Men Place Second, Women Third at SIUE Challenge

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The Western Illinois men's and women's Cross Country teams took part in the SIUE Challenge on Friday, with the women placing third overall and the men placing second.

The men were led by senior Mike McGraw (26:13), who took first overall in the men's 8K race. The top finish was the second this season for McGraw, who also took first in the WIU Early Bird Invitational. Freshmen Chase Marlow (4th, 27:11) and Jared Summers (6th, 28:01), and senior Chris Matthews (7th, 28:08) all placed in the 'Top 10' for the Leathernecks.

Senior Bryan Pinta (11th, 28:38) and freshman Matt Drendel (13th, 30:10) rounded out the results for the Leathernecks.

The women were led by senior Carianna Cottone, who finished the 5K race with a time of 19:43 in ninth place. Freshman Alexa Williams (20:37) and senior Josi Parker (21:01) finished in 16th and 18th, respectively.

Freshman Alex Szymanski (22nd, 21:46), junior Izzi Roy (23rd, 22:32), and freshman Mackenzie Gray (24th, 22:40) rounded out the results for the women.

Host SIUE won the men's meet with a score of 27, while Missouri State took the top spot in the women's meet with a score of 18.

"We need to show some more consistency," said Western Illinois head coach David Beauchem. "If we can run in the meet the way we've been training, our results will show it in the next few weeks."

The Leathernecks resume competition on Sat., Oct. 2 when they travel to Springfield, Mo. for the Missouri State Invitational.

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Players Mentioned

Mike McGraw: PLAYER; Senior

Carianna Cottone: PLAYER; Senior

Izzi Roy: PLAYER; Senior

Alexa Williams: PLAYER; Sophomore

Chase Marlow: PLAYER; Sophomore

Chris Matthews: PLAYER; Senior

Jared Summers: PLAYER; Freshman

Alex Szymanski: PLAYER; Freshman

Mackenzie Gray: PLAYER; Freshman

Josi Parker: PLAYER; Senior

Players Mentioned

Mike McGraw
: Senior
: PLAYER

Carianna Cottone
: Senior
: PLAYER

Izzi Roy
: Senior
: PLAYER

Alexa Williams
: Sophomore
: PLAYER

Chase Marlow
: Sophomore
: PLAYER

Chris Matthews
: Senior
: PLAYER

Jared Summers
: Freshman
: PLAYER

Alex Szymanski
: Freshman
: PLAYER

Mackenzie Gray
: Freshman
: PLAYER

Josi Parker
: Senior
: PLAYER