McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University cross country teams participated in the Dan Huston Invitational hosted by Wartburg College on September 30. The men's team secured the 14th spot among 21 teams, while the women's team achieved fifth place out of 18. This event offered a preview of the Midwest Regional course at Wartburg's Max Cross Country Course, which will host the regional race on November 11.

The men's team accumulated 419 points for their finish. They competed against seven top-10 regional squads, including No. 2 Wartburg and No. 3 Loras. Wartburg also ranks nationally at No. 17 and won the men's 8-kilometer race with a score of 33 points. Indian Hills Community College followed in second place with 94 points.

Junior Nick Fisch from Woodridge, Illinois, led Illinois Wesleyan by finishing in 56th place with a time of 27:13.90 after advancing past several competitors during the race. Sophomore Zack Daniel completed his run in 27:54.60, placing him at 95th among the field of participants.

On the women's side, Illinois Wesleyan finished with a total of 151 points. They competed against five regionally ranked teams, securing their position as No.10 in the rankings themselves. The meet was won by Wartburg with Central taking second place.

Sophomore Adriana Crabtree recorded the fastest time for her team, finishing in a commendable 13th place with a time of 23:48.20 out of over two hundred runners. Junior Annalese Chudy and senior Amanda Wilson also contributed significantly to their team's success with top-30 finishes.

Looking ahead, Illinois Wesleyan will take a break before returning to competition on October 14 for the Augustana Interregional Invitational in Rock Island, Illinois.