Illinois Distance High School Track Hall of Fame - Boys 800m
Photo: Patrick Hilby of Aurora Central Catholic
Here are the all-time lists for Illinois high school distance runners.
List organized by fastest times while in high school.
880 Yard Run performances multiplied by .9942 for equivalent metric performance.
Listed by Time | Name | School | Year Graduated
Please contact Mike Newman (mike@dyestat.com) for any missing athletes deserving to be on list. Please send proof of performance.
Lists as of July 2024
Boys 800m (1:52.0)
1 - 1:47.55 – Patrick Hilby
Aurora Central Catholic – 2024
Time was for win at New Balance Nationals Outdoor (2024); Ran 1:48.47 for win at New Balance Nationals Indoor (2024); Ran 1:47.92 to finish in 2nd place at the Brooks PR Invitational (2024); Ran 1:52.39 for win at IHSA Class 2A State Track Championships; also ran 48.08 to win the 400 Meter Dash in the same meet; Ran 1:48.81 to finish in 2nd place at HOKA Festival of Miles (2023); ran 1:48.87 to finish 4th at New Balance Outdoor Nationals (2023); Ran 1:50.49 to set new meet record and win at IHSA Class 2A State Meet (2023); finished 3rd in IHSA State 2A Meet, also finished 6th in the 400 Meter Dash in same meet (2022);
Also, on 1600m list
2 - 1:47.70 - Daniel Watcke
Hinsdale Central – 2023
Time was for 10th Place Finish at Rose City Mile, Portland OR (2023); Ran 1:48.59 for win at HOKA Festival of Miles (2023); Ran 1:48.86 for win at Pan Am U-20 Championships (2023). Ran 1:50.81 for win at HOKA Festival of Miles (2022); Was part of Nike Winning team that ran second fastest time ever in US (7:29.20) and also reset Illinois Best time for event (2023), ran 1:48.3 anchor split; won Class 3A State 800m Run (1%2.16); anchored team to win in Class 3A 4x8 with 1:50.5 split (2023); Was part of Nike Outdoor Nationals winning team that set a then new Illinois All Time Record of 7:32.14; Finished second in IHSA 3A State Meet 800m Run (2022); Ran 1:51.20 to finish 3rd in USATF U-20’s (2022); Ran 1:54.24 to win Class 3A State Championship (2021); Ran 1:52.72 to win Distance Night in Palatine (2021). 2-Time All-State XC including finishing 3rd in 3A State Meet (2022), 14th (2021)
Also on 1600m list
3 - 1:47.95 – Sean Torpy
Orland Park Sandburg – 2016
Time was for win at Midwest Distance Classic (2016); part of Sandburg team that ran 7:37.36 for the win in the Class 3A State 4x8 (2016); part of Sandburg team that ran 7:42.03 for the win in the Class 3A State 4x8 (2015); part of Sandburg team that ran 7:40.77 for 2nd in the Class 3A State 4x8 (2014); part of Sandburg team that won national championship in 4x1-Mile at NBNI in 17:16.36 (2016).
Also on 1600 list
4 - 1:48.23 – David Ayoub
Peoria HS – 1977
Time was 1:48.86 for 880y and win at Class 2A State Meet (1977); finished 4th in Class 2A 880y (1976); finished 5th in Class 2A State 880y (1975); finished 12th as a freshman in the IHSA State 880y (1974); ran 1:50.5 for 3rd at International Prep Invitational 880y (1977); ran 1:49.7 for 4th at AAU Junior Nationals 880m (1977).
5 - 1:48.6 – Steve Schellenberger
Arlington Heights Forest View – 1976
Time was 1:49.2 for 880y and win at International Prep Invitational (1976); ran 1:49.92 for win in Class 2A State 880y (1976); ran 1:51.9 for the win in Class 2A 880y (1975); ran 1:49.0 for win at AAU Junior Nationals 800m (1976); finished 4th in AAU Junior Nationals behind race winner Mark Belger of Villanova (1975).
6 - 1:48.91 – Jason Van Swol
New Lenox Lincoln-Way – 1998
Time was for 2nd at Golden West Invitational (1998); ran 1:49.71 for win in Class 2A State 800m (1998); ran 1:52.55 for win in Class 2A State 800m (1997) – was also part of Lincoln-Way team that finished 2nd in 4x4 in same meet; State 2A XC: 12th (1997); 18th (1996).
