By Michael Newman

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Congratulations to Luke Winder of Plainfield Central High School as the 2014 DyeStat Illinois Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

Winder established new Illinois Prep bests in the Pole Vault this past season. He cleared 17-5 to establish a new indoor prep best at the end of March at the Bolingbrook Fast Times Meet. He set the Illinois prep best clearing 17-3 ¾ at the Hunt Invitational at the end of April. Winder won his second state championship in the 3A Pole Vault at the end of May. He established a new IHSA Meet Record of 17-3 in that meet. At the New Balance Outdoor Meet, Winder earned All-American Honors finishing second in the Pole Vault.

Luke will attend North Central College beginning this fall.

Congratulations also go to Ja’Mari Ward of Cahokia High School, Jonathan Wells of Grant High School, and Patrick Perrier of O’Fallon High School who were finalists for this honor.