Trevena and Moise Lead the Way in Early Bird Invite

Friday, September 03, 2021 | By: WIU Athletic Communications

Seven straight athletes crossed the finish line to begin the women’s race, while Habibu Moise led Western’s men.

MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois cross country began its season in Macomb in the WIU Early Bird Invite, Friday (Sept. 3) at Spring Lake Park. WIU took on Carl Sandburg College in the 15th annual Early Bird Invite in the team's first regular season meet since 2019.

"It was a beautiful evening out at Spring Lake Park and we were so thankful to have fans back in attendance this year," said WIU head cross country coach Trey Brokaw. "Our women's team took full advantage of the excellent racing conditions; sweeping the top seven positions and posting a perfect team score. Perfect scores are fairly rare in cross country but the women literally couldn't have opened up the season any better."

"It was a much closer competition on the men's side. I'll give a lot of credit to Carl Sandburg College. Those men were well prepared and they competed tough. We lost the team title in the last half mile. We will be a much better team at the Summit League Championships in eight weeks."

"Madison Trevena and Habibu Moise led our team's individually. I was so impressed with the way those two stepped up and led the program. Madison is only a freshman but she races very aggressive; that's a good attribute. Habibu has improved tremendously from his fitness level last year. Mackenzie Goldring and Olin Ortiz were the number two finishers for our teams today and had excellent races. I look forward to seeing how both teams compete in two weeks at Bradley."

The women's team had seven straight athletes cross the finish line before anyone from Carl Sandburg College, led by freshman Madison Trevena who placed first overall in her first collegiate race (14:57.5).

The women's team also had three athletes set a new 4K personal best. Goldring placed 2nd overall (15:30.5), Elyse Mathews placed 5th overall (16:09.3), and Kaitlyn Matthews placed 6th overall (16:51.0).

Moise finished with the best time in the men's race for the Leathernecks, placing third overall (19:22.8).

Men's Results

Habibu Moise | 19:22.8

Olin Ortiz | 20:18.5

Lucas Howett | 21:11.5

Isaiah Moorman | 21:26.9

Jeremie Bokata | 21:53.0

Max Lupo | 22:56.2

Women's Results

Madison Trevena | 14:57.5

Mackenzie Goldring | 15:30.5

Paulina Wuestefeld | 15:42.5