Here are the top Bloomington-area boys track athletes to watch in 2024
Last spring's boys' track season was a crazy, non-stop race to see who could break the next school or even state record.
And with a large number of those same athletes back in the starting blocks, figure for more of the same this year. With indoor season ready to conclude this weekend and outdoor season right around the corner, here's a look at the top runners, throwers, vaulters and jumpers to keep an eye on in 2024:
ETHAN BARNES, South, Sr.
Panthers' top returning thrower finished the year on the cusp of hitting the 50-foot mark.
D'ANDRE BLACK, South, Sr.
With his ACL injury and an outstanding season at wide receiver behind him, Black will again be one of the state's top hurdlers and could be a key element on the relays. Had an 8.06 in the indoor 60s. Consider the school records to be under threat.
TEAGEN BULLOCK, South, Sr.
One of South's top soccer players, he is tough on the track as well. Went 1:58 in the 800 last year and will be key on the 3,200 relay again. Ran a leg for the Panthers' 1,600 relay that leads the state indoors at 3:23.
EVAN CHENG, North, So.
He was the area's best long jumper last year topping out at 21-4 this season and showed his athleticism on the basketball court this winter.
CHRIS DAVIS, Edgewood, Sr.
One of the area's top throwers as a sophomore, reaching 50 feet, shoulder surgery took him out of action last year. He's come back strong with a 50-10 shot put indoors.
DOMINIC D'ONOFRIO, Sr. & CAELAN D'ONOFRIO, So. North
Dominic was on the state champion 3,200 relay last year and ran a 1:59.28 800 and a 4:24 1,600. Caelan's run a 4:14.13 1,600 indoors and ran with North's top indoor 1,600 relay.
NOAH HALL, Owen Valley, So.
Along with North's Amare Draughn, one of the area's top returning high jumpers, reaching 6-2 at regional.
JACK HOLDEN, North, Jr.
Holden is part of a deep and talented 800-1,600-3,200 group for the Cougars along with seniors Aden and Reed Pierce and sophomore Jacob Mitchell. Holden was fourth at regional in the 1,600 in 4:23. He led off the 7:47 the indoor 3,200 relay posted.
JAIDYN JOHNSON, North, Sr.
Battled injuries but still crushed the school record in the 100 (10.76) and placed 17th at state, had a 22.4 in the 200 and helped the Cougars' 400 relay (which also returns Stephon Opoku and Joseph Powell) break the school record and take third at state in 41.69. He's showing no signs of slowing down, No. 1 in the state in the indoor 60 at 6.77.
JAMES LEWIS, Eastern Greene, Sr.
T-Bird running back comes back after a strong track season. He returns in the 100 and 200, qualifying for regional in both events and long jump (with a 20-7 indoors). He will be a tough 400 relay anchor as well.
ZANE MEYER, Edgewood, Jr.
Mustangs' top distance runner returns. He had a 9:41 at sectional and regional last year in the 3,200 and a strong season in cross country, dropping his best time by 1:04 and getting himself to state, finishing 28th.
RYAN RHEAM, South, Sr.
Great finish in cross country followed up his school record of 9:03.96 to take third at state in the 3,200 last year, so figure he'll take a shot at a sub-9. Signed up to run for Army.
WILL STEINER, North, Jr.
Reached 12-0 in pole vault last year and along with senior Ethan Isles, who has gone 12-6 indoors, gives Cougars a solid 1-2 punch in that event.
JOSH TAIT, South, Sr.
Made it to state in the 400 and is ready to break 50 seconds. Was the anchor for the 1,600 relay placed 12th at state in 3:23.44 and ran a leg for the indoor team that is No. 1 in the state at 3:22.72.
CALEB WINDERS, North, So.
H-T Co-Track Athlete of the Year still running strong after anchoring the 3,200 to a state title and a state record (7:43.67). Cougars have already posted a 7:47 indoors. As fast as 1:52.68 in the 800 for second at state and will aim for the school record there as well. Also a key runner for the 1,600 relay.
MAX WYNALDA, North, Sr.
Went to state in the shot put and placed 13th, he got off a season-best 54-11. Already at 53-8½ indoors.
JOE ZINKAN, South, Sr.
Made strong improvements last year to get down to 9:21.56 in the 3,200 to make state. Strong cross county season followed. Part of a strong 3,200 relay the Panthers should be able to put together with Hunter Tabor and Rheam.
Contact Jim Gordillo at jgordillo@heraldt.com and follow on X @JimGordillo.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Here are the top Bloomington area boys track athletes to watch in 2024
