1600m
2019 State Champion: Cole Hocker (Indianapolis Cathedral) 4:07.00
Top Returners and Current PR
Jack Gillard (Sr., Bloomington South) 4:13.56
Luke Combs (Sr., Lapel) 4:13.70
Jack Kovach (Sr., Brebeuf Jesuit) 4:14.25
Lucas Guerra (Jr., Highland) 4:17.04
Matthew Newell (So., Columbus North) 4:17.68
Caleb Williams (Sr., Harrison WL) 4:19.50
Analysis
My oh my. The 1600 looks to be one of the most exciting events of the year and state meet. Jack Gillard and Luke Combs look to be the clear frontrunners. They took 2nd and 3rd respectively at last year's state finals, behind Cole Hocker. With PR's of 4:13.56 and 4:13.70, these two will look to push each other through 4 laps and we could possibly see this duo dip under 4:10.
Jack Kovach, a Duke University signee, who took 5th at last year's state meet, looks to be the next man up to challenge Gillard and Combs. His PR of 4:14.25 sits just behind Gillard and Combs. Kovach had a stellar XC season, ultimately taking 8th at the state championship meet. Kovach should be toe to toe with the other 2, which will make for an exciting race! With all three being seniors this year, they're all going to be hungry for a state title to cap off a remarkable high school career.
Lucas Guerra of Highland is someone we're going to have to watch this season. Guerra had an outstanding XC season, ending with a 2nd place finish at the state meet. With some solid winter training, Guerra should have no problem staying in the lead pack through 4 laps. Guerra is a dark horse in this race, but as the season goes on, he could end up going into the state meet at the favorite.