CHARLESTON — In a performance that solidified his place among Illinois’ elite mid‑distance runners, Corie Green, a junior at Delavan High School, captured his second consecutive Class 1A 800‑meter State championship at the IHSA State Track and Field Finals in Charleston. Racing on the iconic blue oval at Eastern Illinois University, Green surged to a winning time of 1:51.83, narrowly missing the long‑standing state record of 1:49.71 set in 1998 by Jason Van Swol of New Lenox (Lincoln‑Way).

Green’s victory marks a rare achievement: back‑to‑back State titles in one of track’s most competitive and tactical events. His 2026 win also came under a new banner, as he competed this season as part of the Illini Central/Delavan Co‑op, following his 2025 championship run in a Delavan Panthers jersey.

From the opening gun, Green positioned himself with the confidence of a returning champion. The pack stayed tight through the first lap, but as the field approached the final 300 meters, Green shifted gears—his trademark move. With a powerful drive down the backstretch and a decisive surge entering the final turn, he created separation that no competitor could close.

After crossing the finish line with a clear lead, emotion washed over the junior standout. Speaking with WEEK‑TV’s Jim Mattson moments after the race, Green reflected on the magnitude of the moment. “It’s an absolute blessing,” he said. “Just getting to come out on the blue oval, just getting to have the last kicks coming from the 300 to go, and the 500… I was just so happy to see it.”

This year’s championship not only reinforces Green’s dominance but also highlights his continued progression. His 1:51.83 finish stands as one of the fastest Class 1A times in recent memory and puts him within striking distance of a state record that has stood for nearly three decades. With another year of high school competition ahead, Green’s trajectory suggests even greater possibilities.

The victory also shines a spotlight on the strength of the Illini Central/Delavan Co‑op program, which has provided Green with expanded training opportunities and competitive depth. Coaches and teammates celebrated the win as both a personal triumph for Green and a milestone for the Co‑op’s growing presence on the state stage.

As Green stepped off the track—gold medal around his neck, adrenaline still high—one thing was clear: Delavan has a champion whose story is still being written, and the state of Illinois will be watching closely.