CHARLESTON — Gillespie distance runner Chaz Oberkfell put himself in position for a strong finish at the IHSA Class 1A Boys State Track and Field Meet by posting the fastest qualifying time in the 1,600 meters Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Eastern Illinois University.
Oberkfell ran 4 minutes, 23.69 seconds on the blue track in Charleston to lead all qualifiers into Saturday’s 1,600 final.
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“I didn't get the time earlier; I had the 800 earlier today and the 4x800. I am glad I made the finals,” Oberkfell said.
Evan Knobloch of Toulon (Stark County) followed in 4:24.62, while Johnathan Iacobazzi of Sullivan qualified in 4:25.70. Metro East Lutheran’s Jack Shank ran 4:26.41, and Elgin Harvest Christian Academy’s Luca Bryja rounded out the top five qualifiers in 4:26.76.
Oberkfell said the setting added to the moment.
“The atmosphere is definitely nice and a lot more adrenaline,” he said.
He is scheduled for a busy Saturday. In addition to the 1,600 final, Oberkfell also advanced in the 800 meters, placing eighth in the prelims in 1:58.25. Corielli Green of Mason City (Illini Central) posted a time of 1:54.88.
Oberkfell also ran the anchor leg on Gillespie’s 4x800 relay team, which finished 21st in 8:29.97.
He is also set to run the 3,200 meters on Saturday. Oberkfell recorded a time of 10:06.75 at the Gillespie Sectional this past week. Thor Springman of Southwestern won the 3,200 at the sectional in 10:05.30.
Looking ahead to the finals, Oberkfell said he has ambitious goals.
“In the finals: my biggest goal is to set a state record in 3,200 with a time of 9:05, I want to win the 1,600 too, and do well in the 800 meters and get the triple crown,” he said.
