Track has been ETHS most historically dominant program with fifteen State titles by the girls and boys teams combined, which is slightly under half of all titles won by the Kits. The Boys team took home seven medals at State in 2025, including a gold in the 4 by 400 meter relay. Yet, they had not won a conference title since 2019. That all changed in 2026, when, on their own turf, the Kits emphatically blew away their opponents with 148 points compared to second-place Deerfield’s 84.
“We have been very close to claiming one in the last few years, so to finally win one felt really good. Coach Mitch has done a fantastic job making this program a juggernaut year in and year out,” remarked ETHS Athletic Director Chris Livatino.
The Kits took home gold in nine separate events, including Jordan Harvey in the 55-meter high hurdles (7.76 seconds), Deshawn Preister in the 400 meters (52.22 seconds), Lucas Anderson in the 50-meter low hurdles (7.92 seconds) and junior Jaden Jean-Paul’s pair of victories in the triple jump (13.68 meters) and the high jump (1.9 meters). However, the standout victory came from sophomore Anthony Honore in the 200-meter dash, who won with a blistering time of 23.1 seconds, beating out his teammate, junior four-star football player and Illinois commit Justin Johnson.
“I don’t think that Justin was too pleased by that result,” chuckled Livatino. “I think that Anthony’s recent performances will push both of them to improve themselves as the season goes on.”
Another top story was junior Mynard Blake winning in the 55-meter dash (6.52 seconds). A first win after he missed pretty much all of last season because he was academically ineligible. Days after the conference meet, Blake competed in the 60-meter dash in the Illinois Prep Top Times invasion. He won with a time of 6.75 seconds, one of the fastest in the entire country.
“I think that the win was indicative of all of the hard work that we put in during the off-season. So it felt really big and rewarding,” added sophomore Andrew Praeuner, who came in third place in the two-mile.
The Kits seem to have an endless amount of talent on their roster and will have a real shot to claim their 9th State title in June.
On the girls’ side of things, the Kits won four first-place finishes at the regional Lake Michigan Invite. They tied for first place in team standings with Zion-Benton on 60 points. Sophomore Brie Noel won the 200-meter dash ( 24.99 seconds), junior Ingrid Sylvestre the 55-meter hurdles (8.54 seconds) and senior Illinois State commit Lejla Maljevic in the shot put(12.04 meters). Alongside a win in the 4×400 meter relay.
“Just like the boys, our Girls team also has an incredible amount of depth that makes them a force to be reckoned with in Illinois,” commented Livatino.