7 - 1:49.30 – Trey Sato
Grayslake Central – 2024
Time was for third place at the Brooks PR Invitational (2024); Ran 1:51.95 for the win at the Illinois Class 3A Top Times Championships (2024); Ran 1:51.68 for 2 place at the IHSA State Class 3A State Track Championships also finished 2 in 1600 Meter Run in same meet – anchored Grayslake Central to 4 place finish in 4x400m Relay at the end of this meet (2024); finished 10 at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals (2024). Also on 1600m list
8 - 1:49.35 – Aaron Rogers
Chicago Vocational – 1988
Time was 2nd at International Prep Invitational (1988); ran 1:50.27 for win in Class 2A State 800m (1988); ran 1:51.60 for win in Class 2A State 800m (1987); finished 3rd in Class 2A State 800m (1986); ran 14:25 to finish 2nd in 2A State XC (1987).
9 - 1:49.5 – Dave Kaemerer
Dolton Thornridge – 1968
Time was 1:50.1 for 880y and 4th at Golden West Invitational (1968); finished 2nd in State 880y (1968).
10 - 1:49.5 – Chris Heroux
Des Plaines Maine North – 1977
Time was 1:50.1 for 880y at Class 2A State Meet (1977) – also finished 2nd in Class 2A 880y (1976).
11 - 1:49.65 – Jim Spivey
Bensenville Fenton – 1978
Time was 1:50.23 for 880y and win at Class 2A State Meet (1978).
Also on 1600, 3200 lists
12 - 1:49.80 – Sherman Arnold
Chicago Fenger – 1983
Time was for 2nd at TAC Junior Nationals (1983); ran 47.34 for win in Class 2A State 400m (1983); ran 47.39 for 4th at International Prep Invitational 400m (1983); finished 4th in Class 2A State 400m (1982).
13 - 1:49.80 – Chris Torpy
Orland Park Sandburg – 2016
Time was for 2nd at Midwest Distance Classic (2016); ran 1:50.88 for win in Class 3A State 800m (2016); ran 1:53.42 for 4 in Class 3A State 800m (2015); part of Sandburg team that ran 7:42.03 for the win in the Class 3A State 4x8 (2015); part of Sandburg team that ran 7:40.77 for 2nd in the Class 3A State 4x8 (2014); part of Sandburg team that won national championship in 4x1-Mile at NBNI in 17:16.36 (2016).
Also on 1600 list
14 - 1:49.8 – Larry Kelly
Park Ridge Maine East – 1965
Time was 1:50.4 for 880y and new national record at IHSA State Meet (1964).
15 - 1:49.91 – Christopher Conrad
O’Fallon – 2017
Time was for win in Class 3A State Meet (2017); ran 1:50.95 for 2nd in Midwest Distance Classic 800m (2017); finished 3rd in Class 3A State 800m (2016).
16 - 1:49.9 – Tom Sullivan
Evanston St. George – 1961
Time was 1:50.5 for 880y and win at Golden West Invitational (1961) – tied national record in race; ran 2:10.5 for 1000y at Chicago Daily News Games Indoors (160y board track) for new national HS record (1961); did not run at state; school was not part of IHSA.
17 - 1:49.9 – Marlon Jones,
Bartonville Limestone – 1990
Time was for win at 2A Metamora Sectional (1990); ran 1:51.06 for win in Class 2A State 800m (1990); finished 2 in Class 2A State 800m (1989); ran 1:51.74 for 4 in 800m at International Prep Invitational (1990).
18 - 1:50.2 - Willie Thomas,
Chicago Engelwood – 1969
Time was 1:50.8 for 880y and win in State Track Meet (1969); ran 1:53.0 for win in 880y at IHSA State Meet (1968); ran 1:52.5 for 2nd in IHSA State Meet – set sophomore national record in 880y in that race; finished 5th in State XC (1968).
19 - 1:50.33 – Rich Kolasa
Oak Forest – 1986
Time was for win at Golden West Invitational (1986); ran 1:51.77 for win in Class 2A State 800m (1986); finished 3rd in Class 2A State 800m (1985).
