BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — It was as if the last indoor boys track and field meet approximated the conclusion to the cross country season.
Then again, it has been a memorable junior year for Yorkville junior Jake Hoffert.
After helping the Foxes win their first cross country state championship last fall, Hoffert seized command early in the 1,600-meter run and never looked back Saturday in winning the Class 3A Top Times Meet event in four minutes, 21.71 seconds.
Jones’ Kyle Maloney made a serious surge as the gun lap approached, but Hoffert, the top seed, only extended his final margin in winning by more than three seconds.
Hoffert began by teaming with twin brother Luke, Nolan Tweedy and Richard Skogsberg to claim the 3,200 relay in 7:58.14.
“I was surprised,” Hoffert said of the Foxes’ relay championship. “I like that we had a fast track.”
But it only served as an appetizer for the open 1,600 as Hoffert took the lead early and never surrendered.
“That’s how I like to race,” Hoffert said. “I don’t want to fight for a spot in the middle.”
Waubonsie Valley’s James Travis was second to Lake Park senior Marcus Jegede in the triple jump.
Marmion senior Tyler Maryanski also placed in the high jump, and the Cadets’ Kevin Grahovec was third in the open 800 after earlier helping the Cadets’ 3,200 relay to another medal. Mike Delaney was second in the 800 for Oswego East and the Wolves’ 1,600 relay met the same fate.
In the 2A meet, Kaneland recorded a trio of state championships.
The reigning 3,200 relay had few issues behind returnees Luis Acosta, Kyle Carter and Nathaniel Kucera. Andrew Lesak was the Knights’ fourth member.
Senior Dalvell Triplett, moments after classmate Ben Barnes had to settle for second in the long jump, won the triple jump at 45-2.
Nate Dyer was almost three feet longer than any of his fellow competitors in the shot put for Kaneland.
In the 60 hurdles, Burling Central junior Lucas Ege and Aurora Central Catholic senior Patrick Lefevere were second and third, respectively.
