NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Cross Country is set for its regular season finale at the Illini Invite on Friday, Oct. 22. The action from the UI Arboretum is set to begin with the women's 6K at 3:00 p.m. CT. The men's 8K will follow at 3:45 p.m. CT.
THE COMPETITION
A total of four teams will be in competition at the meet in Champaign. Along with Illinois, Marquette, Chicago State and Bradley are set to compete. In the most recent edition of the USTFCCCA women's poll, Illinois ranked fourth in the regional rankings and received 32 votes in the national poll. On the men's side, Bradley and Illinois ranked seventh and 12th, respectively in the regional rankings.
BRADLEY PINK CLASSIC
Last weekend, Illinois State had 16 runners record personal-best times at the Bradley Pink Classic. In the women's red race, Illinois State finished sixth out of 37 teams and was led by freshman Ailey Mitchell, who placed 19th overall with a 6K time of 21:30.2, a new personal best by nine seconds. The race also marked the second time this season that Mitchell paced the 'Birds, first doing so at the Redbird Invite.
In the women's white "B" race, the ISU women also captured the team title, led by a breakout performance from sophomore Mackenzie Brownrigg, who finished third overall with a new personal best time of 22:51.4.
On the men's side, Illinois State was led by freshman Charlie Wetzel, who finished 52nd overall in a time of 25:02.2. For the second time this season, Wetzel paced the 'Birds. The Illinois State men finished 11th out of 31 teams.
The other Redbirds to notch personal bests included Rachel Hickey, Caroline Meyers, Maddi Exline, Lucie Grandjean, Ashley Heagy, Lucas Capistrant, Jake Gillum, Zachary Loomis, Charlie Kistner, Riley Wells, Jenna Gruber, Viviana Sanfillippo, Julian Head and Charles Murphy.
LAST TIME AT ILLINOIS
Illinois State last competed at Illinois during the 2018 campaign. In the final meet of the regular season, the 'Birds notched four personal-best and five season-best performances. Then a freshman, Maddi Exline finished 51st overall in a time of 20:14.00.
HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG
For fans who can't be in attendance, follow along on Twitter at @RedbirdTFXC for updates from the Illini Invite. Live results will also be available here.
UP NEXT
Following the Illini Invite, the Redbirds return home to host the 2021 MVC Cross Country Championships on Friday, Oct. 29. The action will kick off with the women's 6K race, set for 1:00 p.m. CT. The men's 8K race will begin at 2:00 p.m. CT with the awards ceremony set to follow.
ILLINOIS STATE STARTING LINE – WOMEN'S 6K
Paige Arseneau (So.) // Mackenzie Brownrigg (So.) // Jenna Gruber (Fr.) // Kylie Hagmann (So.) // Mattison Plummer (Fr.) // Viviana Sanfilippo (Fr.) // Lauren Schulze (Fr.) // Kaitlin Skeate (Fr.) // Natalie Sparreo (So.) // Kendy Ummel (So.)
ILLINOIS STATE STARTING LINE – MEN'S 8K
Julian Head (Fr.) // Ryan Kennedy (Jr.) // Charles Murphy (So.) // Tyler Polak (So.) // Jordan Wood (Sr.)
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