The Sentinel: State Track

Sentinel Digest |
Our stories from May 28 to June 3

Jun 03, 2025 08:42 pm .::.
Brian E. Smith captures 400m state title, cements sprint legacy for North Shore Country Day

Running past Cumberland's Reid Carlen, Brian E. Smith runs to a second place finish in heat 2 of the 100m Dash prelims on Thursday. He qualified for the championship race with the sixth fastest time at 10.89 after running a 11.10 at sectionals.

More stories this week:

Jun 03, 2025 03:35 pm .::.
If you love food, here are the top cities you need to move to this year

For anyone who truly enjoys good food, choosing where to live can shape everyday happiness. Certain places offer incredible meals on every corner, from street stalls to high-end restaurants. Finding cities you should move to if you love food means looking for diversity, quality, and unique local flavors.

Jun 03, 2025 02:40 pm .::.
Challenges to Illinois gun laws could go before the Supreme Court

Challenges to local and state gun bans in Illinois could be the next case in front of the U.S. Supreme court on the “AR-15 issue.”

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up a challenge to Maryland’s ban, The Center Square reported. In the order, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said whether a state can ban an AR-15 is a question he expects the court to take up, but not right now.

May 31, 2025 12:48 am .::.
Running over obstacles, Swanson finishes season at state meet

St. Joseph-Ogden's Kyler Swanson clears a hurdle while running in 110 High Hurdle prelims

May 30, 2025 12:00 am .::.
Dwight's Meister leads the pack in state shot put

Dwight's Graham Meister throw the shot during the Class 1A Shot Put preliminaries.

May 28, 2025 12:57 pm .::.
Book Review | I Fuel, How Energy Powers Our Busy World

"As dinosaurs thump about, my life begins," opens I Fuel, Kelly Rice Schmitt’s attempt to explain to children the complex web of energy topics.

Where do gasoline and jet fuel come from? How do our lights turn on? Why do we seek alternative energy sources? These questions are answered at a young child’s level in this 2024 picture book. Schmitt starts by describing the formation of crude oil, then delves into the ...

May 28, 2025 02:41 am .::.
State-Bound: Local tennis players ready for IHSA Finals this weekend

CHAMPAIGN - Three singles players and three area doubles teams are set to represent the Champaign-Urbana area at the IHSA Boys Tennis State Finals, which begin Thursday across the Chicago suburbs.

May 27, 2025 07:11 pm .::.
Officials find first instance of West Nile virus in Illinois

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Public Health said the first positive test for West Nile virus in 2025 has been detected in Winnebago County near Rockford.

Health officials warned people in the infected area and elsewhere to take precautions to avoid the mosquito-borne disease, which is expected to spread across the state. Last year, Illinois reported 69 cases of West Nile, with 13 reported human deaths.

Smith became just the third individual state champion in school history for North Shore Country Day. Senior medaled in three events at Saturday's state track finals.

Brian E. Smith acknowledges the roar of the crowd after winning the 400m Dash at state — North Shore Country Day's Brian E. Smith turns to acknowledge the roar of the crowd after winning the Class 1A 400m Dash title on Saturday at the IHSA Boys Track & Field State Finals in Charleston.

CHARLESTON - North Shore Country Day senior Brian E. Smith II closed out his high school track career with a historic finish at the IHSA Track and Field State Finals, held May 29–31 at Eastern Illinois University. Smith claimed the Class 1A state championship in the 400-meter dash, turning in a winning time of 48.47 seconds, good for the third-fastest 400m time across all three IHSA classes.

With the title, Smith became just the third individual state champion in school history for North Shore Country Day, a private school of just over 500 students in Winnetka. His performance came during what proved to be one of the driest and mildest weather weekends the state finals have seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Smith advanced to the 400m finals after posting his personal-best time of 48.12 seconds in Thursday’s qualifying round. In the championship race, he outran Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley’s Evan Landers-Kristensen, who placed second at 49.06 seconds, and Casey-Westfield’s Hayden Parcel, who took third in 49.36.

Brian E. Smith runs in heat 2 of the 100m dash at state — Running past Cumberland's Reid Carlen, Smith runs to a second place finish in heat 2 of the 100m Dash prelims on Thursday. He qualified for the championship race with the sixth fastest time at 10.89 after running a 11.10 at sectionals. Read more 2025 Sentinel state track coverage here.

