Prospect, Palatine the center of attention this weekend
The end of April typically signifies the unofficial halfway point of the boys track and field outdoor season.
This weekend also features the best area track and field until the state meet at the end of May.
Prospect features the Wanner Invitational at Gattas Stadium on Friday night. The preliminaries and field events start at 5 p.m., with the finals on the track slated for a 6:45 start.
Palatine picks up the baton and handles the Saturday track with the longest running relay meet in the state — the Palatine Relays. Action at Palatine starts at 8:30 am Saturday morning, and the afternoon session kicks off after 12 with the alumni mile.
Traditionally at the Wanner Invitational, the distance events are the marquee races to watch — and that certainly won’t change this year as the 3,200-meter run figures to be the best race of the night.
Headlining this race are York senior Jack Driggs, Edwardsville junior Garrett Sweatt and Barrington junior Erik Peterson, to name a few. This race typically produces the fastest time in the state. Sweatt has the third fastest time in the state, with Peterson and the North Carolina-bound Driggs both ranked among Illinois’ 15 best.
The host Knights are in prime position to win the invite for the first time, led by senior sprint star and Ohio State-bound Nick Batcha. He will likely fill his plate with four events. The 100 and 200 are his signature races, with the long jump also a possibility.
If he anchors a relay, figure Prospect to chase down the likes of Lane Tech, Barrington, Niles North and Zion-Benton in either the 400 or 800 relays.
To start the meet, the 3,200-relay always seems to supply its fair share of highlights. Lyons Township, York, Barrington, Prospect and Hersey all figure to head under the eight-minute mark in what should be a great race.
The Palatine Relays has added a little spice for the second year in a row with downstate Belleville East highlighting the field. Fox Valley Conference powers Jacobs, Huntley and Prairie Ridge also will make for a deep middle-distance and distance group.
Fremd and Palatine will renew their rivalry in what has become an annual occurrence at this relay meet. Next season, the two schools will square off in a dual meet to determine the King of Palatine.
Fremd captured the Mid-Suburban League West crown Tuesday and should be one of the top contenders at Palatine — along with the host Pirates, Barrington and Belleville East.
The 3,200-meter run should be a great early race led by Grayslake North’s Matt Kendzior. His 9:15.5 seed time is among the best in the state.