McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's and women's cross country teams began their 2025 season with a strong performance at the Titan Opener on Friday, August 29. Both teams secured first place in the event, which featured a small field of competitors.

On the women's side, senior Crabtree led her team by finishing the two-mile race in 12:21.30. This marked her second career win and started a streak of seven consecutive Illinois Wesleyan runners crossing the finish line. Freshman (Spring Grove, Ill.-Richmond Burton) placed second, followed by seniors (Chicago, Ill.-Marist) and (Batavia, Ill.-Batavia). Sophomore (Algonquin, Ill.-Dundee-Crown), freshman (Elk Grove Village, Ill.-Elk Grove), and sophomore (Davenport, Iowa-Davenport Central) rounded out the top seven for Illinois Wesleyan.

Crabtree's effort was part of a broader team achievement as Illinois Wesleyan took 14 of the top 16 spots in the women's race.

For the men's team, Hamerski earned his first collegiate victory with a three-mile time of 16:02.50. Senior (Minneapolis, Minn.-Washburn) finished close behind at 16:12.40. Sophomores (Bloomington, Ill.-Normal Community), (Mt. Zion, Ill.-Mt. Zion), and (Tinley Park, Ill.-Lincoln-Way East) completed the top-eight finishes for Illinois Wesleyan by taking fourth through sixth place.

Illinois Wesleyan will next compete at the Redbird Invite on Friday, September 12. The meet will be hosted by Illinois State University at Weibring Golf Course and is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

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