Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University cross-country program is set to compete at the Midwest Regional Championship on Friday, November 15. The event will take place at Newman Golf Course in Peoria, Illinois, with the women's 6K race scheduled for 11:00 a.m., followed by the men's 10K race at noon.

The men's team comprises five runners: freshmen Ben Chance and Will Foltz, junior Westen Jokerst, senior Ben Morgan, and graduate student Uriah Guthrie. The women's team also consists of five athletes: freshman Riley Linville, sophomores Brodie Denny and Hannah Meiser, junior Audrey Boles, and senior Brianna Nieset.

This championship marks the final race for senior Brianna Nieset and graduate student Uriah Guthrie with the SIU Cross Country program. Nieset ended her season on a high note by setting her fastest time ever at an MVC Championship 6K race with a time of 22:25.9. Her personal best in a 6K race was achieved during the 2022 Midwest Regional with a time of 21:50.5.

Guthrie showcased his skills at the MVC Championship by recording a personal best championship time of 25:12.6 in an 8K race. His top performance in an 8K was at the Bradley Pink Classic in 2022 with a time of 24:57.9. Guthrie aims to surpass his personal best in a 10K race from the previous year's Midwest Regional where he clocked in at 32:06.7.

Head Coach Angelina Ramos concludes her inaugural season leading the Salukis and shared some motivating words for her athletes ahead of the competition:

"We always tell the young ones, run for your seniors," Ramos said. "Carry them on your wings and give them a group race they will remember with pride to have left it all out there."

For those interested in following along, the Midwest Regional will be streamed live on ESPN+. Live results can also be accessed online.

To stay updated on Salukis' progress, follow their social media accounts on X (@SIUTrackXC), Instagram (@SIUTrackXC), and Facebook (@SalukiTrackAndField).