Hi readers! We have officially kicked off our 2024 Cross Country racing season with an impressive showing at the Boiler Up Invitational. We met nice and early on Saturday morning, piled into our respective cars, and drove (with varying levels of success) to Lafayette, Indiana. The warm and somewhat blinding glow of the sun poured through the windshield, adding some excitement to the drive. When most of us finally arrived at the course, it was a bit of a trek to the camp, procuring some grumbling from the team members who had to carry the tent (thanks Simon and Brendan!) The hill we set up on was the perfect foreshadowing to the topographical nature of the course. It was so exciting to see the brand new tent get some serious action. Huge shoutout to Coach Ethan for providing us with this major upgrade!
Our runners suited up in their uniforms and bibs, and the women began to warm up soon after arrival. We had a small but mighty showing on their side, with eight athletes competing in this race. After the active warm up, a stride, and some inspiring words from Coach E, the ladies toed the line and the gun went off. They busted their rust with some amazing performances and an overall outstanding effort. Receiving the third place award was sophomore Joy Dudley, who just barely missed the sub-25 mark with her time of 25:01. Up next was Claire Casiello in ninth place, with a time of 25:53. Claire had unfortunately left her spikes at home, but still managed a great race and a substantially faster time than last year’s Purdue race. Coming in next was the iconic Suhani Peramanu, who finished in a brisk 26:31. Finishing fourth for University of Illinois was the smiliest runner I have ever met, Sophia Libman! She ran an impressive time of 28:23 and had fun while doing it. After that was a dynamic duo of returning runner Lia Tondeva and newbie Hannah Madla. Lia barely eked out the win in their dash to the finish, with a time of 29:04. Hannah crossed the line in 29:05, completing her very first 6K on the IXC team! Right behind them was sophomore Annika Luthe, who majestically ran her way to a finish time of 29:23 while rocking some awesome shades. The final Illinois finisher in this race was junior Mira Bhimani, who had an outstanding first race as a member of the team. She completed the 6 kilometers in a brisk 33:15, and looked strong throughout. Overall, it was an epic race and each of these women fought hard up and down the numerous hills. The women placed third overall with a score of 68 points.
Now, a brief aside to talk about our talented, organized, and supportive president, Bridget Brokaw. Bridget kindly offered to be a driver for this meet. Due to unfortunate circumstances and a mistake that could happen to anyone, Bridget and her four passengers did not arrive at the meet when the rest of us did. Curse Google Maps and its copy from clipboard feature! After a quick detour, that squad realized the McCormick street address they entered was not where the meet was held. Fortunately, this level headed bunch realized they could still make it on time for the men’s race, and Bridget gallantly chauffeured her passengers up to Lafayette. They arrived with plenty of time to spare, and all three female passengers decided to break the glass ceiling and join in on the men’s 8K.
Okay, now back to the races! The men’s 8K started at 10:30 am and we had quite the pack for this race. From baby freshmen to wise seniors, the breadth of ages and levels of experience was wide. After a jog, the usual pre-race drills, and a quick huddle, the guys’ team was off. Bridget Brokaw, Sam Anderson, and Piper Rieger joined the box with their male teammates, opting to follow the men’s course but stop after the usual 6K distance. Bridget finished her 6K in a smoking 26:05, an especially fast time considering the men’s course includes more trips up one of the brutal hills. She was cheered on by her supportive parents and teammates, as well as confused onlookers. After her, Sam finished with an amazing time of 27:50. This was an impressive, and once in a lifetime, first IXC racing experience for her. Piper enjoyed the beginning of her race but ended up deciding to just cheer her teammates on (she needed Culver’s ASAP!!!) She made the best of the turbulent day and bravely ran among the men at her very first college race. These three ladies were truly inspiring in their perseverance and positive spirit. None of them let these troubles stop them from running the course and showing up for themselves. While it is great material for a Nats rap (sorry Bridget, you’re going to get flamed), it was also a test of their true spirits as athletes. In my mind, they all aced it!
