Illini Challenge Results 

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Fighting Illini Men's Cross-Country team dominated in their season opener, taking seven spots in route to a 15-50 victory.

The top six Illini finished within one second of each other, sweeping the top-seven spots in the meet. Jereme Atchison edged out his teammates to win the Illini Challenge with a mark of 19:06.6. Right behind him, redshirt freshman Zack Smith and Dan Lathrop crossed the line together with a mark of 19:07.0.

"I was really pleased," said Coach Jake Stewart. "Those guys, it was a very controlled effort. They did a good job of communicating within the group. I don't think anyone put themselves in a position tonight to really walk away from this feeling that they went too far into the well." 

Finishing a mere tenth of a second behind Smith and Lathrop, Garrett Lee came through the chute with a mark of 19:07.1. Billy Magnesen and Alex Gold completed the group of Illini, both finishing with a mark of 19:07.3.

Finishing out the top-10 for the Orange and Blue was Alex Gold (19:14.0) and Liam Markham (19:14.1), taking seventh and eighth, respectively.

Returning to cross-country tonight was Joe McAsey who finished with a mark of 20:24.8.

"It felt good to be back out here with the guys" said McAsey. "It's been a few years since cross-country for me, but it's always fun to get out with the guys and grind away."

North Carolina transfer, Jack Driggs, made his Illini debut tonight, finishing with a time of 20:27.4.

Next up, the Ilini will travel to Lexington, Kentucky for the Bluegrass Cross-Country Invite on Saturday, September 12 at 9am. The meet will provide the Illini with stiff competition as they face off with some of the top teams in the country.

"The next two weekends are a great opportunity for the young guys tonight to go into some more competitive environments," said Stewart. "We will split some groups up, add some guys into the mix, and build off of what we did tonight, and build some more experience as we progress into the season."

ILLINOIS RESULTS:

1. Jereme Atchison, 19:06.6
2. Zack Smith, 19:07.0
3. Dan Lathrop, 19:07.0
4. Garrett Lee, 19:07.1
5. Billy Magnesen, 19:07.3
6. Alex Gold, 19:07.3
7. Joe Cowlin, 19:14.0
8. Liam Markham, 19:14.1
22.Joe McAsey, 20:24.8
24.Jack Driggs, 20:27.4

TEAM RESULTS:

1.  ILLINOIS – 15
2.  Missouri – 50