McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's and women's cross country teams are preparing for the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Championships in Rock Island, Illinois. The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, with the women's six-kilometer race starting at 11 a.m., followed by the men's eight-kilometer race at noon.

The Titans recently achieved notable performances at the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championships, recording 12 career-best times. Additionally, they secured six All-CCIW accolades during the conference meet on November 2. Junior Adriana Crabtree from Normal, Illinois led the team with a third-place finish in a time of 22:18.87, earning her All-CCIW First Team honors. Senior Annalese Chudy also made it to the first team with a ninth-place finish in 22:49.92. Freshman Maddie Morgan, senior Emma McGrath, and junior Brooke Nazos received second-team honors with their respective finishes.

On the men's side, senior Nick Fisch was recognized as an All-CCIW finisher after placing 16th with a time of 25:16.66.

As a team, IWU's women finished second overall with 65 points while the men improved their standing from last year by securing sixth place with 160 points.

This weekend marks IWU's return to Saukie Golf Course after participating in the Augustana Interregional Invitational earlier this season. Augustana College will host this weekend's race.

In regional rankings released by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on November 5, IWU's women hold onto their No. 8 spot. The University of Chicago leads these rankings followed by Washington University in St. Louis and Wartburg College rounding out the top three positions. CCIW competitors Wheaton and North Central College rank fifth and ninth respectively.

For men's rankings, Wartburg holds first place regionally with North Central second and WashU third; Augustana shares fifth place alongside NCC representing CCIW schools.

Live results for Saturday’s races will be available online while official results will be posted on IWUsports.com following both events' conclusion.