TRIPLE ALL-STATER: Gillespie's Chaz Oberkfell Earns First Places In 1A 1,600 and 3,200 Meters and Eighth In 800 Meters

CHARLESTON - Gillespie’s Chaz Oberkfell won two state titles and earned all-state honors in a third event Saturday, May 30, at the IHSA Class 1A Boys State Track and Field Meet, taking first in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters and placing eighth in the 800.

Oberkfell captured the 1A 1,600 in 4:14.66, edging Sullivan’s Johnathan Iacobazzi, who finished in 4:14.73. Jack Shank of Metro East Lutheran was fourth in 4:21.86.

He also won the 3,200 in 9:08.17, finishing well ahead of runner-up Evan Knobloch of Stark County, who clocked a 9:32.06. Southwestern’s Thor Springman placed 27th in the event in 10:22.84.

In the 800, Oberkfell finished eighth in 1:56.66 to complete a three-medal day.

“I want to thank God and thank my coaches,” Oberkfell said. “I can’t do any of this without them or God in my life.”

Oberkfell said the Saturday performance at Charleston was the result of years of work.

“I have been putting this together for three years,” he said. “It feels good to get the triple crown.”

He said he was pleased with his 3,200 time, particularly in the conditions.

“3200 9:05 going for it very happy with time, especially with heat,” Oberkfell said.

Oberkfell said the 1,600 was a challenge as he pursued titles in multiple events.

“The Sullivan guy definitely gave me a run for the money in the 1,600,” he said. “I really wanted to get the triple crown, and found something left in the finish. It feels really good; it is a lot of pressure lifted off me.”

He said his path in the sport began early in high school.

“I started my freshman year, and I told my coach running was not my favorite thing. The 4 x 800 went to state, then I did cross country and kept working hard and kept working hard,” Oberkfell said. “I have to thank God again for my staying with it.”

Competing in the 3,200 and 1,600 along with the 800 made for a demanding day on Saturday, he said.

“The 3,200 and 1,600 are definitely tough combined with the 800,” Oberkfell said.

"I am so thankful overall with my performance and the triple crown (three all-state finishes).

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