CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Riley Hogan, a senior at St. Thomas More, has qualified for the IHSA boys’ state track and field meet in two events, after securing sectional titles in both disciplines.
Hogan achieved a personal milestone by clearing 4.73 meters (15 feet, 6.25 inches) in the pole vault during the Tuscola sectional. Additionally, he clinched victory in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 40.83 seconds.
In the 2025 outdoor state meet, Hogan claimed eighth place in the 300 hurdles and was the runner-up in pole vault. The only competitor to surpass him in pole vault last year, Isaiah Whitaker from Bloomington-Central Catholic, has since moved to compete in the 2A category.
According to the 2026 heat sheets, Hogan enters the state meet with the third-highest mark among all 1A state qualifiers.
What steps must he take to surpass his personal best or vie for the top position on the podium?
“Finish my jumps,” he said. “Maybe focus a little bit more, lock in a little bit more and don’t take any run down the runway for granted.”
Hogan, a WCIA 3 Athlete of the Week earlier this spring, will continue his track career at Hillsdale Community College in Michigan after one last go with St. Thomas More.
1A prelims are set for Thursday, May 28. 2A and 3A prelims are May 29, before finals for all classes on Saturday, May 30.
WCIA is in its third week featuring a local high school track and field athlete every day leading up to the conclusion of the spring seasons, see below for more: