University of Illinois
NCAA Midwest Regionals
Illini Conclude 2008 Season
November 15, 2008 | Men's Cross Country
Nov. 15, 2008
STILLWATER, OKLA. - - The Fighting Illini men's cross country team concluded the 2008 season at the NCAA Midwest Regional in Stillwater, Okla., on Saturday. The Illini finished ninth out of the 23 teams competing at the event, host and No. 2 ranked Oklahoma State won the 10K meet with 42 points.
"The guys showed a lot today," cross country coach Wendel McRaven said. "We ran close to our potential. After a disappointing race at the Big Ten Championships, it was good for us to end our year on a positive like today."
Freshmen Nathan Troester (32:14.20) and Hunter Mickow (32:15.00) led the way for the Orange and Blue finishing 33rd and 35th, respectively. The two Illini were the third and fourth fastest freshmen in the field of 165 athletes.
"They ran a smart race today," McRaven said. "Both Nate and Hunter ran to their strengths, knew when to push and finished strong."
Junior Garrett Weaver finished in 59th place , while freshman Colin Mickow grabbed 69th place and junior Jeremy Stevens, who dropped from the lead pack late in the race, rounded out the Illini competitors with a 74th place finish.
"Our future is bright," McRaven said. "We are a young team and the guys gained valuable experience and confidence from this meet. Our program will definitely benefit from today."
Illinois Individual Results
33.Nathan Troester - 32:14.20
35.Hunter Mickow - 32:15.00
59.Garrett Weaver - 32:49.50
69.Colin Mickow - 33:00.90
74.Jeremy Stevens - 33:05.50
