Eureka Caps Historic Season at NCAA Midwest Regional
WAVERLY, Iowa – The Eureka cross country teams closed out a strong 2025 campaign on Saturday at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Championship, battling steady winds and a deep regional field to cap one of the most successful seasons in program history.
On the women's side, junior Zoe Stoecker (Metamora, Ill./Metamora) delivered another breakthrough performance. Stoecker posted a personal-record 31:05.0 in the 6K, improving upon her strong SLIAC Championship race and continuing a season marked by great progress. Her season included cutting nearly a full minute off her overall pace.
For the men, senior Bailey Webster (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) led the Red Devils with a time of 27:24.7, marking the best Regional performance of his Eureka career. Webster capped a resilient senior campaign on a high note and heads toward track season with significant momentum.
Freshman Evan Gillespie (Jacksonville, Ill./Jacksonville) wrapped up his first year with a personal-record 36:05.0, trimming more than 18 seconds off his time from the SLIAC Championship meet. Midseason addition Britton Batson (Springfield, Tenn./Innovation Academy) continued showing great potential, running a 34:03.3 to close out a strong first season with the program.
Senior captain Jose Amador (Kempton, Ill./Tri-Point) completed his Eureka cross country career with a solid time of 32:36.3. Despite an offseason injury that impacted his preparation, Amador remained a cornerstone of the team's leadership and once again unleashed his signature finishing kick in his final race.
Freshman standout Cole Glover (Hopkinsville, Ky./University Heights) was forced to withdraw at mile three due to a right-calf issue after a remarkable season that included a new school 8K record, the best individual SLIAC Championship finish in program history, and First Team All-Conference honors.
Head coach Chris Robinson added, "This has been an amazing experience this fall. Watching how this team comes together, enjoys being around each other, how they treat our competitors, and how they have raced all season has been a pleasure. I look forward to our indoor and outdoor track seasons with this group. We are going to enjoy a week off, ease back into running over Thanksgiving, and then get ready for the Titan First Chance indoor meet at Illinois Wesleyan on Dec. 5."
The men's season featured several historic achievements, including a new 8K school record by Cole Glover (26:18.29), the best SLIAC Championship finish in program history with Glover placing second, and a time of 26:53.5 that tied the fastest ever by an Eureka runner at the SLIAC Championships. Eureka also celebrated its first season with two First Team All-Conference honorees, as Glover finished second and Bailey Webster placed eighth.
WOMEN'S RESULTS (6K)
Zoe Stoecker – 31:05.0 – PR
MEN'S RESULTS (8K)
Bailey Webster – 27:24.7
Jose Amador – 32:36.3
Britton Batson – 34:03.3
Evan Gillespie – 36:05.0 – PR
Cole Glover – DNF (calf)
UP NEXT
Eureka will shift focus to track season, opening competition at the Titan First Chance Meet on Thursday, Dec. 5, at Illinois Wesleyan.