Eureka Cross Country Opens Season at Rock River Invite

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Eureka cross country and distance team opened the 2023 season at the Rock River Invite on Friday evening.

Karissa Heffernan (Metamora, Ill./Metamora/Lewis) led the way on the women's side with a 12th-place in 21:01. Newcomer Emily Baker (Washington, Ill./Washington) finished 25th overall in 23:20 in her first race as a Red Devil. Senior Sarah Kimbro (Peoria, Ill./Metamora) followed, coming in 40th in 24:48, while Jaden Randall (Secor, Ill./Roanoke-Benson) took 56th in 28.35 and Odessa Grove (Lewistown, Ill./Lewistown) came in 61st in 35:34.

The Red Devils placed sixth overall with 152 points.

"It is always good to get the first meet of the year under your belt," EC coach Chris Robinson said. "It's a good opportunity to see where we are after the summer, and see where we can improve. We have a solid foundation. We just need to continue to work together and grow as a team."

On the men's side, the Red Devils were shorthanded due to injuries, but Tony DeLira (Chicago, Ill./Alcott/Lincoln) ran well, taking 18th-place with a time of 17:40 in the 5k. Jose Amador (Kempton, Ill./Tri-Point) was forced to exit early due to shin trouble.

"We look forward to being at full strength next week, and rebounding at the Prairie Stars Invitational," Robinson added.