BOYS FIELD EVENTS 2024 PREVIEW
To start 2024, we’re previewing all 16 events heading into the track & field season. Performances listed reflect an athlete’s best mark on TFFRS from last season. We also have accompanying podcasts that can be heard on Apple or Spotify.
High Jump (5 returning medalists)Elliot Ryba - 12 - Greenfield-Central - 2nd at state - 6’10
Caden Collins - 12 - Danville - 5th at state - 6’7
Lonte Ward - 11 - Lutheran - 6th at state - 6’8
Ethan Widenhofer - 12 - Homestead - 7th at state - 6’7
Kaden Lark - 11 - Lebanon - 8th at state - 6’7
Of note:
Jordan Randall - 10 - Warsaw - 6’9
Outlook: Greenfield-Central senior is the favorite being the top returner from the state meet after finishing second and having the best clearance of 6’10. This is an event with a good amount of returners. Warsaw sophomore Jordan Randall is someone to keep an eye on after clearing 6’9 as a freshman. Typically, 6’6 will finish easily in the medals and often 6’4 will do the trick. A total of 12 returners cleared 6’6 last year at some point. This is an event that doesn’t look to factor much into the title race.
Pole Vault (5 returning medalists)
Eli Griffin - 12 - Homestead - 2nd at state - 15’6
Lincoln Hulsey - 12 - LaVille - 3rd at state - 15’0
Ethan Smith - 12 - Churubusco - 6th at state - 14’9
Jaylon Walcott - 12 - Brownsburg - 8th at state - 15’0
Peyton McQuinn - 12 - Hamilton Heights - 9th at state - 15’4
Of note:
Aidan Hudspith - 12 - Frankfort - 15’0
Connor Langsford - 11 - HSE - 14’6
Perhaps the toughest event in track based on the requisite skill sets and coaching, the runner-up here in Homestead senior Eli Griffin is the favorite based on state meet placing and best mark from last year. The back-end of the podium returns, and there is no runaway favorite like this event has had more often than not in years past. Brownsburg senior Jaylon Walcott, eighth last year, could provide big points for the defending team champion.
Long Jump (6 returning medalists)Elijah Coker - 12 - Penn - 3rd at state - 23’7.75
JonAnthony Hall - 11 - Fishers - 4th at state - 23’1
Michael Griffith - 12 - HSE - 5th at state - 23’1.75
Kirk Knecht - 12 - 12 - Greenfield - 6th at state - 22’5.75
Alex Eyasu - 12 - Brownsburg - 8th at state - 22’2.25
Robert Nabieu - 12 - SB Riley - 9th at state - 22’11.75
Of note:
Terrell Caldwell - 12 - Calumet - 23’3.25
Josh Berry - 12 - Lake Central - 22’9
This is a pretty open event given the inconsistent nature of the event. Penn senior Elijah Coker does have the best performance from last year and the best state meet placing. Calumet senior Terrell Caldwell did not finish on the podium last year but did as a freshman and sophomore. Hamilton Southeastern senior Michael Griffith, fifth at state as a junior, also scored in this event as a sophomore. His performance in the tournament could be big for a fringe total contender. Brownsburg senior Alex Eyasu jumped really well at the state finals, and he could be key to a repeat in what could be a close team race.
Shot Put (2 returning medalists)
Luke Himes - 12 - Heritage Christian - state champion - 66’7
Seamus Malaski - 12 - Crown Point - 8th at state - 60’7
Of note:
Nylan Brown - 12 - Ben Davis - 61’7.5
Dane Sebert - 12 - Eastside - 59’9
Brock Conrad - 11 - Floyd Central - 58’3
Zac Wurm - 12 - Adams Central - 56’6
Outlook: This is a pretty open event in terms of the podium with only two medalists back, though Heritage Christian senior Luke Himes is an overwhelming favorite, perhaps the most of any event this year. Crown Point senior Seamus Malaski had an outstanding state meet, though he seems too far back to mount a realistic challenge to Himes. Last year was an incredibly strong year in the shot, and while it may be the weaker of the two events this spring, finishing on the podium will still be tougher than usual.
Discus (6 returning medalists)Seamus Malaski - 12 - Crown Point - state champion - 187’8
Fin Essley - 12 - Zionsville - 2nd at state - 178’2
Damien Shanklin - 11 - Warren - 4th at state - 174’3Luke Himes - 12 - Heritage Christian - 5th at state - 173’11
Josiah Bird - 12 - Hamilton Southestern - 8th at state - 167’1
Dane Sebert - 12 - Eastside - 9th at state - 175’10
Of note:
Mason Moulton - 12 - Yorktown - 174’8
Denton Jacobs - 12 - Mooresville - 168’3
Ivan Lynch - 12 - Bloomington South - 166’6
Outlook: With six returning medalists, including four of the top five, this is one of the strongest events heading into 2024. Malaski picked the right time for his best performance in a challenging venue in Bloomington last year. Shot put champion Himes certainly has potential and accolades in his secondary event, and it’s possible he could vie for the win here. Zionsville senior Fin Essley and HSE senior Josiah Bird could be hoping for big points in the first event to conclude to keep pace with the team title favorites.
For more, subscribe to the Indiana Runner Podcast.