Smith also competed in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, placing in both to cap a rare triple-threat showing. In the 100m final, he finished fifth with a time of 10.99 seconds. Morrison junior Brady Anderson won the event in 10.74, followed by Lena-Winslow’s Alec Schlichting (10.78), Morrison’s Levi Milder (10.92), and Red Bud’s Gavin Baldwin (10.96).

Later in the day, Smith took on the 200m dash and finished seventh with a time of 22.19. Milder secured his second gold medal of the meet with a personal-best 21.44 in the event.

Brian E. Smith at the top of the podium for the 400m Dash

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Smith stands above the 400m Dash finalist during the awards

Smith was one of only two athletes in the state to place in all three sprint events—an accomplishment that underscored his consistency, versatility, and determination in a highly competitive field.

North Shore Country Day’s representation at the state meet wasn’t limited to Smith. Sophomore Kaeden Ackley advanced to compete in the triple jump, gaining valuable experience on the big stage. On the girls’ side, junior Reese Meyers earned a sixth-place finish in the Class 1A 400-meter dash a week earlier, clocking in at 57.94.

“We’re incredibly proud of all three student-athletes for representing North Shore on such a competitive level,” said Athletic Director and coach Patrick McHugh. “It was truly an amazing performance.”

Smith’s 400m state title marked a memorable conclusion to a spring season built on personal milestones, steady progress, and a strong sense of school pride.

Brian E. Smith races past the competition in the prelims at state — Smith crosses the finish line the Class 1A 200m Dash prelims. The senior and one other runner ran in all three short-distance races in the 2025 state finals.

Tagged:North Shore Country Track & Field, State Track, Boys Track & Field, State Champion, Class 1A Sprinter

Running over obstacles, Swanson finishes season at state meet

SJO's Kyler Swanson clears a hurdle at state track meet — **CHARLESTON** - Ignoring the plight of Prairie Central's Tage Fehr next to him, St. Joseph-Ogden's Kyler Swanson clears a hurdle while running in 110 High Hurdle prelims on Friday at the IHSA Boys Track & Field State Finals. Swanson, a senior, turn in a time of 15.84, finishing sixth in his heat and 24th overall at O'Brien Field to cap his track & field career for the Spartans.

.::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

Tagged: IHSA track & field, state track, IHSA boys state track meet 2025, 2025 state qualifier, High School Sports, SJO Track and Field, St. Joseph-Ogden track, State track qualifier

Dwight's Meister leads the pack in state shot put

Dwight Graham Meister throws shot at state track — **CHARLESTON** - Dwight's Graham Meister throw the shot during the Class 1A Shot Put preliminaries. Meister led the field of 36 competitors at the end of the first day of competition with his longest throw of 17.81m.

.::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

Tagged: IHSA Boys' State Track Meet, Dwight Shot Putter Leads the Pack, State Track

Chelsey Stotler claims 1A state Shot Put title, Gajewski takes second

Chelsey Stotler of Stark County wins Class 1A shot put at IHSA State Finals with a 12.91m throw, improving from 4th last year. Nashville’s Makayla Gajewski falls just 0.08m short of defending her 1A shot put title, takes 2nd at 12.83m.

Stark County's Chelsey Stotler throws her gold medal put — Making her third throw during Thursday's prelims, Stark County's Chelsey Stotler tosses her shot this year's top distance. Moving up from a 4th place finish in 2024, Stotler, a senior, ends her prep career on a championship note.

CHARLESTON - Stark County senior Chelsey Stotler delivered a championship throw of 12.91 meters to win the Class 1A shot put title Saturday at the IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals at Eastern Illinois University, capping a steady climb from last year’s podium.

Stotler, who placed fourth in 2024 with an 11.80-meter effort, improved by more than a full meter in her final high school appearance. She entered the state series with the third-best sectional mark at 12.51 meters but found another gear in the finals to edge out a deep field that included several returning state qualifiers.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Hornets' Makayla Gajewski unloads a long throw while attempting to defend her 2024 IHSA shot put title. Heading into the state meet, the sophomore posted the best throw out all 14 sectionals.

