Four Red Devils Reach Top 20 in Greenville Classic

GREENVILLE, Ill. – After the wind died down, the Eureka cross country and distance team made their mark at the Greenville Classic on Friday evening.

On the women's side, the Red Devils placed fourth overall and saw two runners finish in the top 20. All five EC runners set new personal records in the team's first 5k race of the season.

Karissa Heffernan (Metamora, Ill./Metamora) led the way, placing fourth overall in 20:18. Rachel Fisher (Metamora, Ill./Metamora) was the squad's second top-20 finisher, taking 17th in 21:42.

She was followed by Sarah Kimbro (Peoria, Ill./Metamora), who took 32nd in 22:56 and Jaden Randall (Secor, Ill./Roanoke-Benson), who took 43rd in 24:59. Riley Reuter (Henry, Ill./Henry-Senachwine) rounded out the team's scorers, finishing 44th in 25:08 and cutting 2:06 off their previous personal best.

"It was very encouraging to see them all run strong efforts today," EC cross country and distance coach Chris Robinson said. "The coaches and I hope the women get a big confidence boost with our top 5 all setting 5k PRs."

The Red Devils also had two runners finish in the top 20 on the men's side. Bailey Webster (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) cut 1:26 off his previous personal best and finished 13th overall with a time of 27:28. Tony DeLira (Chicago, Ill./Alcott/Lincoln) was just a few spots away, coming in 16th overall in 27:33.

"It has been fun watching Bailey and Tony battle back and forth as our top runners," Robinson said. "We are looking forward to some strong practices and fine-tuning heading into the (SLIAC) championships. Good things are coming."

Jose Amador (Kempton, Ill./Tri-Point) battled through tightness in his calf and finished 68th overall in 31:27, while Hayden Skaggs (Mansfield, Texas/Mansfield) cut 2:20 off his previous season best and finished in 47:02.

At the end of the meet, Heffernan and Webster were awarded with Greenville Classic T-Shirts for their top 15 T-shirts, adding to the team's collection of awards this season. The Red Devils now have their eyes on the SLIAC Championships, which will also take place in Louisville, Kentucky on Oct. 29.

"Today was a strong performance by both teams," Robinson added. "The women are well positioned going into the SLIAC championships in two weeks, and should place well in the conference. The men continue to have strong individual performances, and are looking forward to a solid team outing in two weeks."