20 - 1:50.49 – Rob Carter
Clinton – 1988
Time was for 4th at Golden West Invitational (1988); 3-time Class 1A State Champion for 800m: 1:53.04 (1988); 1:53.24 (1987); 1:53.58 (1986).
21 - 1:50.4 – Charlie White
Harvey Thornton – 1974
Time was 1:51.0 for 880y and win at IHSA State Track Meet (1973); finished 7th in IHSA State 880y (1974); finished 4th in IHSA State 880y (1972) – ran 1:54.9 as freshman (1971).
22 - 1:50.52 – Ty Moss
Naperville Neuqua Valley – 2015
Time was for 2nd at AAU National Junior Olympics (2014); ran 1:51.80 for win in Class 3A State 800m (2015); finished 3rd in Class 3A State 800m (2014); ran 1:51.25 for 3rd in Midwest Distance Classic 800m (2015); part of Neuqua Valley team that won Class 3A State 4x8 (2014); Relay All-State: 4x8 – 4th (2015); 4x4 – 2nd (2015), 3rd (2014).
23 - 1:50.56 – Torrian Haughton
Park Ridge Maine East – 2016
Time was for 4th at Midwest Distance Classic (2016); ran 1:54.91 for 7 in Class 3A State (2016) – ran 1:53.18 in state prelims; finished 5 in Class 3A State 800m (2015).
24 - 1:50.71 – Mat Smoody
Palatine – 2008
Time was for win in Class 2A State Meet (2008) – was also on Palatine team that finished 7th in 4x4; ran 1:52.03 for 6 at Nike Outdoor Nationals 800m (2006); ran 1:52.57 for win in Class 2A State 800m (2007); was on Palatine team that finished 5th in Class 2A State 4x8 (2005); ran 4:13.26 for 5 in Midwest Distance Gala 1-Mile Run (2007) – also ran 1:51.73 for 2nd in 800m in same meet; 3-time All-State XC: ran 14:25 for 4th in 3A (2007); 12th in 2A (2006); 24th in 2A (2005).
25 - 1:50.73 – Trammel Smith
Villa Park Willowbrook – 2002
Time was for win at Class 2A State Meet (2002) – also on Willowbrook team that finished 8th in 4x4 in same meet; ran 1:52.57 for 8th in AOC Outdoor Nationals 800m (2002).
26 - 1:50.80 – Stephen Williams
Marion – 2006
Time was for win at 2A Marion Sectional Meet (2006); ran 1:51.58 for win in Class 2A State 800m (2006); ran 1:55.17 for win in Illinois Prep Top Times Indoor 2A 800m (2006); ran 1:51.84 for win in Class 2A State 800m (2005); ran 1:52.87 for win in Midwest Distance Gala 800m (2005); finished 2nd in Class 2A State 800 (2004) – went by the last name JONES his freshman and sophomore school years.
27 - 1:50.80 – Joe McAsey
Minooka – 2011
Time was for win at Midwest Distance Gala (2011); ran 1:53.49 for 3rd in Class 3A State 800m (2011) – ran 1:52.90 in prelims; ran 1”53.90 for 4th in Class 3A State 800m (2010); ran 1:53.05 for win at Midwest Distance Gala 800m; finished 9th in 3A State XC (2010).
28 - 1:50.85 – Tim Hobbs
Elmhurst York – 2001
Time was for 3rd at Golden West Invitational (2001); ran 1:51.78 for win in Class 2A State 800m (2001) – came back to run 4:12.22 for 2nd in 1600m in same meet; ran 1:51.7 for win at Bud Mohns Invitational (2001); ran 1:52.18 for win in Class 2A State 800m (2000) – was also on York team that finished 6th in 4x4.
29 - 1:50.8 – Craig Grant
Hillside Proviso West – 1965
Time was 1:51.4 for 880y at Proviso West District Meet (1965); ran 1:53.3 for 880y and win at IHSA State (1965); finished 3rd in IHSA State 880y (1964); State XC: 3rd (1964), 8th (1963).
30 - 1:50.8 – Jim White
Elmhurst York – 1985
Time was for win in dual meet vs. Hoffman Estates at York (1985); ran 1:53.15 for win in Class 2A State 800m (1985) – also 2nd in 3200m, 12th in 1600m in same meet; was on York team that set 4x8 national record (7:34.8) in dual meet vs. Proviso West (1985).
Also on 1600 list
31 - 1:50.9 – Maurice Street
Chicago Farragut – 1978
Time was 1:51.6 for 880y and 2nd in Class 2A State Meet (1978).
31 - 1:50.9 – Dennis Johnson
Chicago Parker – 1977
Time was 1:51.6 for 880y and 3rd in Class 2A State Meet (1977); ran 1:52.5 for 7th in 880y at International Prep Invitational (1977).
33 - 1:50.9 – Jeremy Krudenier
Champaign Central – 2003
Time was for win at Gene Ward Invitational (2003); ran 1:54.62 for win in Class 2A State 800m (2003); finished 5th in Class 2A 800m (2000); finished 9th in 400m, was on Champaign Central team that finished 4th in 4x8 at Class 2A State Meet (2002).
34 - 1:51.11 – Aden Bandukwala
Hinsdale Central – 2024
Time was for win in IHSA Class 3A State Track Championships (2024); ran a 1:51.48 split to help Hinsdale Central win the 4x8at Nike Outdoor Nationals – 7:29.20 – with the second fastest team time ever in the US (2023); was on quartet for Hinsdale Central in win in 4x8 at the New Balance Nationals Indoor (2023); was on quartet for Hinsdale Central that won the 4x8 at the Nike Outdoor Nationals (2022). Also, on 1600m list
35 - 1:51.13 – Jim Kinn
Glen Ellyn Glenbard West – 2002
Time was for 2nd in Class 2A State Meet (2002) – was also on Glenbard West team that finished 6th in 4x4 at same meet; ran 1:54.4 for 2nd at 2A York Sectional (2002).
35 - 1:51.13 – Ryan Lynn
Park Ridge Maine South – 2009
Time was for win at Class 2A State Meet (2009) – was also on Maine South team that finished 5th in 4x4; ran 1:53.23 for 15th at Nike Outdoor Nationals (2009).
37 - 1:51.14 – Johnny Leverenz
Danville – 2014
Time was for win at 3A Homewood-Flossmoor Sectional (2014); ran 1:52.00 for the win at Class 3A State 800m; ran 1:54.09 for 3rd at University of Kentucky HS Indoor Invitational (2014); ran 1:53.28 for win in Class 3A State 800m – ran 1:51.60 in prelims.
Also on 1600 list
37 – 1:51.14 – Ryan Maseman
Plainfield North – 2021
Time was for 2nd in 800 Jamboree in Chicago (2021); Ran 1:54.78 to finish 3rd at the Class 3A State Meet (2021).
37 - 1:51.14 – Brett Wasick
Bolingbrook – 2022
Time was for fourth at New Balance Outdoor Nationals (2022); Ran 1:52.64 for win in IHSA 3A State Meet (2022); Won Illinois Top Times 3A 800m (2022).
40 - 1:51.18 – Patrick Perrier
O’Fallon – 2014
Time was for win at Southwestern Conference Meet (2014); won 800m at conference meet also in 2012 (1:54.88) and 2013 (1:54.21).
Also on 1600, 3200 lists
41 - 1:51.1 – George Hunt
Alton – 1963
Time was 1:51.7 for 880y and 2 at Golden West Invitational (1963); finished 2nd in IHSA State Meet 880y in 1962 and 1963.
41 - 1:51.1 – Bruce Keene
Homewood-Flossmoor – 1977
Time was 1:51.7 for 880y and 6th at International Prep Invitational (1977); ran 1:51.9 for 4th in Class 2A State 880y (1977).
43 - 1:51.22 – Peter Callahan
Winnetka North Shore Country Day – 2009
Time was for win in Class 1A State Meet (2009) – also part of NSCD 4x8 team that finished 7th, also won 1600m in same meet; ran 1:51.57 for 5th in Nike Outdoor Nationals 800m.
Also on 1600 list
44 - 1:51.23 -Tony Guercio
Naperville North – 1980
Time was for win in Class 2A State Meet (1980) – was also on Naperville North team that ran 7:42.72 for win in 4x8; ran 1:54.26 for win in Class 2A 880y (1979).