Nashville sophomore Makayla Gajewski, last year’s state champion with a 12.11-meter throw, came within inches of repeating. She finished second at 12.83 meters, just 0.08 meters shy of Stotler’s winning mark. Gajewski’s 13.06-meter sectional throw led the state this spring, and her silver-medal finish suggests she’ll remain a contender for years to come.

Maroa-Forsyth’s Zion Young, also a sophomore, earned her second consecutive top-three finish with a 12.41-meter throw to take third. She placed third in 2024 as well, throwing 11.83 meters as a freshman representing Decatur St. Teresa. Her progression signals a strong upward trajectory in the event.

Vandalia junior Hannah Brown rounded out the top four with a personal-best 12.34-meter throw—nearly a full meter improvement from her ninth-place finish a year ago (11.22 meters). Brown qualified this year with a 11.29-meter sectional mark and found her best form when it mattered most.

.::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

The top four athletes in this year’s finals all returned from last year’s state field, making their improvements and consistency stand out in a discipline that demands technical precision and raw strength. Each surpassed their previous state finals marks by wide margins—demonstrating year-over-year growth that underscores the level of competition in the small-school division.

Left to right: Nashville senior Ellie Bartling makes her first throw during the prelims. Second: Hannah Brown throws the put 12.34m for a new PR. Third: Carlinville's Hannah Gibson reacts after her second foul. Fourth: El Paso-Gridley's throws the shot 11.62m on her third attempt.

Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Maroa-Forsyth sophomore Zion Young throws the shot 11.99m on her third throw. She also finished third in the final standings her freshman season.

While no athlete approached the state record of 15.55 meters set by Kathleen Young in 2016, this year’s results highlight the competitive depth and promise of a new generation of throwers.

The 1A field also featured several other athletes who returned from last year’s finals, including Warrensburg-Latham’s Emma Whightsil (6th, 12.14m in 2025; 10th, 11.16m in 2024), St. Teresa’s Addison Johnson (10th, 11.50m; 6th, 11.56m in 2024), Nashville’s Ellie Bartling (9th, 11.72m), and Carlinville’s Hannah Gibson (12th, 11.12m), each of whom continued to show consistency at the state level.

Watseka's Megan Martin throws at the 2025 IHSA state track meet — Watseka's Megan Martin throws the shot to her longest distance for the day to 10.41m from the circle. She finished 22nd overall out of 36 competitors.

2025 IHSA Shot Put State Finishers

1 Chelsey Stotler, Stark County, 12.91m
2 Makayla Gajewski, Nashville, 12.83m
3 Zion Young, Maroa-Forsyth, 12.41m
4 Hannah Brown, Vandalia, 12.34mPR
5 Aubrey Phillips, El Paso-Gridley, 12.20mPR
6 Emma Whightsil, Warrensburg-Latham, 12.14m
7 Brenna Dutcher, Warrensburg-Latham, 11.91m
8 Lia Prairie, Clifton Central, 11.86mPR
9 Ellie Bartling, Nashville, 11.72mPR
10 Addison Johnson, St. Teresa, 11.50m
11 Kylie Smither, Fulton, 11.37m
12 Hannah Gibson, Carlinville, 11.12m
13 Chloe Green, Mt. Olive, 10.99m
14 Lauren Orwig, Stark County, 10.97m
15 Maya Rounds, Sesser-Valier, 10.93m
15 Payton Harding, Carlinville, 10.93mPR
17 Addison Stadsholt, Athens, 10.82m
18 Addison Yeakel, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, 10.66m
19 Reagan McGlauchlen, Pana, 10.59m
20 Isabella Bunting, Dwight, 10.54m
21 Lilly Kirkpatrick, Sesser-Valier, 10.46m
22 Megan Martin, Watseka, 10.41m
23 Clara Brunner, Springfield Lutheran, 10.28m
24 Rileigh Gaddini, Alden-Hebron, 10.19m
25 Alex Clark, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, 10.17m
26 Brooklyn Peterson, Riverdale, 10.13m
27 Piper Tyson, Mt. Pulaski, 10.09m
28 Torrie Rider, Carmi-White County, 9.84m
29 Marlee McPeek, Lena-Winslow, 9.79m
30 Alivia Allison, Carlyle, 9.72m
31 Tori Lambert, Chicago Hope Academy, 9.57m
32 Brynlea Downs, Rushville-Industry, 9.45m
33 Anastasia Melvin, Gibault Catholic, 9.41m
34 Gwen Jimenez, Marquette, 9.28m
35 Stephanie Tirpak, Willows Academy, 9.27m
36 Peyton Ehrhardt, Camp Point Central, 8.78m

