McLean County Times

In Waverly, Iowa, the Illinois Wesleyan University men's and women's cross country teams delivered strong performances at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Championships on November 11. The event was hosted by Wartburg College.

The women's team achieved a sixth-place finish among 31 teams, marking their best result since a third-place finish in 2012. Sophomore Adriana Crabtree and junior Annalese Chudy earned All-Region honors by finishing in the top 35. Crabtree placed 21st with a time of 22:12.8, while Chudy set a personal record with a time of 22:19.3, securing the 25th position. This is Chudy's second consecutive year receiving All-Region recognition after her 20th place finish last year.

Sophomore Brooke Nazos also set a personal best with a time of 23:12.6, finishing in 43rd place. Seniors Amanda Wilson and Tia Hardt concluded their collegiate careers with personal records as well; Wilson finished in 55th place with a time of 23:32.5, and Hardt finished in 103rd place with a time of 24:35.9.

On the men's side, junior Nick Fisch led the team with a season-best time of 26:06.9, placing him in the 69th position. Junior Ernie Waterson followed with a personal best of 26:46.2 for the 106th spot, closely followed by sophomore Zack Daniel who finished in 107th place at 26:46.7. Sophomores Seth Hamerski and Zach Marquardt also recorded career-best times at this event.

The Titans now await confirmation on whether they will qualify for the NCAA Division III National Championship meet scheduled for November 18 in Newville, Pennsylvania. The list of qualifiers will be announced on November 12.