Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois Cross Country team began its season in Savoy, Illinois, with both the men's and women's teams placing sixth in their respective races.

Head Coach Angelina Ramos commented on the team's performance, emphasizing teamwork and pack running. "We talk about how we are one team, one goal, and great teams keep a sub-45-second pack differential from #1-5 and close to 90 seconds from numbers one through eight. It's ok if the rank mixes around, but we have to step up if another of our teammates is having an off day. Today, the men's pack differential was 38 seconds from first to eighth. They were 10 points away from beating the next Missouri Valley Conference foe in the field, and we look to tighten this pack in training even further these next few weeks," Ramos said.

In the women's 4K race, freshman Savanna Franzen led Southern Illinois by finishing 37th with a time of 14:47.7. Teammates Hannah Meiser (40th), Audrey Bolles (41st), and Riley Linville (42nd) finished within five seconds of each other. Ellary Blakey took 46th place while Ally Niefeldt and Brodie Denny rounded out the Salukis' lineup.

Ramos noted improvements among her runners: "The women had a 29-second pack differential number one through five, and 84-second pack differential number one through seven today. Only five seconds separated number two through four. (Meiser, Bolles, Linville) - that's exciting given that Hannah led the team by 50+ seconds a year ago. Freshman Savanna Franzen finished as the front point scorer for the Salukis today, as she raced in her backyard, hailing from Ogden, Illinois and running for St. Joseph High School. Another freshman, Ellary Blakey, finished in the top five for the Salukis," Ramos said.

The men's race followed with Will Foltz leading Southern Illinois by placing 21st at 18:22.0—just ahead of Ben Chance who came in at 18:22.6 for 22nd place. Senior Weston Jokerst was third among Saluki finishers at 36th place; Calen George took 41st; Kyle Kato placed 51st; Drew Twyman finished at 53rd; Parker Davidson rounded out scoring at 56th.

Coach Ramos highlighted Ben Chance's return after injury: "Ben Chance was in a hospital bed after a car accident in March, and 5 months later, he led the charge today for a good chunk of the men's race, earning a 5k personal record en route, and opening at a 4:52 mile pace this year versus last year's opener at 5:10," Ramos said.

She also credited Foltz's performance: "Will Foltz ran patient and calculated, with a strong move on the last 1k, urging Ben to hang on and come with him. They finished less than a second apart from one another. Will also improved last year's 5:04 mile pace in the season opener compared to today's 4:52 mile pace. Freshman Brady Faulkner and Calen George respectfully held their own against collegiate competition at their longest ever race distance debut, contributing to the Salukis' top five point scoring today," Ramos said.

Southern Illinois will host its next meet—the Oscar Moore Invitational—on September 19 in Carbondale.

For updates on Southern Illinois Cross Country results or schedule information throughout the season follow them on X (@SalukiTrackXC), Instagram (@SIUTrackXC), or Facebook (@SalukiTrackandField).