45 - 1:51.2 – John Laidlaw
Winnetka New Trier – 1964
Time was 1:51.8 for 880y and 2nd in IHSA State Meet (1964); ran 1:55.0 for win in IHSA State 880y (1963).
46 - 1:51.33 – Nathaniel Kucera
Maple Park Kaneland – 2014
Time was for win at Midwest Distance Festival (2013); finished 6th in Class 2A 400m (2014); ran 1:52.95 for 2 at Wisco Mile 800m (2014), ran 1:53.97 for 2nd at Golden West Invitational 800m (2014); 7-time All-State: 400m-9th (2013); 4x8-2nd (2014), 1st (2013), 9th (2012); 4x4-2nd (2014), 2nd (2013).
47 - 1:51.34 – Nicolas Dovalovsky
Naperville Neuqua Valley – 2021
Time was for 3rd at 800 Jamboree in Chicago (2021); Ran 1:53.70 to finish third at Distance Night in Palatine (2021); Ran 1:54.65 to finish 8th at adidas Indoor Nationals (2021); Anchored Neuqua Valley team to win at IHSA Class 3A State Championships (2021); also finished 3rd in 1600m Run in same meet.
48 - 1:51.3 – Ken Staggs
Homewood-Flossmoor – 1976
Time was 1:51.9 for 880y and 3rd in Class 2A State Meet (1976); finished 2nd in Class 2A State 880y (1975); finished 4th in IHSA State 880y (1974).
49 - 1:51.42 – Garrett Slack
Lincoln – 2022
Time was for win and new 2A state meet record in IHSA State Meet; in same meet, ran 1:51.95 anchor to help team win 2A 4x800m Relay (2022); won Illinois Top Times 2A 800m; All-State in 2A IHSA State Meet 400m, 4x800m Relay, and 4x400m Relay (2021).
50 - 1:51.48 – JD Lafayette
Normal University – 2014
Time was for win in Class 2A State Meet (2014) – ran 4:21.26 for 2 in 1600m in same meet; was also on U-High team that finished 2 in Class 2A State 4x8 (2013); ran personal best 4:17.74 for win at Mahomet-Seymour Invitational 1600m.
51 - 1:51.4 – Rick Wohlhuter
St. Charles – 1967
Time was 1:52.0 for 880y and win in IHSA State Meet (1966); ran 1:52.3 for win IHSA State 880y (1967); finished 3rd in IHSA State 880y (1965); State XC: 3rd (1966), 8th (1965).
51 - 1:51.4 – Dennis Kern
Chicago Lane Tech – 1974
Time was 1:52.0 for 880y and win at IHSA State Meet (1974); finished 5th in IHSA State 880y (1973); finished 3rd IHSA State 880y (1972).
53 - 1:51.51 – Darren Kern
Chicago ML King – 1981
Time was for win at Class 2A State Meet (1981); ran 1:52.13 for win at International Prep Invitational (1981); finished 8th in Class 2A State 800m (1980).
54 - 1:51.55 – Caleb Levy
Gurnee Warren Township – 2023
Time was for 5th place at HOKA Festival of Miles (2023); ran 1:52.96 to finish 3rd in Class 3A State Meet (2023); ran 1:51.64 at New Balance Outdoor Nationals (2023); finished 3rd in Class 3A State Meet (2022).
55 - 1:51.58 – Pavlo Hutsalyuk
Chicago Lane Tech – 2015
Time was for 4th at Midwest Distance Classic (2015); was on Lane Tech team that ran 7:39.76 for 6th in 4x8 at NBNO (2014) – ran 1:49.96 on anchor leg.
Also on 1600 list
56 - 1:51.6 – Larry Bates
Evanston Township – 1972
Time was 1:52.2 for 880y and win in conference meet (1972); ran 1:52.7 for win in IHSA State Meet (1972); finished 5 in IHSA State 1-Mile Run (1971).
57 - 1:51.6 – Ed Hatch
Chicago Phillips – 1975
Time was 1:52.2 in European Tour Meet (1975); ran 47.2 for win in 440y, finished 2nd in 220y at 1975 2A State Meet; ran 48.4 for 6th in 440y at International Prep Invitational (1975); finished 2nd in 440y at IHSA State Meet (1974).
