By Michael Newman

[email protected]

Here are the ILXCTF Illinois Boys Athletes of the Year in the three classifications in the Distance Events. Congratulations to all the athletes that were recognized for these honors.

3A Boys

The past few years have been special watching some of the distance runners that this state is producing. It’s only going continue as some of the younger distance runners are inspired to bigger things.

Danny Kilrea of Lyons Township had a senior season that we will remember for years to come. The senior followed up his state title in cross-country with an exciting come from behind win in the 3A Boys 3200 Meter Run catching Zach Kinne of Neuqua Valley in the final 20-meters of the race. Kilrea also was ranked sixth nationally in the 5000 Meter Run. He won his final race winning the 1-Mile Run at Magis Miles.

Dylan Jacobs of Sandburg also had senior season that was memorable. He anchored his team to the state championship in the 3200 Meter Relay. The 1600 Meter Run later in the meet was one that will not be forgotten as Jacobs caught Granite City’s Will O’Keefe at the line to win the state championship.

Clayton Mendez of Whitney Young did not win a state title but did earn all-state honors in both the 3200 and 1600 Meter Run. He did run under 4:10 for 1600-meters/1-mile this season including a third-place finish at the Brooks PR Invitational running 4:05.57 for a full mile.

In the end by just a millimeter, Jacobs has the edge. Both Kilrea and Jacobs had come from behind wins in Charleston. The 3200 Relay run by Jacobs was the decision maker. It was fun to see these three student/athletes run in Illinois. It will be great to see them achieve some great performances on the next level.

Congratulations to Dylan Jacobs, a senior at Sandburg High School in Orland Park, as the 2018 ILXCTF Illinois 3A Boys Distance Runner of the Year.

2A Boys

Jake Gillum’s win at 800 and 1600-meters in 2017 was a double that we did not think that we would see for some time. That double in the IHSA State Meet is tough to accomplish. Normal University’s Jared Schuckman accomplished that feat running 1:53.87 and 4:19.97 in that short period of time.

Adam Gilbreath-Glaub of Metamora came back after a disappointing cross-country season to win the 3200 Meter Run. His come from behind win passing Mahomet-Seymour’s Mattias Powell sets us up for a great 2018-2019 season. Powell, a senior, and Gilreath-Glaub, a junior, will be two of the runners making memories this fall.

Congratulations to Jared Shuckman, a senior from University High School in Normal, as the 2018 ILXCTF Illinois 2A Boys Distance Runner of the Year.

1A Boys

Just like in the 3A classification, there were so many choices for this honor. Jack MacNabola of Francis Parker in Chicago finally captured a state title running a 58 second final 400 to win the 3200 Meter Run.

Logan Hall of Arthur-Lovington, who finished second behind MacNabola in the 3200 Meter Run, came from behind to win the 1600 Meter Run.

Riley Wells of Rockford Christian completed his junior season by winning his second straight 1A Boys 800 Meter Run state title. Wells will be unable to defend his title since Rockford Christian will compete in Class 2A in the 2019 track season.

Wells lost only one race during the outdoor season in a tactical sectional 800 Meter Run race. It was his redemption in the state finals that captures this honor.

Congratulations to Riley Wells, a junior from Rockford Christian in Rockford, as the 2018 ILXCTF Illinois 1A Boys Distance Runner of the year.