Eureka Returns from Break at Coach Shoe Invitational

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Eureka cross country and distance team returned to competition on Saturday afternoon, continuing the indoor season at the Coach Shoe Invitational hosted by Illinois Wesleyan in their first meet back from Winter Break.

The afternoon was highlighted by a collegiate track debut on the women's side and steady early-season efforts from the men. Zoe Stoecker (Metamora, Ill./Metamora) competed in the mile for Eureka, marking her first collegiate track race. Stoecker finished in a time of 8:04.88, running well in her return to the track after several years away from competition. The race served as an important baseline as she transitions back into the sport following a strong cross country season.

On the men's side, Cole Glover (Hopkinsville, Ky./University Heights) and Evan Gillespie (Jacksonville, Ill./Jacksonville) opened the day in the mile. Glover set the tone with an aggressive first half of the race before settling in to finish with a time of 5:03.37. Gillespie followed with a consistent effort throughout, crossing the line in 6:44.14. Jose Amador (Kempton, Ill./Tri-Point) was next to the track in the 800-meter run. Battling a tender ankle and chest congestion, Amador pushed through the early stages of the race with a strong opening lap before finishing in 2:21.46. The meet concluded with Bailey Webster (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) in the 3000-meter run, where he showed promising early-season form. Webster posted a time of 9:28.69, just six seconds shy of his school-record mark of 9:22.86 set late last February.

Head coach Chris Robinson reflected on the performance, noting that it was a good meet to knock off some rust after the long holiday break. Robinson added, "I am happy with how we competed and the effort we gave. We are looking forward to getting back at it on Jan. 30 at the Jason Dennis Memorial at IWU."

WOMEN'S RESULTS

Mile: Zoe Stoecker – 8:04.88

MEN'S RESULTS

800: Jose Amador – 2:21.46
Mile: Cole Glover – 5:03.37
Mile: Evan Gillespie – 6:44.14
3000: Bailey Webster – 9:28.69

UP NEXT

Eureka will be back in action on Friday, Jan. 30, competing at the Jason Dennis Memorial, hosted by Illinois Wesleyan, with events scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.