Sept. 2, 2011
Men's 6K Race 
| Women's 4K Race
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Illinois State men's and women's cross country teams finished 1-1 to start their 2011 campaign Friday evening at Ashton Cross Country Course in Iowa City, Iowa. The women's team defeated the Hawkeyes of Iowa 23-32, while the men's team suffered their first loss, falling 18-39.
The Redbird women finished one-two atop the podium, while three other members of the team finished in the top-10.
Freshman Krista DeCeault paved the way for the Redbird women, winning the 4K race in her first collegiate start with a time of 14:19.06. Finishing behind her in second place with a time of 14:39.27 was junior Elise Sigg.
Sophomore Rachael Brewer finished fourth (14:50.50), junior Brea Tinney finished sixth (14:57.01) and freshman Kelly McShea rounded out the top ten, finishing with a time of 15:25.27.
Head cross country coach Jeff Bovee was more than pleased with the performance of his women's team.
“Three of our top-five finishers ran their first collegiate race today,” Bovee said. “For DeCeault to win in her debut, that is really something special. I was impressed with everyone on the women's side and I think we surprised Iowa a little bit. We battled through the tough conditions and came out on top.”
Senior John Navarro finished fourth as the top Illinois State runner on the men's side, recording a time of 19:29.40 in the 6K race. Freshmen Ryan Rutherford (19:42.84), Andrew Sandoval (19:47.61) and Wade Reeves (20:05.43) finished in the top-10 as well.
“The men's race started off slow early, but picked up the last two miles,” Bovee said. “Navarro ran really well and battled down the home stretch to take fourth. We had five freshmen on the men's side run their first collegiate race and I believe they all had a very successful debut.”
The Redbirds are back in action September 10, as they travel to DeKalb, Ill., to take on Northern Illinois.
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