The Morrison Mustangs didn’t just show up at the IHSA Class 1A Rockridge Sectional—they stormed the track, torched the field, and made one thing crystal clear: they’re coming for gold at state. The Morrison Mustangs secured first place at the IHSA Class 1A Rockridge Sectional in Taylor Ridge. Standout performances included Levi Milder and Brady Anderson in sprints, Rylan Alvarado in the long jump, and strong relay squads. The team will move on to the Illinois State Finals in Charleston.
In a jaw-dropping display of speed, power, and championship swagger, the Mustangs claimed first place in the team standings, punching ticket after ticket to Charleston for the state finals. From the very first event to the final baton pass, Morrison brought the thunder—and left scorched lanes in their wake.
�� Sprint Kings: Milder and Anderson Electrify the Crowd
The 100-meter dash was a taste of the fireworks to come. Lena-Winslow’s Alec Schlichting took the gold in a sharp 10.95, but Morrison wasn’t far behind. Levi Milder blasted through with an 11.01, and teammate Brady Anderson surged in at 11.22 for third. The real sizzle? Milder’s earlier-season 10.72 time at the Missile Meet. If you like drama, buckle up—the state final showdown between Milder, Schlichting, and Anderson is set to be a classic.
And then came the 200 meters—and with it, complete Mustang domination. Milder rocketed to a 21.76, the fastest time in Class 1A this year. Anderson wasn’t far behind, cruising to a 21.98. Schlichting settled for third with a 22.34 as the Mustangs made it clear: the 200 is their kingdom.
�� Middle Distance, Major Depth
In the 800 meters, it was Sterling Newman’s Wyatt Widolff easily cruising across the finish in 2:06.54 to grab the gold. Lena- Winslow’s Brady White and Hayden McNutt weren’t content to watch—they powered into second and third, sealing their spots at state. The Mustangs distance dynamo Isiah McDearmon made his mark in the 1600 meters, clinching second place with a solid 4:45.64 and securing his state berth.
�� Field Event Fury and Hurdle Heat
In the field, sophomore sensation Rylan Alvarado flew to victory in the long jump, soaring 6.54 meters (21’ 5 1/2”). Over in the hurdles, Josh McDearmon stepped up, taking first in the 110 highs with a swift 16.09. In the 300 hurdles, it was all about grit—Lane Decker grabbed third in 42.08, and McDearmon slid into the state meet by time with 42.70 for fourth.
�� Relay Royalty: The Mustangs Aim to Repeat the Trifecta
Let’s talk history. In 2024, Morrison swept the state relays, taking gold in the 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400. And now? They’re back—and going for GOLD again!
This year In Taylor Ridge (taking two golds with one squad) :
● 4×100 (Anderson, Alvarado, Zach & Levi Milder): � 42.39 – 1st place
● 4×200 � 1:27.95 – 1st place – just 0.02 seconds shy of the all-time 1A state record from 2012
Yes, you read that right: history is within reach. The 4×400 team (Colton Bielema, McDearmon, Alvarado, and Zach Milder) rounded out the night with a 3:31.35, finishing fifth but qualifying on time. Milder anchored with a scorching 48.08 split, putting an exclamation point on an epic meet.
�� Next Stop: Charleston – Records Beware
With a roster stacked from sprints to hurdles, jumps to relays, Morrison is heading to the Illinois State Finals locked, loaded, and hungry. They’ve got medals in their sights—and records trembling in the distance.
The Mustang stampede is coming. Charleston, brace yourself.
