Cross Country kicks of season in Fighting Illini Invitational

NORMAL, Ill. — The Illinois State cross-country program opens its 2026 season at the Fighting Illini Invitational on Friday, Sept 4. The women’s 4k race will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the men’s 6k race will commence immediately after, around 7 p.m. The meet will be at Orange and Blue Golf Course in Savoy, Illinois.

This is the second year the Rebirds have participated in the invitation, with both the men’s and womens team taking place fourth in last year’s meet. Senior Nora Brady led the Redbird women in the 4k with a mark of 13:42.8 for sixth place, while sophomore Quinn Davis led the men’s team in the 6k with a time of 18:11.0 for 13th place.

Four athletes will make their Illinois State debuts on Friday. Of the four runners, three will make their collegiate debuts, including Madison King, Alex Rodriguez and Max Weber. Junior transfer Johanna Ebert will make her Redbird debut after spending her first two years at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Five collegiate programs are set to compete during the men’s and women’s events, including Illinois, and fellow Missouri Valley Conference members Illinois-Chicago and Indiana State.

STARTING LINE – WOMEN

Cameron Crump (So.) // Johanna Ebert (Jr.) // Grace Erb (Sr.) // Madison King (Fr.)

STARTING LINE – MEN

Luke Barham (Jr.) // Quinn Davis (So.) // Ethan Reynoso (Sr.) // Alex Rodriguez (Fr.) // Max Weber (Fr.)

You can find more updates on Cross Country right here at WZND.com