Jonathan Wilburn established a personal best in the triple jump and Brad Garron qualified in two individual events and also helped Evanston reach the state finals in the 400-meter relay Friday at the Class 3A Illinois High School Association state track preliminaries in Charleston.
Wilburn won his prelim flight with a best leap of 46 feet, 9.75 inches and will represent the Wildkits in his specialty on Saturday. Two other jumpers, Cameron Ruiz of Lakes and Tony Rolfe of Chatham Glenwood, set the qualifying pace with efforts over 48 feet.
Garron, who reached the finals in either a relay or individual event for the third year in a row, posted the fourth fastest time in the 200 (22.09) and the fourth quickest time in the 400 (48.71) after winning his prelim heat in the longer race. He placed 8th in the 400 last year at State in 49.73 following a bad start to the race.
In the 400 relay, Evanston claimed the last qualifying spot as the all-senior team of Myles Hampton, Oluwashola Oluleye, Garron and Brian Daniels was clocked in 42.32. Bloomington recorded the best prelim time of 41.77.
Evanston’s other entrant, junior Trey Dawkins, fell short of advancing in the shot put with a best toss of 52 feet, 5 inches.
Dennis Mahoney is sports information director for ETHS.