SAVOY, Ill. – The Illinois State cross country team completed its first race of the 2025 season at the Fighting Illini Invitational at the Orange and Blue Golf Course on Friday morning. Both the men's and women's team placed fourth in their respective races. Competition featured athletes from Illinois, Southern Illinois, Northern Illinois, Illinois-Chicago, Bradley, Indiana State and Chicago State.
Junior transfer Nora Brady paced the Redbirds in the women's 4k race with a mark of 13:42.80 to finish sixth. Sophomore Colleen Zeibert ran a personal-best time of 13:56.3 to place 13th. Brooke Zeibert kicked off her college career with a time of 14:16.8 to cross the line 21st, the highest finisher among Redbird freshmen. Newcomers Cameron Crump (14:38.6), Sophia Baumert (14:45.3) and Izzy Bing (15:22.5) also made their collegiate debuts.
In his first collegiate race, freshman Quinn Davis led the way in the men's 6k, setting a mark of 18:11.0 to finish 13th. Sophomore Will Gelon placed 15th with a personal-best time of 18:14.9. Sophomore Luke Barham set a personal-best and gave the Redbirds their third top-20 finisher with a mark of 18:21.5. Junior Ethan Reynoso (18:28.7) and sophomore Josh Weeks (18:46.30) also set personal records on Friday.
"Great Redbird debuts for both Nora and Quinn," said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jeff Bovee. "Quinn came in as a true freshman and led the guys. He ran up there with tons of confidence, and that was really great to see. Nora has been racing at the junior college level. It was the first time she's had a taste of Division I, and she handled it very well."
MEN'S 6K RESULTS – 4th Place (101 points)
13. Quinn Davis 18:11.0 // 15. Will Gelon, 18:14.9 // 20. Luke Barham, 18:21.4 // 24. Ethan Reynoso 18:28.7 // 34. Josh Weeks, 18:46.3
WOMEN'S 4K RESULTS – 4th Place (98 points)
6. Nora Brady, 13:42.8 // 13. Colleen Zeibert, 13:56.3 // 21. Brooke Zeibert, 14:16.8 // 32. Cameron Crump 14:38.6 // 35. Sophia Baumert, 14:45.3 // 47. Izzy Bing, 15:22.5
UP NEXT
Illinois State returns home to host the Redbird Invite on Friday, September 12, at the Weibring Golf Course. Competition will begin at 10:30 a.m.
