The Illinois State cross country teams began their 2025 season at the Fighting Illini Invitational held at the Orange and Blue Golf Course in Savoy, Illinois. Both the men’s and women’s teams finished fourth in their respective races, which included competition from several universities such as Illinois, Southern Illinois, Northern Illinois, Illinois-Chicago, Bradley, Indiana State, and Chicago State.
On the women’s side, junior transfer Nora Brady led the Redbirds with a time of 13:42.80 in the 4k race to finish sixth overall. Sophomore Colleen Zeibert set a personal-best of 13:56.3 for 13th place. Freshman Brooke Zeibert completed her first collegiate race in 14:16.8 to finish 21st and was the highest-placing Redbird freshman. Newcomers Cameron Crump (14:38.6), Sophia Baumert (14:45.3), and Izzy Bing (15:22.5) also made their collegiate debuts.
For the men’s team, freshman Quinn Davis finished his first college race as the top Redbird runner in the men’s 6k event with a time of 18:11.0 for 13th place. Sophomore Will Gelon followed closely with a personal-best time of 18:14.9 for 15th place. Another sophomore, Luke Barham, ran a personal-best of 18:21.5 to secure a spot among the top twenty finishers for Illinois State. Junior Ethan Reynoso (18:28.7) and sophomore Josh Weeks (18:46.30) also achieved personal records.
“Great Redbird debuts for both Nora and Quinn,” said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jeff Bovee. “Quinn came in as a true freshman and led the guys. He ran up there with tons of confidence, and that was really great to see. Nora has been racing at the junior college level. It was the first time she’s had a taste of Division I, and she handled it very well.”
Illinois State will next compete at home when they host the Redbird Invite on Friday, September 12 at Weibring Golf Course starting at 10:30 a.m.
