Carbondale Reporter

Four runners from Southern Illinois University competed in the NCAA Division I Midwest Regional cross country meet in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Friday. The event marked the end of the Salukis’ 2025 cross country season and featured high temperatures and challenging hills.

Freshmen Brady Faulkner and Calen George led the SIU men’s team. Faulkner finished 136th in the men’s 10K with a time of 33:45.8, advancing through the pack to finish ahead of several Missouri Valley Conference rivals who had previously beaten him during the season. George took 156th place in 34:09.7, making gains in the second half of his race.

Head coach Angelina Ramos noted their progress: "Brady and Calen proved today how much they've grown," Ramos said. "They stayed patient, trusted the plan and attacked the hills when it counted. For two freshmen to climb like that at a regional meet is huge for their future."

Sophomore Will Foltz was unable to complete his race due to heat-related issues that affected more than a dozen competitors. Ramos expressed confidence in his return: "The 10K in high heat is no joke," she said. "Will is a fighter. Today the sun won, but he'll come back indoors hungry for redemption."

On the women’s side, junior Hannah Meiser placed 198th in the 6K with a time of 23:58.1. She improved her position steadily throughout despite falling midway through and landing on an arm previously broken in a car accident earlier this year.

"Hannah showed so much heart today," Ramos said. "This race was about climbing and staying engaged, and she did exactly that. Her toughness is incredible, and this sets her up well for indoor and outdoor track."

All four athletes are expected to return next season as SIU prepares for winter training ahead of track competitions scheduled for next year.

Ramos commented on their performance at regionals: "This meet tested everything — heat, hills, competition — and our athletes stayed composed," she said. "The growth we saw this season is real, and we're building something solid for the future."

The cross country season has concluded; Southern Illinois distance runners will now begin preparations for track and field events scheduled for 2025-26.

For updates on SIU’s cross country and track programs, fans can follow @SalukiTrackXC on X (formerly Twitter), @SIUTrackXC on Instagram, or @SalukiTrackandField on Facebook.