Sages, Krapf don't let bad weather put damper on performances

CHAMPAIGN – Monticello's 3,200-meter relay team and Scott Krapf made it worth hanging out in the rain Monday night.

There have been better weather days at The News-Gazette Honor Roll meet, but there might not have been two better performances on the boys' side in the same night than the ones turned in by the Sages and Schlarman's Scott Krapf at the Illinois track.

The Sages' 3,200 group smashed the previous meet record of 8 minutes, 11.1 posted by Urbana in 1982 by almost 10 seconds. Even more impressive than the team flying around a track full of puddles from heavy rain was that the traditional lineup of Andrew Colbert, Keith Butler, Brent Rhodes and Scott Phelps hasn't run together in a while.

"All this year we haven't run with all four of these guys," said Colbert, who ran the first leg of the Sages' 8:01.30 record-setting time. "We've been using different guys. This is the first big event in a few weeks that we've really pushed it."

Colbert said the last time the foursome really let it hang out was at the Prep Top Times indoor meet in late March. Good things happened then and again Monday for a group that is poised for even better things later this month in Charleston for the Class A state meet.

"To run well in weather like this was great," Colbert said. "We're happy with where we are right now, but our goal is to be even better in two weeks."

Those who stuck around later in the evening were treated to another dominating performance by the Illinois State-bound Krapf.

Krapf beat an impressive field in the 1,600, winning in 4:22.6 and besting the previous mark set by Krapf's buddy and former Danville runner Rey Alvarez (4:24.3 in 2003). As Krapf made his way down the home stretch with the clock ticking toward a record, the crowd and other competitors cheered Krapf in.

"This is one of the premier meets in East Central Illinois and everyone was great sports," said Krapf, who was making his first Honor Roll appearance during his stellar career. "It was great. Going after Rey's record was fun. He's always been someone I've liked to watch run."

Krapf is hoping Monday's performance was just a primer for Friday's Class A sectional and possibly for the state meet, where he's putting a lot of focus on the mile.

"I was using this meet as kind of a state simulator," Krapf said. "I wanted to see how things would go."

Things went well for the Urbana boys' team. The Tigers won five events Monday night, led by Geoffrey Angel (200, 22.3 seconds) who joined his brother Anthony, Nick Leigh and Nich Harold on the winning 400 relay team (43.51).

Lance Liggett (pole vault), Stephen Burgess (800) and Mykhail Chambers (high jump) also posted wins for the Tigers.

"When it comes to the big meets it means a lot to us to do well," Chambers said. "Especially for our relays, because it's more than one person and they don't want to let anybody down."

Unity's Cody Stunkard edged a star-studded field in the 100, winning in 11.1. It was the closest race of the night, with the eighth-place runner finishing in 11.7.

"I thought we would all be lined up in a straight line for the finish," said Stunkard, who has enjoyed strong indoor and outdoor seasons. "I feel really good, competing with AA schools, and in the rain. Hopefully, I can keep it going to state."

Danville and St. Joseph-Ogden each won two events. The Vikings' Jordan Stipp won the 3,200 (10:29.87) and Marquis Harmon captured the long jump (21 feet, 3 inches).

Mitch Blair smoked the field in the 110 hurdles (15.04), and the Spartans cruised to a win in the 1,600 relay (3:27).

Other winners included Tuscola's Tyler Carter in the triple jump (42-6); Mahomet-Seymour Jack Tennant in the shot put (52-10); Salt Fork's Tyler Lyons in the discus (151 feet); Champaign Central's Josh Stanner in the 400 (50.0); Hoopeston Area's Kasey Carl in the 300 hurdles (40.5); and the Centennial 800 relay team (1:31.9).