Fighting Leathernecks Compete at NCAA Regional Cross Country Meet

Western Illinois cross country concluded its season Friday, Nov. 14, at the NCAA Regional Championships in Peoria, Ill.

PEORIA, Ill. - Western Illinois cross country runners, Mark Holt, Lydia Smith, Grant Kaiser, and Madison Lefler competed for the Leathernecks at the NCAA West Region Cross Country Championship on Friday, November 14 at Newman Golf Course in Peoria Illinois.

In a field of over 200 runners, Senior captain Mark Holt was the top finisher for the Leathernecks, finishing the men's 10K in a time of 33:27.7, and crossing the finish line in 188th place. Freshman Grant Kaiser was the other competitor for Western on the men's side, completing his first collegiate 10K in 33:59.9, finishing in 195th.

On the Women's side, senior captain Lydia Smith completed the women's 6K, finishing in 196th place with a time of 23:06.5. Sophomore Madison Lefler crossed the line in 23:38.2, just 33 seconds off of her career-best time of 23:05.

While Western was not included in the team scoring, the Leatherneck runners finished ahead of competitors from conference rivals, North Dakota State and Oral Roberts.

With the cross country season complete, all 17 members of the men's and women's squad will now focus on the upcoming indoor track and field season. The first indoor meet is slated for Friday, December 5 at the EIU Early Bird Opener in Charleston, Illinois.

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Players Mentioned

Mark Holt: DISTANCE; Senior

Madison Lefler: DISTANCE; Sophomore; Canton

Lydia Smith: DISTANCE; Senior; Canton

Grant Kaiser: DISTANCE; Freshman; Glenwood

Players Mentioned

Mark Holt
: Senior
: DISTANCE

Madison Lefler
: Sophomore; Canton
: DISTANCE

Lydia Smith
: Senior; Canton
: DISTANCE

Grant Kaiser
: Freshman; Glenwood
: DISTANCE