Red Devils Challenge Themselves at Warrior Invitational

WEST ALLIS, Wis. – The Eureka cross country and distance team took on a large field and tough course conditions at the Warrior Invitational on Saturday.

The team didn't rack up personal records the way that did in the first three meets of the season, but there were still highlights that the squad could be proud of.

"Not every meet can be our best, but we can learn from every meet," EC coach Chris Robinson said.

Despite warmer weather than expected and soft, uneven ground, junior Karissa Heffernan (Metamora, Ill./Metamora/Lewis) managed to place seventh overall out of 139 runners with a time of 25.00.1 It was an 11-second improvement from her first performance on the course last year.

Emily Baker (Washington, Ill./Washington) came in second for the Red Devils, taking 57th overall with a time of 28:16.4. Sarah Kimbro (Peoria, Ill./Metamora) was third with a time of 30:23.00 and an 89th-place finish overall. Jaden Randall (Secor, Ill./Roanoke-Benson) followed, coming in 119th in 35:84.4.

Odessa Grove (Lewistown, Ill./Lewistown) and Jordyn Coppejans (El Paso, Ill./El Paso-Gridley) both started well, but had to exit early due to calf issues.

On the men's side, senior Tony DeLira (Chicago, Ill./Alcott/Lincoln) continued to lead the way, coming in 38th with a solid time of 28:16.

Tucker Williamson (Monticello, Ill./Monticello) was next, finishing 124th in 33:37.4 and Michael Beaumont (Greenup, Ill./Cumberland) was 150th in 37:28.6. Jose Amador (Kempton, Ill./Tri-Point) and Gabriel Seeber (Champaign, Ill./Champaign Central) were unable to finish due to ankle issues.

"Overall, it was one of those meets where you need to focus on how you ran that course in those conditions," Robinson said. "We faced adversity and fought through. This team has a very resilient spirit, and they are ready to get back to work on Monday.

"I have no doubt the work we have been putting in this fall will come together and have us peaking at the right time."

The Red Devils will next compete in the Greenville Classic on Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.