O’Brien Field will soon be filled with approximately 3,000 high school students competing in the IHSA meet for track and field. Girls will compete for state, and boys will compete for sectionals. The boys will come back next week to compete for state.

Ron McGraw, an assistant executive director with the IHSA, said there are more students coming this year than in previous years.

Last year approximately 2,500 students came to compete. Anyone who reaches the qualifying times, heights, and distances can make it to state.

“While there are team scores kept, (track and field) is also very individual,” McGraw said. “So it gives young people an opportunity to work in both sides of that world where they need to be independent (and) dedicated as an individual and to themselves.”

Argie Johnson, the head boys track coach from Champaign Central High School, said about 16 athletes from Champaign Central High School are competing in the IHSA track and field postseason. He said he is very proud of the athletes and that he knows they worked hard to get there.

“Track can and will bring out the best in an individual and I see it as a plus for some kids that may not be able to make a team sport but would work well in a sport that you can be yourself in,” he said.

McGraw has been in charge of the IHSA track and field finals for six years and said that he enjoys watching the players.

“It’s a wonderful atmosphere, lots of people that get involved and help from the university and from the community and from all over the state,” McGraw said. “The young men and women will appreciate the support and help we receive.”

Johnson has also come to the IHSA meet at Eastern before. “It’s very exciting that you see the athletes you get to see, because they come from the whole state and not just from the area that you compete in,” he said.

Sam Sottosanto can be reached at 581-7942 or at deneic@gmail.com.