Moving onto the men’s results. It was quite a day for all of our athletes. Our first finisher was Coach Ethan Forsell, who did not let those Purdue guys intimidate him. Ethan proved that his training plans are working and placed third with a time of 26:37. Right behind him was junior Simon Hildy, who surprised himself with his speedy time of 27:30. Simon placed ninth, earning him a spot on the podium and an awesome souvenir certificate. Right behind Simon was fellow junior Thomas Harmon, who finished in 27:35. Less than a second behind him was our friendly social coordinator, Easton Rosen. Easton kicked his season off with a strong 27:36 finish. Freshman Max Maloney made his IXC debut with a time of 28:08. He is sure to break 28 at Augustana in a few weeks. Up next was a grad student who ran club at Delaware, Brendan Jones. Brendan will be running the Chicago Marathon in October, but made time in his training schedule for a quick 8K. He finished in 28:14. We can’t wait to hear the marathon time! Rounding out the top seven was another freshman, Jon Wool. Jon blew his sub-30 goal out of the water with a time of 28:34, a seriously respectable time given the hilly course. Up next was Alan Perez. After Alan was our most frugal treasurer, Quinn Born. Quinn ran an astonishing time of 29:28, and would want me to mention here that everyone needs to pay their dues (Venmo @ILXclub)! Next up was another freshman Jensen Bidmead, who finished right behind Quinn in 29:29. Jensen did an awesome job in his first 8K of his college career. Next up in the freshman pack was Giovanni Hernandez, who finished right behind Jensen in 29:36. Seconds behind Giovanni was Alex Demas, another ‘28 runner who crossed the line after 29:42. Continuing the freshman train was Morgan Frederick, who just barely missed the 30 minute mark with a final time of 30:01. I bet the course was a little long anyways. These guys did a great job representing Illinois and the Fighting Illini spirit! Up next was our home meet (or lack thereof) coordinator, Brendan Graven. Brendan kicked off his sophomore season with a time of 30:13. After him was returner Nick Kwentus, who finished in 30:48, a seriously impressive time. Up next was Albert Szewczyk, a former Harper College runner. Albert busted some rust after some early-summer injuries and finished with a time of 30:54. After Albert was yet another freshman, Mauricio Marin. Mauricio braved the 8K and its many hills, and finished with a time of 31:46. Right behind him was fellow freshman Connor Quadrini, who completed his first IXC race in a time of 32:18. Next up was Walter Chang, who finished just after Connor in 32:22. After him was everyone’s favorite crown-wearing runner, Henry Hornbrook. Henry just barely missed the sub-33 mark with a time of 33:01, but seemed to enjoy the race nonetheless. Next up was junior Aidan Farrell, who ran a speedy 33:04 for his first race of the season. Just after him was Raymond Zhang, a freshman who started his club career off strong with a time of 33:07. After him was Isaac Brooks who completed his race in 34:53. Next up was Max Boughner (we have a million Max’s on this team now), who ran an impressive 37:30. Next up was David Cano, who eked out a sub-38 time of 37:59. Shortly after David was Robert Henkel, who successfully finished his race in 38:18. Rounding out the men’s team was Charley Hoppis, who ended with a time of 41:57. The men finished second overall to Purdue, scoring 47 points.
After a great morning of racing and many podium finishes, the team pulled up the Culver’s (they hate to see us coming) for some well deserved grub. With some custard and butterburgers in their tummies, our tired teammates piled back into their cars and headed back to Champaign. I assume most everyone (aside from the drivers) napped on the way back. Overall, the Boiler Up Invite was a great way to kick the season off and let our athletes get a feel for racing. We have three whole weeks until our next competition at Augustana, and I am confident that will be a great day. Thanks to everyone who raced and cheered at this meet! You all are such a fun crowd and I loved the energy.
Cheers,
Emma