IHSA 1A girls shot put 2025, Chelsey Stotler shot put state champion, Illinois high school track and field finals, 2025 IHSA girls track field results, Class 1A shot put results Charleston, Makayla Gajewski Nashville track and field, Zion Young Maroa-Forsyth shot put, Hannah Brown Vandalia shot put performance

Emma Randecker wins 100m dash in class 1A, four newcomers have a bright future ahead

Emma Randecker leads the field in 100m dash prelims

IHSA Girls 100m dash delivers speed and excitement; Emma Randecker leads top four at last weekend's state track & field meet for Illinois. Here is the list of the top high school sprinters in Illinois.

CHARLESTON - The 2025 IHSA Girls State Track 100 Meter Dash final at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium showcased a thrilling sprint showdown, with Savanna’s Emma Randecker powering to the championship in a wind-aided 11.91 seconds. The event, often regarded as track fans’ favorite for its electrifying speed and precision, lived up to expectations with a close race among the top four finishers.

Randecker, a senior from West Carroll, maintained her top form from the prelims, where she clocked a swift 12.11 seconds. Her winning time in the final was a significant improvement on her 2024 finals time of 12.22 seconds, marking a strong season progression. Randecker’s sectional qualifying time of 11.95 seconds had already signaled her as a contender for the state crown.

Finishing second was Jaida Reed of El Paso-Gridley, a sophomore who set a personal record of 12.09 seconds in the final, improving on her prelim time of 12.16 seconds and last year’s state finals time of 12.53 seconds as a freshman. Reed’s quick rise places her firmly among the state’s elite sprinters, and her 2024 qualification shows continued consistency. Her second place finish was key in EPG winning this year's Class 1A team title.

West Carroll's Emma Randecker and Mendon Unity's Saylor Barry sprint to the finish line in 100m Dash

Unity’s junior Saylor Barry took third place with a final time of 12.17 seconds, a slight drop from her 12.03-second sectional qualifier but an improvement over her 2024 state final performance of 12.32 seconds. Barry’s prelim time this year matched her final time from last year, demonstrating steady competitive output.

The 100-meter dash remains a fan favorite for three reasons: the event showcases raw speed and explosive power over a brief but intense sprint; its unpredictability keeps spectators on edge as races can be decided by hundredths of a second; and it serves as a fundamental test of sprint mechanics, often predicting future stars in the sport.

Rounding out the top four was senior Lilly Gilbertson from Father McGivney, who ran 12.27 seconds in the final, shaving time off her prelim 12.39 and comfortably improving on prior benchmarks this season.

Several runners qualified for the state finals in both 2024 and 2025, illustrating a strong core of returning talent. Notable among these are Randecker, Reed, Barry, Gilbertson, and Elaina Allen from Sterling, who placed seventh this year with a 12.37 final time.

This year’s 100-meter dash also highlighted some freshmen to watch. McKenna Van Tilburg of Wilmington, who set a personal record of 12.31 seconds to place fifth, and Madison Yazel of Maroa-Forsyth, are among the promising newcomers. Reese Hoene from Effingham's St. Anthony's and Abbi Armstrong from Flanagan also posted strong times, hinting at a deep field in coming years.

