Red Devils Wrap Up Regular Season at Culver-Stockton
CANTON, Mo. – The Eureka cross country and distance team wrapped up their regular season on a warm and windy Friday at the Culver-Stockton Wildcat Open, their final tune-up before next week's SLIAC Outdoor Championship.
The Red Devils approached the day with intention, aiming to stay competitive while not overextending in the heat. Despite a few lingering illnesses and recent recoveries, the team came away with solid efforts across the board and a clear sense of momentum heading into the conference championship meet.
"It was a nice final tune-up leading into conference," head coach Chris Robinson said. "The focus today was to put in some quality work in a competitive environment without going overboard prior to the championship meet. We are looking forward to finishing the season strong!"
Bailey Webster (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) opened and closed the day for the Red Devils, earning a win in the 10,000m with a time of 36:27.76, then returning later for a solid 800m finish in 2:04.77. Jose Amador (Kempton, Ill./Tri-Point) started in the 3000m steeplechase but was forced to step off the track early. He later bounced back with a strong 400m, clocking in at 56.90. Hayden Skaggs (Mansfield, Texas/Mansfield) capped the day on the men's side, returning from illness to put in a gutsy performance in the 1500m.
On the women's side, all three Red Devils took on the 1500m. Emily Baker (Washington, Ill./Washington) led the way with a smooth run in 6:25.81 and now has her sights set on the 10,000m at conference. Isabella Carbajal (Chicago, Ill./Shepard) and Odessa Grove (Lewistown, Ill./Lewistown) both showed grit after battling illness earlier in the week, finishing in 6:53.86 and 7:34.18, respectively.
MEN'S RESULTS
10000m: Bailey Webster – 36:27.76 (1st place)
800m: Bailey Webster – 2:04.77
3000m Steeplechase: Jose Amador – DNF
400m: Jose Amador – 56.90
1500m: Hayden Skaggs – 6:23.44
WOMEN'S RESULTS
1500m: Emily Baker – 6:25.81
1500m: Isabella Carbajal – 6:53.86
1500m: Odessa Grove – 7:34.18
UP NEXT
The Red Devils return to action next Friday and Saturday at the SLIAC Outdoor Championship, hosted by Greenville.