9 Peoria-area boys who can win titles at the IHSA track and field state finals

Finishing on the podium is the goal.

The Illinois High School Association boys track and field state meet prelims are held over the next two days, starting with the Class 1A prelims on Thursday and concluding with the Class 2A and 3A ones on Friday in Charleston at Eastern Illinois University's O'Brien Field blue track. The all three classes — Class 1A, 2A and 3A — as well as the wheelchair division finals in every event are 10 a.m. Saturday.

Here are the nine Peoria-area boys track athletes with the best shot at winning a 2024 state championship. Athletes are listed in alphabetical order.

All the qualifiers:Every Peoria-area boys track and field athlete who advanced to the 2024 IHSA state finals

Ian Bentzinger, Illini West

The senior is a four-event Class 1A state qualifier in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and the 4x100- and 4x200-meter relays. Bentzinger holds the second-best times in the 100 (10.71 seconds) and 200 (22.12 seconds). The 4x100 relay has a chance to advance from prelims, being 1.42 seconds out of the top spot.

Darrin Dussett, Richwoods

Dussett is a two-event Class 3A state qualifier in the sprints. The senior went 11-flat in the 100-meter dash along with going a sub-50-second 400 (49.78 seconds). His 400 time comes in as the 17th fastest time and 1.56 seconds off the top time of 48.22.

Isaiah Hill, Elmwood/Brimfield

The 2023 Journal Star Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year is a state qualifier in three individual events. He's running in the 400 (50.97 seconds), 800 (1:58.14) and 1600-meter races (4:30.37). His 400 time is the 10th-best time in Class 1A, clocking in just 0.86 seconds out of the No. 1 time.

Morton 4x800-meter relay

The Potters have the best Class 2A time entering the state meet. Morton runners Christian Harris, Boston Beyer, Yonas Wuthrich and Layton Knopp posted a time of 7:51.85 at the sectional — fifth-best in Illinois, regardless of class. The Peoria-area record of 7:50.44 set by Illinois Valley Central in 1985 could be in jeopardy.

Track and field top times:Peoria honor roll for 2024 | Peoria all-time best performances

Kamar Sanders, Limestone

Sanders is a two-event Class 2A state qualifier. He won the 100-meter dash (10.99 seconds) and long jump (22 feet, 8.75 inches) at the Galesburg Sectional. The junior comes into the Friday's prelims with the fifth-best long jump distance and three 100 performances under 11 seconds including a 10.90 time in April.

Jayden Washington, Illini Bluffs

Washington comes into the Class 1A state meet with the top sectional height in the long jump. He went for a personal best 22 feet, 9 inches at the Farmington Sectional. The junior's distance is 5.5 inches farther than the next closest competitor. A state medal would give IB its first long jump medalist in program history.

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.