Illinois' top sprinters in the 100m Dash

1 Emma Randecker, West Carroll, 12.11
2 Jaida Reed, El Paso-Gridley, 12.16
3 Saylor Barry, Unity, 12.17
4 Bree Schneiderman, Forreston, 12.24
6 McKenna Van Tilburg, Wilmington, 12.34
5 Elaina Allen, Newman Central Catholic, 12.38
7 Lilly Gilbertson, Father McGivney, 12.39
8 Calie Field, Carrollton, 12.46
9 Daniella Bumber, Henry-Senachwine, 12.5
10 Madison Yazel, Maroa-Forsyth, 12.55
11 Reese Hoene, St. Anthony, 12.58
12 Kaelyn Swift, North Mac, 12.63
13 Jordyn Ballard, Rockford Lutheran, 12.64
14 Nevaeh Scott, Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin, 12.7
15 Miraya Pessman, Fulton, 12.71
16 Lily Bosnich, St. Bede, 12.72
17 Adi Foss, Camp Point Central, 12.78
18 Lucy Gargani, Rockford Christian, 12.8
19 Gabby Totten, Okaw Valley, 12.85
20 Gabriella Davis, Rockford Lutheran, 12.88
21 Kiara Holmes, Timothy Christian, 12.92
22 Abbi Armstrong, Flanagan-Cornell, 12.95
23 Aubrey Crispen, Athens, 12.96
24 Carleigh Clifton, Shiloh, 12.99
25 Brooklyn Thoms, Fulton, 13
26 Jaliyah Wright, Momence, 13.02
27 Lera Schmeink, Carlyle, 13.04
28 Micaela Riadi, Astoria, 13.06
29 Faith Wingert, Virginia, 13.08
30 R'Legend Hamilton, Maroa-Forsyth, 13.1
31 Abby Packer, Metro-East, 13.1
32 Karly Davenport, Marquette, 13.11
33 Paige Stevens, Farmington, 13.11
34 Stella Schackmann, Newton, 13.14
35 Brycie Hird, Salt Fork, 13.19
36 Samaria Thomas, Christ the King, 13.23
37 Madison Curless, Havana, 13.25
38 Lilly Trettenero, Staunton, 13.31
39 Kaylee Wolf, Okawville, 13.35
40 Maggie Carter, Stockton, 13.35
41 Emmie Gurley, Vienna, 13.38
42 Kadi Bain, Webber, 13.46

Tagged: Illinois high school track, IHSA, Girls State Track, High School Sports

Maroons test their speed in relay prelims at state

Champaign Central Londyn Grant fires out the blocks at state track meet — **CHARLESTON** - Champaign Central's Londyn Grant fires out of the blocks to start the Maroons' shot at securing a spot in the 4x400m relay in Saturday's IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals. Grant, running with teammates Sarah Donahoe, Milka Bwandundu, and Julia Bilsbury, finished the prelims in 33 place out of 40 teams on Friday with a time of 4:07.05. While the four runners did not advance this year, the good news is three of the four runners will return next spring to likely qualify for another trip back to state.

.::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

Tagged: Central Maroons, Central Athletics, Sports, IHSA state meat, State-qualifier, State Track, Central runs at state track meet, 4x400m relay

Chargers' Noelle Hunt competes at state track

Centennial's Noelle Hunt competes in the Class 2A long jump at state — **CHARLESTON** - Centennial's Noelle Hunt sails through the air during her second jump while competing in the Class 3A Long Jump on Friday. The senior's best jump went 17' 5.5" for a 14th place. Hunt also ran on three of the Chargers' state-qualifying relay squads, including leadoff for the 4x200m and 4x100m, and anchor on the 4x400 relay team. .::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

Tagged: Centennial Chargers, Centennial Athletics, Sports, IHSA state meat, State-qualifier

Decker going the distance, Unity senior in the running for state medals

Unity's Emily Decker competes in the 1600m run at state — **CHARLESTON** - Unity's Emily Decker runs her second lap of the Class 2A 1600m Run during the prelims at the 2025 IHSA Girls Track and Field State Finals on Friday. Decker advanced to the championship race after finishing seventh out a field of 30 with a time of 5:04.23. She will also run in 3200m Run and in the 4x800m relay for the Rockets on Saturday at O'Brien Field. .::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

Tagged: Unity Athletics, Sports, IHSA Girls State Track Meet, High School Sports,

EPG leads the small school division in 4x400 relay prelims at IHSA state meet

EPG's Jaida Reed takes the baton from Teagan Tibbs — **CHARLESTON** - El Paso-Gridley sophomore Jaida Reed takes the baton from Teagan Tibbs, a freshman, while running in the second heat of the 4x400m relay prelims at Thursday's IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals. The Titans turned in the top time of the day at 4:05.62 ahead of Pleasant Plains (4:05.89) and Lena-Winslow (4:06.02) with the third best time in Class 1A. The anticipation for an exciting title will be high with these three teams in contention for the top three spots on the podium on Saturday.

