October 9, 2004
Cross Country
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEN EARN SECOND-PLACE FINISH AT SALUKI INVITATIONAL;
WOMEN CLAIM THIRD

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Indiana State cross country teams turned in strong performances at the Saluki Invitational on Saturday (Oct. 9). The Sycamores’ men’s team claimed second place, amassing 66 team points, second only to host Southern Illinois’ 24 points. ISU’s women’s team took third place out the eleven-team field. The Sycamores’ women’s team earned a team score of 89. The University of Illinois won the women’s competition with 21 points, while SIU took second place with 82.
   The Sycamore men’s team, which rested its top runners this week, were led by freshman Chris Sering, who finished eighth with a time of 26:00. Sering led a group of three Sycamores who all earned top-ten finishes. David Santelik took ninth place with a time of 26:04, while Seth Aydt’s time of 26:07 was good for tenth place.
   “It was a great effort by our second group which ran today,” said head men’s coach John McNichols. “We ran ahead of other conference rivals Illinois State and Evansville. It will be a difficult conference meet in two weeks, but this puts us in good position heading in the MVC Championships with our top group.”
   Kyle Walsh came across the tape in 26:11, which was good for twelfth place, while Tony McDaniel finished 28th, with a time of 26:46. SIU’s Joe Byrne claimed first place with a time of 24:50.
   Sophomore Laura Engle continued her strong season, as the paced the Sycamores with a third-place finish. Engle completed the 5k course in 17:52. Freshman Heather Stembridge earned an eight-place finish with a time of 18:15. Dani Prince crossed the tape in 18:35, which was good for 17th place.
   “We made progress as a team today,” said head women’s coach John Gartland. “Southern Illinois was ranked second in our pre-season poll and we ran with them the entire meet. Our first four runners ran exceptionally well, and we received a great performance from Heather Stembridge who ran the best race of her career.”
   Sarah Jarvis finished 22nd with a time of 18:45, while Maile Venable completed the course in 19:28, which was good for 44th place. Leah Durr posted a time of 19:31, while Carol Linneweber came across the finish line in 19:39. Cassie Hunt of Illinois finished in first place with a time of 17:05.
   The Sycamores return to action next Saturday (Oct. 16), when they host the 2004 Pre-Nationals meet at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course.

Men's Results

Women's Results