Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) Salukis Cross Country team is preparing to compete at the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships in Stillwater, Oklahoma, later this week. The event, hosted by Oklahoma State, is recognized as one of the most competitive regional meets in the country and attracts leading collegiate runners from across the Midwest.

Four SIU athletes will represent the program at the championships. Junior Hannah Meiser will compete in the women's 6K race scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday. On the men's side, Will Foltz, Brady Faulkner, and Calen George will participate in the 10K race at 11:30 a.m.

Meiser has led SIU's women's squad throughout the fall season. She achieved a notable performance at the Angel Mounds Invitational with a time of 22:16.9 for 31st place and followed up with a time of 23:15.9 at the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Championships. Meiser’s progress comes after recovering from an arm injury last year.

Head Coach Angelina Ramos said, "She recorded one of her strongest performances of the season at the Angel Mounds Invitational, running 22:16.9 for 31st overall, and added another solid effort at the MVC Championships with a 23:15.9. Meiser has continued to build momentum following a long recovery from a serious arm injury last year, an effort that Head Coach Angelina Ramos has repeatedly praised for its steady improvement."

On the men’s team, sophomore Will Foltz has consistently contributed strong results for SIU. He finished second at SIU’s Oscar Moore Invitational with a time of 25:19.7 and posted competitive times at other major meets during the season.

Freshman Brady Faulkner also made an impact in his first season by finishing fourth at Oscar Moore Invitational in 25:25.9 and earning top-50 placement at MVC Championships. Fellow freshman Calen George rounds out SIU’s roster after achieving his fastest time of 25:26.0 for fifth place during SIU’s home meet and recording additional top-70 finishes this fall.

Both men’s and women’s teams have emphasized pack strategy and consistent pacing as they progressed through their schedule this season.

"Both SIU squads have shown steady improvement as the season has progressed, with the men and women focusing heavily on pack strategy and consistent pacing throughout the fall," according to team communications.

Fans can follow live results or get more information about Friday's races online.

For further updates on Saluki cross country and track programs, fans are encouraged to follow their official social media accounts on X (@SalukiTrackXC), Instagram (@SIUTrackXC), and Facebook (@SalukiTrackandField).