.::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

Tagged: IHSA track & field, state track, IHSA girls state track meet 2025, 2025 state qualifier, High School Sports, State track qualifier, El Paso-Gridley sports, Girls Sports, EPG Titans

Tuscola's Clodfelder leaps into Class 1A finals at state track

Tuscola's Kenna Clodfelder long jumps in the Class 1A prelims at state — **CHARLESTON** - Tuscola's Kenna Clodfelder sails down the runway during the preliminary round at Thursday's IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals. The senior advanced to Saturday's championship competition with her best leap of 16' 10", four inches longer than her previous PR of 16' 6" from her sectional performance last week.

.::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

Tagged: IHSA track & field, state track, IHSA girls state track meet 2025, 2025 state qualifier, High School Sports, Tuscola High School, Tuscola Athletics, Tuscola Warriors, Long Jump, State track qualifier

Valmeyer senior takes her shot at a state title

Valmeyer senior Ava McClellan competing in the state long jump — **CHARLESTON** - Ava McClellan jumps 15' 11" on her second attempt during the Class 1A Long Jump at the IHSA Girls Track & Field Finals on Thursday. The Valmeyer senior finished third her flight with her best of three jumps at 16' 07.25".

.::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

Tagged: IHSA track & field, state track, IHSA girls state track meet 2025, 2025 state qualifier, High School Sports, Valmyer High School, Long Jump, State track qualifier

Giving it her best shot, Marquette's Jimenez misses mark to advance

Marquette High School's Gwen Jimenez throws the shot at state — **CHARLESTON** - Marquette High School's Gwen Jimenez makes her second throw during the Class 1A shot put prelims at the IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals on Thursday. The sophomore thrower finished the day with her best throw at 30' 5.5", finishing the season 34th in the state. .::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

Tagged: IHSA track & field, state track, IHSA girls state track meet 2025, 2025 state qualifier, High School Sports, Ottawa Track & Field, Shot Put, Thrower, Marquette High School,

Sabers grab a spot into a relay championship at state

St. Thomas More's Alyson Clements runs 4x400 anchor — **CHARLESTON** - St. Thomas More's Alyson Clements starts out on her leg of 4x400m relay ahead of Lila Coleman in Thursday's prelims at the IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals. Clements, along with teammates Taylor Wells, Francie Williamson, and Alex Anderson, finished premlims with the ninth best time at 4:12.21, advancing to Saturday's title race in Class 1A. .::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

Tagged: IHSA track & field, state track, IHSA girls state track meet 2025, 2025 state qualifier, High School Sports

Ashtyn Lazzell gave it her best shot, sophomore comes up short

**CHARLESTON** - Rushville-Industry high jumper Ashtyn Lazzell tries to clear the bar on her second attempt during the preliminary round at the Illinois High School Association Girls Track & Field State Finals on Thursday. Giving her all, Lazzell failed to advance to Saturday's finals. Despite her performance on a fall-like day at O'Brien Stadium, the sophomore has two more years to win a prep state title. .::. More IHSA state track photos and stories .::.

Tagged: IHSA track & field, state track, IHSA girls state track meet 2025, High Jump, 2025 state qualifier, High School Sports

Faces from the past, Moments from the Illinois girls' state track meet

Here is a look at a few of the special moments filled with emotion, intensity, and determination from the top high school track & field athletes at last year's state meet.

As The Sentinel prepares to cover this year's IHSA Girls State Track & Field Finals on Thursday, we’re diving into our archives to celebrate the athletes and moments from last year's championship day. Here's a look at the faces of some of the state's top qualifiers and finalists from 2024.

Huntley's Emily Byers hugs teammate Victoria Evtimov after winning a state track title — Huntley's Victoria Evtimov hugs two runners from Prospect High School after running the 4x200m relay. Evtimov, a senior, ended our final prep track appearance with the state title in the event. Running with teammates Dominique Johnson, Emily Byers, and K'Leigh Saenz, the Red Raiders turned in the top time in Class 3A at 1:38.14a.

Huntley Emily Byers celebrates with Victoria Evtimov — Huntley junior Emily Byers shares her joy with teammate Victoria Evtimov after winning the Class 3A state title in the 4x200m relay in 2024. Byers along with squadmate Dominique Johnson return to Charleston to defend their title with the 8th best time in the state heading into the prelims on Friday.