58 - 1:51.81 – Thomas Shilgalis
Naperville Central – 2019
Time was for 2nd at Festival of Miles (2018); ran 1:54.86 for win in Class 3A State 800m (2019) – was also on Naperville Central team that ran 7:45.03 for win in 4x8; ran 1:52.55 for win at Midwest Distance Classic (2019).
Also on 1600 list
59 - 1:51.90 – Marius Bakken
Elmhurst York – 1996
Time was for win at 2A York Sectional (1996); ran 1:53.5 for 2nd in Class 2A State (1996) – won 3200m and 1600m also in meet.
Also on 1600, 3200 lists
59 - 1:51.90 – Gabriel Cruz
Maywood Proviso East – 2001
Time was for 2nd in 2A York Sectional (2001); ran 1:54.10 for 2nd in Class 2A State 800m (2001); ran 1:53.43 for win at USATF Junior Olympics 800m (2000); ran 1:53.94 for 5th in Class 2A State 800m (2000).
61 - 1:51.91 – Wes Schoenthal
Edwardsville – 2015
Time was for 2nd in Class 3A State Meet; ran 4:14.62 for 1-Mile Run and 5th at Festival of Miles (2015); ran 1:53.82 for 2nd at 800m and 4:14.83 for win in 1600m at 3A Normal West Sectional (2015).
61 - 1:51.91 – Heath Warren
Springfield – 2016
Time was for win at Central State Eight Conference Meet (2016); ran 1:53.94 for 4th in Class 3A State 800m (2016); ran 1:53.61 for 2nd at 3A Collinsville Sectional 800m (2016); finished 8 in Class 3A State 800m (2015).
Also on 1600 list
63 - 1:51.93 – Michal Filipczak
Park Ridge Maine South – 2012
Time was for win at 3A Loyola Academy Sectional (2012) – also ran same time in prelims of state meet; ran 1:52.01 for win in Class 3A State 800m (2012); ran 1:53.39 for 2nd in Class 3A State 800m (2011) – ran 1:52.54 for top prelim time in meet.
64 - 1:51.94 – Michael Lewis
Cahokia – 2001
Time was for 2nd in USATF Junior Olympics Regional Meet (2000); ran 1:52.21 for 2nd in Class 2A State 800m (2000); ran 1:51.95 for 3rd at USATF Junior Olympics Nationals 800m (2001); finished 5th in Class 2A State 800m (1999); All-State in Relays: 4x8- 3rd (2000), 7th (1999); 4x4- 4th (2000), 6th (1999).
64 - 1:51.94 – Joshua English
Blue Island Eisenhower – 2018
Time was for win in Class 3A State Meet (2018); 1:54.41 for win at 3A Downers Grove North Sectional (2018).
66 - 1:51.95 – Matt Aniywo
Homewood-Flossmoor – 2014
Time was for 2nd at 3A Homewood-Flossmoor Sectional (2014); ran 1:52.38 for 2nd in Class 3A State 800m (2014) – ran 48.11 for 3rd in 400m in same meet; finished 3rd in USATF Jr Olympics Nationals 800m (2014); finished 7th in Class 3A State 800m (2013); ran 1:52.03 for 4 in US World Youth Trials (2013).
67 - 1:51.97 – Jeff Stapleton
Villa Park Willowbrook – 2008
Time was for 2nd in Class 2A State Meet; ran 1:55.33 to win his prelim heat; ran 1:52.64 for win at 2A Streamwood Sectional (2008).
68 - 1:51.98 – Josiah Hortin
Tuscola – 2024
Time was for win in IHSA 1A State Track Championships – also finished in 3rd place in 1600m Run in same meet. (2024); won both the 800 and 1600 at the Illinois Top Times 1A Championships (2024); finished 3rd in the 800 and 6th in 1600 at IHSA Class 1A State Championships (2023); 2-time Class 1A All State XC with 10th (2023) and 17th (2022).
69 - 1:52.0 – Tom Clennon
Minooka – 1978
Time was 1:52.6 for 880y and 3rd in Class 2A State Meet (1978).
Also on 1600 list