TOP BOYS TRACK TEAMS
1. LAKE PARK
It starts for the Lancers with perhaps the state’s most versatile athlete: senior jumper/ hurdler Scott Filip, who earned four medals (three individual, one relay) as Lake Park won its third consecutive Class 3A state title last spring. But there’s plenty more talent surrounding him and a four-peat looks like a good bet.
2. OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST
Many of the key performers return from the team that finished third in Class 3A last spring. Among them: Jamal Baggett, Zach Booth and Taroq Taylor in the sprints, and Baggett amd Kahrion Martin in the jumps.
3. LYONS
Northwestern football recruit Matt Harris, a senior hurdler and jumper, leads a deep and talented group. Harris and senior hurdler Lino Mogorovic both scored at state last year, Mike Matusiak and Ryan Speir are solid in the distances and Jimmy Mitchell is one to watch in the throws.
4. MINOOKA
Anyone who doesn’t think track is a team sport probably hasn’t seen much of the Indians, whose strength is in the relays. Their 3,200 unit is the defending 3A champ and they swept all three relays at the unofficial indoor state finals. Seniors Joey Santillo, Alex Pierce and Chris Wilson are among the key relay team members.
5. NEUQUA VALLEY
The Wildcats were runner-up to Lake Park in the Upstate Eight indoor meet, a good barometer of what to expect outdoors. A pair of juniors — Nick Bushelle in the distances and high jumper Tim Heinz — are among those to keep an eye on.
6. YORK
After winning six trophies in the previous seven seasons (including the 3A title in 2009), the Dukes slipped back in the pack last spring. Expect a rebound this season behind Scott Milling and other members of the reigning Class 3A cross-country champs.
7. THORNWOOD
Sprinters Kenneth Allen and Dwight Johnson lead an experienced squad looking for a significant jump at state after tying for 20th in Class 3A last year. High jumper Patrick Bolton is another state meet veteran.
8. PROVIDENCE
The Celtics, back in 3A after dropping to 2A last year and finishing sixth at state, aren’t the deepest team around. But they have three athletes capable of scoring big points in any meet: hurdler Anthony Helmin, pole vaulter Chad Weaver and high jumper Mike Monroe.
9. GRANT
The Bulldogs took a hit when they graduated three-time all-state hurdler Sean Wells from the squad that finished eighth in Class 3A last season. But they have two big point scorers back in senior thrower Brandon Lombardino and junior high jumper Jonathan Wells.
10. BLOOM
Quarter milers James Harriel and Micah Frazier are among the individual standouts for the Blazing Trojans, who should be able to put together several good relays as well. There also are some points to be had for Bloom in the hurdles and jumps.