Father McGivney's Elena Rybak crosses the finish line with a roar — Father McGivney's Elena Rybak unleashes a mighty roar as she crosses the finish line in first place for the title in the 4x400m relay. Teamed up with Lilly Gilbertson, Kaitlyn Hatley, and Jane Cummins, the squad finished the race six seconds ahead of the closest competitor at 3:56.97.

Whitney Young's Ella Sweatt runs at state track in the 4x100 — Focused only on the finish line less than 100 meters away, Whitney Young's Ella Sweatt runs anchor in the 4x100. Sweatt along with Simone Bernard, Angelena Bullocks, and Mia Seaton, finished the Class 3A race in second place at 46.67 for the silver medal. Sweatt returns to the EIU campus for a shot at another state title in at least one event.

A state track qualifier walks in silence after a disappointing performance in the 200m dash.

Urbana's Lorelie Yau crosses the finish line at state — Giving her all the last steps of her race, Urbana's Lorelie Yau crosses the finish line running anchor for her 4x400 relay squad. Yau and the Tigers finished in 8th place with a time of 4:05.01 with the help of Marley Yau, Samantha Christman, and Syniyah Quenga.

New Trier senior Gabriela Manzano and the Trevians wait for their score — Emilia Smith, Carly McConnell, Anna Rivera, and Gabriela Manzano wait for the relay squad's time after running the 4x400 relay. The quartet finished the race almost a second faster than their preliminary time a day earlier. The Trevians finished 5th with a time of 3:55.68.

Normal Community track team celebrates silver medal performance at state track — Members of the Normal Community 4x400m relay squad celebrate their second place finish in the Class 3A race.

Kankakee senior Na'Kyrah Cooks on the podium at 2024 state track meet — Kankakee senior Na'Kyrah Cooks poses for a picture while on the podium, waiting to receive her 8th place medal in the Class 3A Long Jump.

Lake Forest's Sophia Lane runs in the state Class 3A 4x800m relay. — Trying to catch the runners ahead of her, Lake Forest's Sophia Lane runs along the backstretch at O'Brien Field in the Class 3A 4x800m relay. The senior, along with teammates Lucy Schlachtenhaufen, Isabella Marisco, and Emily Witte finished 12th in the finals.

Naperville North's Brooke Sawatzky while waiting to receive her second state track medal — After winning the Class 3A Long Jump title with her best attempt at 18' 8", Naperville North's Brooke Sawatzky was back on the podium, this time to receive the silver medal for her 39' 10.5" leap in the Triple Jump.

💬 Did we get a photo of you at last year's state meet? Drop us your name, school, and which event(s) you competed in at state with an email to The Sentinel.

Tagged: IHSA track & field, state track, Illinois high school sports, The best from the Illinois state track meet, Winning the state track title, Illinois track stars, State finals qualifers, Huntley track & field, Father McGivney track team, New Trier girls track team, North's Brooke Sawatzky wins two state track medals

Urbana's Yau heads back to state track meet

CHARLESTON - Urbana's Marley Yau runs 2:20.83 split while running the anchor leg of her squad's preliminary race at the 2024 IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals. The Tigers' relay squad finished 4th in their heat and 12th overall to punch their ticket into Saturday's championship race. Yau, along with her sister Lorelie, Beatrice Ebel, and Sophia Sheyko-Frailey finished 11th overall in the title race with a time of 9:56.10. Yau, a sophomore, returns to the state meet on Friday to compete in the 800m run and the 4x400 relay.

Nine other members of the Urbana track program will also compete in Friday's prelims. Accompanying Yau to Charleston this week are Amber Sysouvanh (4x200), Asha Williams (4x200), Francette Musau (4x200, 4x400), Genisis Walker (4x400), Kaleigh Bell (Long Jump, 100m Dash, 4x200, 4x400), Laiyonna Harper (4x200, 4x400), Mya Sessi (4x200, 4x400), Savannah Finley (4x200, 4x400), and Syniyah Quenga (4x200, 4x400).

Tagged: IHSA track & field, state track, high school sports, central Illinois, Urbana Tigers, long jump, hurdles, 4x800, state qualifiers, Urbana relay team