ILXCTF.com Illinois HS Track & Field 2021 Season Awards - Boys Distance

By Michael Newman

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Drew Rogers of Herscher not only developed into a great 3200m runner between his sophomore and his junior season, but also transformed himself into the best runner in the state at those distances from 1600-meters on up.

Rogers was a clear choice for the ILXCTF.com Boys Distance Runner for the Year for the 2021 season as well as for Class 2A.

The junior went into the state meet as the favorite in the 3200 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run. He handled the heat in Charleston with ease winning both races and setting a new Class 2A State Meet record in the 1600 Meter Run.

Rogers’ transformation has occurred by becoming more of a taction when he races. He also has developed a lethal kick at the end of his races which gives him even more confidence than he had as a sophomore.

Rogers seemed to be out of the 2A State 1600 Meter Run entering the final lap of that race. He some how summoned up the courage to go after the win he wanted.

The same held true at Festival of Miles in St. Louis two weeks before state. Rogers was towards the back of the pack entering the final lap of that race. A 57 second final quarter moved him to a second-place finish.

Rogers ran under 9:03 for the 3200/2 Mile Run during this past season including the win at Distance Night in Palatine running 8:57.78. His time of 4:08.02 at Festival of Miles was the fastest time in the state for 1600-meters/1 Mile Run.

Good things should be in store for Rogers this fall as he should be one of the elite seniors in the country.

Daniel Watcke of Hinsdale Central was our choice for the Class 3A Distance runner of the year. The sophomore from the WSC-Silver Division just like Rogers has transformed himself as the top 800m runner in the state. He ran tactical when he needed to as he won the Class 3A 800 Meter Run in Charleston. He ran fast when needed running 1:52.72 in winning Distance Night in Palatine in May and then in the post season when he ran 1:50.34 to win at the 800 Jamboree in Chicago.

The time in Chicago made him the fastest sophomore the state has ever seen at this distance. He could have the fastest time ever in the state by the time his high school career has ended.

Micah Wilson of St. Charles East was also considered in Class 3A winning the Class 3A 3200 Meter Run at the IHSA State Meet and then two weeks later winning All-American honors by finishing second in the 5000 Meter Run at The Outdoor Nationals in Oregon. Jacob Myers of Lake Zurich won the two big money races of the season in the 1600 Meter Run at Distance Night in Palatine and then a month later with the state championships.

Mathew Olech of Harvest Christian Academy helped his school to the Class 1A State Championship in June and was our choice as the Boys Class 1A Distance Runner of the Year. Olech prepped himself for the state series running in some big-time races during the season including running 9:03.81 at Distance Night in Palatine. He had the fastest times for 1600, 1 Mile, and 3200 in Class 1A. Olech finished second in the 3200 Meter Run and then came back to win the 1600 Meter Run at the 1A State Meet.