden Malone has been having a breakout year in the 400m this season. Firstly, he 

Broke 50 seconds for the first time ever during his indoor season. He didn’t stop there, as he dropped into the 48s range this week. Posting a top 10 IL performance of 48.68, Malone could continue to impress this year. Right now, he is very much in the conversation for a podium spot, but the real question is how high up that podium he can get.

Peyton Zeidler - Rochester

Rochester Rocket Inv Triple Jump 38” 2.75’

Peyton Zeidler had incredible hops this week! In her triple jump, Zeidler jumped over a 2 ft best, shooting her up to a top 10 spot in IL. Not only did she break the meet record at the Rochester Rocket Invite, but she smoked 2nd place by over 5 ft. All Zeidler needs to do is continue her training while the season comes to a close and she could be a contender for that gold medal in Charleston.

Anneke Dam - Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge

Distance Night in Palatine 800m 2:14.88

Although there were many crazy races at Distance Night in Palatine, Anneke Dam had one of the craziest ones. To win Section 3 of the Main Event, Dam dropped a 2 second PR in a huge breakout race. Although that might not seem like a lot on paper, doing that in a very crowded race is very impressive, especially in a race like the 800m, where positioning means everything. Dam is clearly one of those athletes that competes at her best when it truly matters. You can expect her to do the same at the state finals in May.

Taara Sajdeh - Chicago-U

Distance Night in Palatine 2 Mile 10:49.31

Taara Sajdeh has seen incredible improvement over her career, but she topped it off with a truly spectacular performance at DNIP. Not only did she break 11 for the first time, but she smashed it with a 20 second PR. Although Sunny Weber and Sydney Gertsen will probably take the first 2 spots, Sajdeh could find herself in a position to close out the top 3 at the 2A state meet this year.

Sofia Borter - Geneva

Distance Night in Palatine 1 Mile 4:56.29

Sofia Borter is going crazy for her senior year. Not only did she accomplish the incredible feat of breaking that 5-minute barrier, but she just did it again at Distance Night in Palatine with a mark of 4:54. Her fitness level is definitely there, and with a perfect race, she could contend for a sub 4:50 time towards the end of her season. She is within the range currently, but she has to fight a little bit more to keep that podium spot come May, as the 3A 1600m field is heating up big time.

Written by Brodie Peterson