Aug. 31, 2007

CHAMPAIGN - The men's and women's cross country teams got off to a good start for the 2007 season. The women's team won the Illini Challenge, in Champaign, Ill., with a total time of 1:14:04.00. The men's team finished third in the challenge with a total of 1:35:59.53. The women ran a 4K and the men a 6K at the University of Illinois Arboretum.

Sophomore Jayne Grebinski won the women's race, finishing in 14:26. Sophomore Ana Weber was third with a time of 14:42, while senior Kaitlyn Chambers finished the course in 14:54 for sixth place. Also finishing in the top ten was sophomore Amanda Beggs and senior Cassie Peller with times of 14:58 and 15:04 respectively.

Freshman Brice Cleland was the top finisher on the men's side with a time of 18:58.83 for eighth place. Freshman Nick Szczech was right behind him finishing ninth with a 19:00.78 mark, and Junior Cody Miles earned a 12th place spot with a time of 19:09.40.

The cross country teams will be back on the course Saturday, Sept. 15 in Kenosha, Wis. as they compete in the Midwest Collegiate Invite.