University of Illinois
Pre-Nationals
Illini Finish Strong at Pre-Nationals
October 18, 2008 | Men's Cross Country
Men's White Race Individual Results 
Oct. 18, 2008
TERRE HAUTE, IND. - The Fighting Illini men's cross country team held its own against some of the top competition in the country, running in the white race at the Pre-Nationals meet on Saturday at Indiana State. Illinois took 28th place out of the 40 teams in the event with 745 points. Stanford, ranked No. 2 nationally, won the race with a combined time of 119:22.10.
Junior Jeremy Stevens again led the way for the Orange and Blue, finishing in 99th place with a time of 24:54.3. It was the third time in four races this season the Winnebago, Ill., native has led all Illini finishers. Following Stevens were freshman Colin Mickow finished with a time of 25:11.6 in 135th place, freshman Hunter Mickow crossed the finish line in 25:12.0 in 136th place, junior Mike Murray finished with a time of 25:35.20 in 196th place and freshman Dan Kremske grabbed 196th place in a time of 25:24.70.
"We did some good things today," cross country coach Wendel McRaven said. "Our guys know we still have a lot of work to do to get to reach that next level."
Pre-Nationals marked the first large field the Illini have faced this season. The preparation should help the young Illini squad as the championship time of the season approaches.
"The young guys will really benefit from this exeperience," McRaven said. "Big Tens and NCAA Regionals are just around the corner and they now know what to expect from elite competition."
The Illini will be back in action next Friday, Oct. 24th at the UI Arboretum for the Illini Open.
