Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University Salukis men's and women's cross country teams are set to compete in the 2025 Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Championships on Friday at the Angel Mounds Historic Site in Evansville, Indiana. The women's race will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the men's race at 11:30 a.m.

The women's team will be represented by senior Audrey Boles, juniors Brodie Denny and Hannah Meiser, sophomores Riley Linville and Allyson Niedfeldt, and freshmen Ellary Blakey and Savanna Franzen. The men's lineup includes seniors Weston Jokerst, sophomores Will Foltz and Ben Chance, as well as freshmen Parker Davidson, Brady Faulkner, Calen George, and Drew Twyman.

Both squads have experience on the Angel Mounds course after competing there earlier this month during the regular season's Angel Mounds Invitational. At that meet, SIU's men finished 10th overall in the 8K event with a score of 254 points. Senior Ben Chance led the team with a 29th-place finish in a time of 24:59.37. Head Coach Angelina Ramos commented on the team's progress throughout the season.

On the women's side during that invitational, SIU placed 15th in the 6K with 382 points. Hannah Meiser was once again SIU's top finisher, placing 31st with a time of 22:16.83; teammate Riley Linville achieved a personal best of 22:51.66. The women's squad has dealt with illnesses and injuries over the fall but has continued to compete consistently. Coach Ramos highlighted Meiser’s recovery from an arm injury as significant for her return to form ahead of championship season.

"Meiser's return from a serious arm injury earlier this year has been a key storyline," said Ramos, "as she continues to rebuild strength and form heading into championship season."

Heading into Friday’s MVC Championships meet, both teams are aiming to use their late-season momentum to achieve strong results against other conference competitors by focusing on pack running strategies and steady pacing.

Live results for Friday’s races will be available online for those following along remotely. Additional updates can be found on X (@SalukiTrackXC), Instagram (@SIUTrackXC), and Facebook (@SalukiTrackandField).