McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's and women's cross country teams are set to begin their 2024 season at the Redbird Invite hosted by Illinois State University. The event is scheduled for Friday, September 13, at the Weibring Golf Course with a start time of 5 p.m.

The Titans' previous season concluded with two women participating in the NCAA Division III National Championships. Senior Annalese Chudy and junior Adriana Crabtree return as national qualifiers and All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin First Team selections. Junior Brooke Nazos also returns after being named to the All-CCIW Second Team last year.

The women's team has been ranked No. 8 in the United Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Midwest Region Preseason rankings as of August 27. Illinois Wesleyan was one of two CCIW schools mentioned, with North Central's women ranking at No. 10.

For the men's team, senior athletes Nick Fisch and Ernie Waterson, along with junior Zack Daniel, are highlighted as top returners for the upcoming season. Fisch notably finished as the top runner in five out of six races for the Titans in 2023.

Illinois Wesleyan is introducing a new class consisting of six women and three men for 2024, alongside Jess Lambert, who joins as a graduate practicum student assistant coach for cross country and track and field. Lambert was an accomplished runner at Florida Atlantic University with qualifications for the 2023 NCAA Division I Track and Field National Championship and holds six FAU school records.

Results from Friday's race will be available on iwusports.com following the conclusion of the meet.