When the 300-meter intermediate hurdles event was moments away, defending champion Kraig Appleton of East St. Louis knew how big this event was for his teammates and for himself.
The 6’4” junior scored 10 big points for his Flyers in a blazing time of 37.99 seconds to defend his state title in that event and send his team home with its first IHSA Class AA boys state championship since 2005. East St. Louis became the first school to win both boys and girls Illinois state titles in the same year since 1984, when the East St. Louis Lincoln Lincoln boys and girls accomplished the same feat. This year marks the first time that the Flyers and Flyerettes won the state title in the same year. After speaking to many East St. Louis citizens over the weekend, most said they would have bet the farm that it had happened before!
Former Flyers’ great athlete and current and head track & field coach Roscoe Whitfield deserved this title for a number of reasons. After winning in his first year following legendary coach and mentor John Davis, Whitfield won this year’s title with his stamp smack on it.
Whitfield gave all the credit to his student-athletes who competed all year and took on all challenges.
“These young men did an outstanding job listening to our coaches,” he said. “I give my staff a lot of credit also. It was a total team effort, and we are glad to bring another trophy home to our community.”
The Flyer thinclads made sure Athletic Director Leonard Manley would have to find room for another history-making trophy just one week after Nino Fennoy’s Flyerettes brought the Class AA girls championship trophy home to East Boogie.
East St. Louis withstood its share of adversity on its way to the championship. Top sprinter Javaughn Tabbs pulled his hamstring on a rainy cold day in Friday’s preliminary, taking him out of the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes.
With Tabbs out of the mix, that opened the door for two-time defending champs and cross- town rivals Cahokia, and Elmhurst York, both whom were lurking. Without Tabbs, Appleton and senior Ryan Miller stepped up big time with Appleton finishing fifth in the 110-meter high hurdles (14.62) and Miller finishing sixth with a time of 14.67.
The duo would finish off the competition at O’Brien Stadium on the campus of Eastern Illinois University with performances that would have Flyers’ fans chanting on their feet in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles finals when Appleton finished firstt Miller finishing third to give the Flyers’ a 16-point bonanza..
The state also got a peek of the future when sophomore Evan Johnson finished seventh in the 200-meter dash that clinch the championship for the orange and blue.
Scott’s Notes
? The two- time defending state champion Cahokia Comanches had nothing to be ashamed of. Although I’m sure coach Leroy Milsap is disappointed in a fourth-place finish, his team had an outstanding season and a great run during the last few years. He has a lot of jealous people under his nose everyday that haven’t won anything and he Milsap doesn’t get much support. You don’t see him looking for attention or taking credit for things others and the kids achieve.
? Cahokia thinclads Darien “Doc” Donald placed first in the 400-meter dasy (47.52) and Earnest Winters got second in the 200 (21.61). University of Illinois recruit London Davis finished third in the shot put with a toss of 57-0.1/2.
? Junior Class: The top two football and track athletes south of Interstate 80 are Flyers state hurdles champion and All-State wide receiver Kraig Appleton, and Cahokia’s 400-meter state champ Darien” Doc’ Donald. Donald was an All- State quarterback last season at Cahokia. Both are being recruited by major college football programs.
? Cahokia and East St. Louis probably won’t be competing in the State Championship in Track & Field anymore. Starting in 2009, IHSA will have a three-class system with Cahokia competing in 2A and East St. Louis Sr. in Class 3A. There could always be our own city championship, so to speak, that could happen like in track if Coach Gollliday wasn’t afraid to play coach Sunkett in football. The kids want to play, but old glory doesn’t.
? Slick Rick Majerus’ report card appears in my next column.