800m
2019 State Champion: Cole Hocker (Indianapolis Cathedral) 1:51.48
Top Returners and Current PR
Gabriel Sanchez (Sr., Lowell) 1:51.73
Jaylen Castillo (Jr., Fishers) 1:53.88
Andrew Anderson (Jr., Noblesville) 1:54.06
Adam Moster (Jr., Batesville) 1:55.02
Tanner Stiver (Jr., Warsaw) 1:55.92
Paul Rushton (Sr., Bloomington North) 1:56.36
Analysis
Going into the 2020 season, we could be looking at a new state meet record in the 800. The obvious favorite going into the season is Gabriel Sanchez of Lowell. He had a stellar junior season and ultimately won the state title in XC. Coming into the season, Sanchez owns a blistering PR of 1:51.73 which came at the state meet last year in which he took 2nd to Cole Hocker. After nearly beating Hocker, now part of an elite Oregon program, how could Sanchez not be seen as the favorite going into the season? Not only is he chasing the 800 state title, but we could see Sanchez go after Austin Mudd's state meet record of 1:49.25. Worth noting, Mudd also holds the overall state record at 1:48.09 which he set after the state meet at New Balance Nationals the same year. He's going to need some help from the field, but it's definitely something to keep an eye on throughout the season leading up to the state finals.
Sanchez's biggest competition looks to be Jaylen Castillo and Andrew Anderson. Castillo has a PR of 1:53.88 which is not something to overlook. With competition like Sanchez, Castillo has a good shot to better that PR. Castillo did not have the best performance in the 800 at the state finals last year, ultimately taking home a 27th place finish in 2:04.40 which is no indication of his ability. He did split a 1:53 in Fishers 4x8 team and helped lead them to a 4x8 state title. Andrew Anderson is another guy to keep an eye on. He owns a PR of 1:54.06 and had a solid sophomore campaign last year. Anderson took home 9th in the 800 at last year's finals and should have no problem bettering that this season.
Some other notable names to follow are Adam Moster and Tanner Stiver. Both have PR's under 1:56 and we could see them dip under 1:53 if they choose to go all-in in the 800. Without a doubt, the 800 will be one of the most exciting events of the season, as it always is.