Eureka Battles Weather and Competition at Dave Labor Invite

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Eureka cross country and distance team took on a full day of competition at the Slippery Rock Dave Labor Invite on Saturday, battling rain, swirling winds, and a loaded field of new opponents.

Despite the elements and tough competition, the Red Devils made the most of the trip, highlighted by another personal best from Bailey Webster (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) and a gritty team-wide effort.

"We had a great time competing against a great variety of brand new competition in a different part of the country," head coach Chris Robinson said. "It was the largest meet we have been a part of since returning to competition. Bailey treated the new scenery the same as he has all season with another PR in the 5000m."

The meet began at 10 a.m. with the women's 10,000m and wrapped up nearly 10 hours later with the men's 3000m Steeplechase. In between, Eureka athletes navigated wet and windy stretches mixed with calm, race-friendly breaks.

Emily Baker (Washington, Ill./Washington) opened the day in the women's 10k but was unable to finish. Rachel Fisher (Metamora, Ill./Metamora) stepped up in the 800m, crossing the line in 2:46.62. In the 1500m, Isabella Carbajal (Chicago, Ill./Shepard) finished in 6:50.58, followed by Odessa Grove (Lewiston, Ill./Lewistown) in 7:37.38.

On the men's side, Bailey Webster posted a 2:05.71 in the 800m before shining in the 5000m with a new personal best of 16:22.27. Jose Amador returned to the 1500m with a time of 4:44.86, then closed the meet strong in the steeplechase, running 11:59.03.

MEN'S RESULTS

800m: Bailey Webster – 2:05.71
1500m: Jose Amador – 4:44.86
5000m: Bailey Webster – 16:22.27 (PR)
3000m Steeplechase: Jose Amador – 11:59.03

WOMEN'S RESULTS

10,000m: Emily Baker – DNF
800m: Rachel Fisher – 2:46.62
1500m: Isabella Carbajal – 6:50.58
1500m: Odessa Grove – 7:37.38

UP NEXT

The Red Devils will head back to Illinois and prepare for next weekend's Greenville Select on Saturday, April 12.