Despite the 2014 season just being over for a few days, MileStat is already making bold predictions for the 2015 outdoor season. Check out who are the favorites for next year's awards.
Athlete of The Year
Grassfield (2016)
When someone is able to clear 7-1 on their first attempt it is hard not to chose them as the athlete of the year for the following season. Not only is Grant a stellar high jumper but he is an even better hurdler. He ran a sophomore class national record last season in the 55m hurdles and comepted well in the 110m hurdles this year. Next year with some of his tough competition gone and him only getting faster and stronger from last year, he should be able to dominate the entire state in the 110m hurdles, 300m hurdles, high jump, and be a member of some fast relay teams.
Runner of The Year
Deep Run (2015)
Though Matthew is not predicted to be the distance runner of the year, he is predicted to be the runner of the year because of his ability to compete in the 800, 1600, and 3200 unlike anyone else in the state. Matthew is one of the two best 1600m runners in the state without question but cannot really push Andrew Hunter in the 3200. Aside from hunter though he is one of the top 3200m runners in the entire state. So this is where his 800m running ability comes into play where he can compete with anyone in the entire state and win. He has phenominal foot speed and could probably run close to a 48 in a 4x400. Being at the 5A level will allow him to basically pick and choose what events he would like to win this following year. Southern Track Classic and the Penn Relays will be the meets to watch for him to see how low he can go in the Mile.
Field Event Athlete/Jumper/Hurdler of The Year
Grassfield (2016)
Sprinter of The Year
T.C. Williams (2016)
It is really amazing to look back and see how much Noah did this year. He posted bests of 10.45 in the 100 and 20.82 in the 200. These times put him close to state record pace for next season... which will only be his junior year! If Noah can remain healthy he could put together one of the most historic sprinting careers in the history of the state. He also has one of the best relay partners down the hall with his brother Josephus Lyles tearing things up in the 400. Though these two brothers will be unstoppable in the sprints next season, the real thing to watch will be if both can split in the 44 second range to bring home a Penn Relays trophy next year.
Distance Runner Of The Year
Loudoun Valley (2016)
Setting a national class record and winning a race at the Penn Relays Carnival does add some cache to your name. When Andrew ran 8:16 for a 3000 people really started to pay attention... and that was only as a sophomore. This upcoming year could be a huge breakthrough for Andrew in the 2 Mile and Mile races. Now that he has a full competitive season behind him with tons of races it is looking like he will be the guy to beat across the board at every meet. If he keeps improving like he has, we should see a state record in the 3200 by mid-season next year!
Vaulter of The Year
Atlee (2015)
Bryce not only is the state leader this year but is also the top returner next year. Bryce was the 5A state champion this outdoor season and had a season best clearance of 15-2.25. He not only cleared this height but was also consistenly the best pole vaulter in the state all year long. With huge improvements last year he should be set well to astonish everyone this coming outdoor season.
Thrower of The Year
Atlee (2015)
Austin is the highest returner in both throws combined. He will be returning next year ranked 4th in the discus at 161-2 and 10th in the shot put at 55-2.75. He was the 5A State Champion in the discus and state runner-up in the shot put. With that type of ability, not even factoring the potential and likely improvement, he is definitely the favorite to win both events next year and be crowned the new king of the throws.