Tag Archive | Tony Jones
2013 Class 2A Girls Distance Preview
There are going to be a lot of variables that decide what is going to happen in the distance arena this season. For starters, the classification changes moving athletes and teams from Class 1A to 3A and then in reverse is going to play havoc with the quality of the competition. Secondly, indoor track vs. […]
2013 Class 2A Girls Field Events Preview
The quality of the state championship is going to be interesting on many fronts this season with major team and individual implications on the line. As it is frequently mentioned, team championships are often won in the field. Springfield Southeast is the three-time defending champion. The Lady Spartans gave the newcomer Melrose Park Walther Lutheran […]
2013 Class A Boys Field Events Preview
by Tony Jones Long Jump- 2012 State Champion: Dontae Pryor (Kewanee) 23-3.75 Key returners: Kyle Landon (Sr., Chester), Austin Wenskunas (Jr., Argenta-Oreana), Jacob Segrest (Sr., Piasa [Southwestern]), Devin Johnson (Sr., Erie). Outlook: the top three performers from last year’s state final have graduated. Thus, the stage has been set for last year’s fourth place finisher […]
Kandie Seeks To Soar The Highest On The Bloch
story by Tony Jones Maybe you have heard of her or maybe you haven’t. But one thing is for certain after this season, Kandie Bloch (Sr., Argenta-Oreana) will no longer be a mystery among the track and field fandom. Bloch emerged from a 5-6 jumper as a sophomore to Class A state champion last year […]
2013 Class A Girls Relays Preview
by Tony Jones There are some folks who think relays are for the fans, as if the coaches that put together fast units are doing it for fun or to supplement their egos. Yes, it is true that some schools pride themselves in being termed a “relay school.” But by and large relays serve a […]
2013 Class A Girls Field Events Preview
by Tony Jones The key to winning any championship is doing well in the often overlooked field events. This season will be key for a number of teams vying for crucial state points after the exodus of many top athletes. Just ask schools like Moweaqua (Central A&M) or the Roselle (Lake Park) boys team. They […]
Grant Nykaza: Poised To Be At The Top Of The Class
by Tony Jones You would be hard-pressed to find a better distance runner as well as popular runner overall than Grant Nykaza in the state of Illinois. The senior lad who hails from the tiny community of Beecher has earned the ultimate respect from his peers by becoming one of the best runners over the past two years […]
Courtney Clayton: The Queen Of Illinois Middle Distance Is Ready For Big Season
Produced by Tony Jones/images by C. Clayton Over the past decade the state of Illinois has seen a resurgence of fast times in the middle-distance races from the girls. Arguably, they may be better than their male counterparts on the state and national levels. The list is long if you consider the likes of Samantha […]
Exclusive Interview: Angelo Brown Brings The Illinois Elite Heat
Story by Tony Jones/images by D. Pierre Behind every successful athlete is someone that is a mentor, coach, counselor, or role model. In superstar Aaliyah Brown’s case, the Supreme force in her life happens to be her father Angelo Brown. The aforementioned adjectives seem to fit the senior Brown like a glove. In addition, the many […]
Exclusive Interview: Coach Brian Evans Sets The Record Straight
by Tony Jones It’s not easy taking over the throne from a king… especially one named Gary Haupert who reigned supreme at South Holland IL’s Thornwood High School for over 30 years. After all, he collected four boys 2A state championships from 2001-2004, which brings his total count to 10 state trophies. Brian Evans took over […]
Illinois Prepster 