Red Devils Impress at Jason Dennis Invitational

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Eureka cross country and distance team had a strong showing on Friday night at the Jason Dennis Invitational, hosted by Illinois Wesleyan.

The women's team saw solid performances across the board. Emily Baker (Washington, Ill./Washington) competed in the 800m, finishing with a time of 3:09.33. Rachel Fisher (Metamora, Ill./Metamora) ran the 400m in 1:08.65, while Isabella Carbajal (Chicago, Ill./Shepard) followed with a time of 1:16.09 in the same event.

On the men's side, Jose Amador (Kempton, Ill./Tri-Point) made his season debut after recovering from a minor foot injury. Despite limited training, he posted a solid time of 5:10.67 in the mile and returned in the 800m to set a personal record with a time of 2:14.85. Merdi Ilonga (Bloomington, Ill./Bloomington) made an impressive debut in the 400m, earning 3rd place with a time of 51.57, which currently ranks as the fastest 400m time in the SLIAC this season. Hayden Skaggs (Mansfield, Texas/Mansfield) finished the 400m in 1:12.51, while Bailey Webster (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) ran both the mile and the 800m, clocking in at 4:50.96 for 5th place in the mile and 2:11.40 in the 800m.

MEN'S RESULTS
Mile: Jose Amador – 5:10.67
800: Jose Amador – 2:14.85 (PR)
400: Merdi Ilonga – 51.57 (3rd place)
400: Hayden Skaggs – 1:12.51
Mile: Bailey Webster – 4:50.96 (5th place)
800: Bailey Webster – 2:11.40

WOMEN'S RESULTS
800: Emily Baker – 3:09.33
400: Isabella Carbajal – 1:16.09
400: Rachel Fisher – 1:08.65

UP NEXT

The Red Devils will have two weeks off before returning to action at the Titan Keck DIII Select, hosted by Illinois Wesleyan, on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m.