University of Illinois
Pre-NCAA Invitational
Illini Tie For 15th At Pre-Nationals
October 14, 2006 | Men's Cross Country
Oct. 14, 2006
Champaign, Ill. - The Fighting Illini tied for 15th out of 32 teams on Saturday, Oct. 14 at the NCAA Pre-Nationals meet in Terre Haute, Ind.
With a full travel squad competing, including two key runners coming off a week of sickness, the Orange and Blue (416) came out and picked off nationally-ranked Ohio State (425). They also defeated Villanova (418) and Central Michigan (888), who received votes in last week's national poll.
After taking time off due to sickness, junior Trent Hoerr led the Illini and crossed the finish line 43rd overall with an 8K personal best time of 24:26. Senior Jason Bill, who also took last week off, came in 51st with a time of 24:29. Head coach Wendel McRaven was pleased with their performance after their time off.
"I wouldn't have raced them if I didn't think they were in good condition to run," said McRaven. "But they are both getting better and are headed in the right direction. Jason looked better and better everyday in practice last week and Trent has made huge strides from where he was at the Notre Dame Invitational."
Coming in third for the Illini and 74th overall was freshman Jeremy Stevens with a time of 24:44. Closely following was junior Dan Stock, crossing the finish line in a time of 24:57. Also scoring for the Orange and Blue was senior Maciej Sniegorski with an 8K personal best time of 25:06.
Rounding out the squad were freshmen Jacob Nachel and Rob Pykosz, with times of 25:35 and 26:37, respectively.
Coach MeRaven feels confident about the race but knows there is always room for improvement, especially heading into the post-season.
"We ran a solid race," said McRaven. "But every guy on our team didn't feel as if they ran the best that they could have. We are heading in the right direction. Our guys know what they are capable of."
Several members of the Illini also ran in the men's open race following the team competition. Junior Matthew Flaherty finished 45th followed by junior Mike Kelley in 52nd. Juniors Justin Aronson and Tim Kelly also competed in the open race.
After a week off, the Illini will be back in racing action on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Big Ten Championships in Indiana. The Orange and Blue feel as if they are headed there with positive momentum.
"We are right at a cross-roads and we think we can push through to the next meet," said McRaven.
Illini Results:
1) Trent Hoerr (43) 24:26 2) Jason Bill (51) 24:29 3) Jeremy Stevens (74) 24:44 4) Dan Stock (113) 24:57 5) Maciej Sniegorski (135) 25:06 6) Jacob Nachel (191) 25:35 7) Rob Pykosz (237) 26:37
