By Scott Taylor | @Taylor_Sports
It appears the Voyager Media contingent is ready for another strong showing at the state meet. Last year we saw multiple state champions and there is that possibility again this year. Lets break this year’s field.
The Downers Grove area is loaded to a new level this year and in all three classes. In Class 3A Michaela Hackbarth of Downers South is favored to defend her title in the 800-meter run with the top time entering state. She is also seeded fifth in the 400, which she scratched last year at state. I would be somewhat surprised to see her scratch again with the Mustangs in contention for a state trophy and with her already winning a state title.
Shaliyah Dixon-Tucker has had a successful four years and is looking to finish off her career with a state title. She will be competing in four events and has the top time in back-to-back races, the 100 hurdles and 100 dash. Maddie Manganiello is also in a solid spot, holding the No. 5 spot in the long jump.
The high jump will be interesting for our area as Downers North’s Jaida Green was third in the state last year and Plainfield South’s Lenae Ludy jumped 5-feet, 8-inches earlier this year. The triple jump should be a great event for our local contingent as well as Isabel Maletich (Downers North), Lota Onua (Plainfield East), Nia Lee (Romeoville), Drew Litynski (Lockport) and Anna Laudizio (Plainfield North) are all in the medal chase.
The relays don’t appear to be as powerful as in years past, but Maine South looks in good shape to medal in the 4×8, while Joliet West and Downers South in the 4×1 and Lockport and Plainfield South in the 4×2 have medal chances as well.
We had a couple medalists last year in the 3200 and Emily Shelton and Ashley Tutt of Minooka will be running in the fast heat at state, as will Madeline Dingle of Maine South. Although she had a disappointing time in the sectional, Plainfield South’s Daijah Brown could finish among the top runners in the 400.
In class 2A, Benet got moved down from its recent run in 3A and it should pay off, possibly with a state champion. Ali Munson, who was all-state in 3A last year in the pole vault, tops the list in 2A this year. Emma Jones also appears to be dangerous in both hurdles and the long jump.
In class 1A, Westmont’s Annie Carlson looks to cap off an illustrious career with four more state medals; in both jumps and both hurdles.
Hopefully the rain will stay away and it will be another great state track meet. I’m looking forward to it!