SJO and Heritage place in top five at Acklin Cross Country Meet

Spartans and Hawks strong at Acklin Meet as Charleston defends title. Paris’ Harrison Hays repeats as top finisher.

PARIS - East-central Illinois cross country teams converged on Paris High School Saturday for the 9th annual Acklin Cross Country Meet, with 19 schools and 146 runners competing in the varsity boys’ race. St. Joseph-Ogden placed fourth overall, while Heritage finished fifth in a field loaded with competitive talent.

SJO SPORTS

Charleston repeated as team champion, winning its second consecutive Acklin title with 72 points. The Trojans, who also claimed the 2024 crown with 67 points, were followed by Cumberland (84) and host Paris (94). The Spartans tallied 114 points, and the Hawks rounded out the top five with 165. Last year, SJO was runner-up with 87 points, and Cumberland finished third at 123.

Leading the way for Heritage was junior Clark Roland, who finished sixth overall in 16 minutes, 57.7 seconds. Freshman Christian Paul was next for the Hawks at 29th in 18:04.6, followed by sophomore Colby Schrock (37th, 18:20.8), freshman Greyson Guevara (42nd, 18:37.9) and senior Joshua Stierwalt (54th, 18:57.0). That top-five effort was enough to edge several larger schools and secure a top-five team finish.

The Spartans put five runners inside the top 30, separated by just 17 seconds. Junior Colin Burnett led SJO with a 20th-place finish in 17:44.5, with freshman Adam Bello (21st, 17:44.7), senior Lance Retz (22nd, 17:44.8), sophomore Eli Franklin (23rd, 17:46.6) and junior Nate Farney (28th, 18:01.0) close behind. Junior Aiden Hundley also contributed with a 30th-place finish at 18:11.1.

Paris junior Harrison Hays successfully defended his Acklin title, taking first in 15:53.57 after winning last year’s race in 16:49.48. He was followed by Dieterich senior Trevor Crutcher (16:04.79), Effingham senior Alex Gordon (16:22.41), Robinson junior Wyatt Herrington (16:40.25) and Cumberland freshman Colby Roedl(16:46.67). Hays, Crutcher, Gordon, Herrington and Roedl all finished among the top 10 a year ago, underscoring their consistency at the Acklin course. Roland was the highest Heritage finisher in the top 10 this year.

Top 10 Individual Finishers

Harrison Hays, Jr., Paris – 15:53.57
Trevor Crutcher, Sr., Dieterich – 16:04.79
Alex Gordon, Sr., Effingham – 16:22.41
Wyatt Herrington, Jr., Robinson – 16:40.25
Colby Roedl, Fr., Cumberland – 16:46.67
Clark Roland, Jr., Heritage – 16:57.77
Nathan Fonner, Jr., Paris – 17:00.40
Gavin Whitaker, So., Cumberland – 17:01.99
Jonathan Brown, Sr., Charleston – 17:06.44
Stanley Himes, Sr., Charleston – 17:08.25

Team Standings – Top Five

Charleston – 72
Cumberland – 84
Paris – 94
St. Joseph-Ogden – 114
Heritage – 165

St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans cross country, Heritage Hawks running team, Acklin Cross Country Meet results, Charleston Trojans repeat title, Illinois high school cross country standings

St. Joseph-Ogden girls capture Acklin Cross Country Meet title

Big finish in Paris: SJO girls XC secures team crown at Acklin Meet with two top-10 runners.

PARIS - The St. Joseph-Ogden girls cross country team continued its strong fall campaign on Saturday, claiming the team title at the Acklin Cross Country Meet hosted by Paris High School. The Spartans outpaced a 19-school field with a team score of 38 points, placing two runners in the top 10 overall.

SJO SPORTS Sophomore Grace Bressner led the way for SJO with a third-place finish, clocking 19 minutes, 49.4 seconds. Freshman Charlene Barbee joined her in the top tier, crossing the line in seventh at 20:28.6.

Freshman Allie Bott added a 14th-place finish in 21:12.1, followed closely by junior Kyla Franckey in 15th at 21:24.7. Rounding out the Spartans’ scoring lineup were freshman Taylor Vaughn (25th, 23:03.4) and senior Sydney Steinbach (28th, 23:22.1).

Heritage sophomore Reaghan Stierwalt was the Hawks’ top finisher, placing 21st in 22:25.4.

Marshall senior Molly Farrell won the individual title in 18:54.07, edging teammate Madeleine Fox, who placed second in 19:33.40.

SJO’s balance carried the Spartans to the team crown, holding off Newton (62 points) and Effingham (78) to secure the top spot on the podium.

Top 10 Individual Finishers

1. Molly Farrell, Marshall (Sr.) — 18:54.07
2. Madeleine Fox, Marshall (Jr.) — 19:33.40
3. Grace Bressner, St. Joseph-Ogden (So.) — 19:49.44
4. Grace Thompson, Marshall (Fr.) — 20:08.41
5. Kayla Clark, Casey-Westfield (Sr.) — 20:14.01
6. Aleah Potter, Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin (Sr.) — 20:16.66
7. Charlene Barbee, St. Joseph-Ogden (Fr.) — 20:28.68
8. Layna Marshall, Newton (Sr.) — 20:34.81
9. Leah Phipps, Chrisman (Sr.) — 20:38.25
10. Heather Bergbower, Newton (Fr.) — 20:50.44

Final Team Standings

1. St. Joseph-Ogden — 38
2. Newton — 62
3. Effingham — 78
4. Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin — 127
5. Charleston — 143
6. Robinson — 152
7. Dieterich — 185
8. Hoopeston Area — 210
9. Tuscola — 215
10. Neoga — 221
11. Teutopolis — 268

Tags: Acklin Cross Country Meet 2025 results, St. Joseph-Ogden girls cross country highlights Illinois high school cross country team standings, Paris High School cross country invitational winners, Grace Bressner St. Joseph-Ogden runner profile

Attention coaches: Want to see more coverage of your cross country program? Send meet results to sports@oursentinel.com.

Illini men finish 2nd, women 3rd in sunny season opener in Savoy

A warm, sunny day set the stage for Illinois XC as the Illini opened their season with top-3 team finishes.

SAVOY - It was a beautiful, picturesque day at the Orange & Blue Golf Course in Savoy, just minutes from the University of Illinois campus in Urbana-Champaign. With only a few clouds in the sky and comfortable temperatures just under 80 degrees, runners navigated the course with ease as the Illinois men’s and women’s cross country teams opened the 2025 season at the Fighting Illini Invitational. The Illini men placed second overall with 61 points, while the women finished third with 74.

Women’s Division

Freshman Nora Wollen led the Illinois women with a runner-up finish in the 4K, clocking 13:18.90. Teammate Avril Andre followed in third place at 13:26.50, giving Illinois two of the top three finishers in the race.

Freshman Nicole Poglitsch scored in 23rd (14:20.70), graduate student Lina Maatouk finished 24th (14:25.90), and sophomore Mabry Bruhn added a 29th-place effort (14:33.90). Stella Davis (30th, 14:35.00) and Audrey Ginsberg (36th, 14:47.10) rounded out Illinois’ scoring depth.

Illinois placed third as a team behind champion Bradley (28 points) and runner-up Indiana State (61).

Women’s top five finishers:

1. Kaitlyn Sheppard, Bradley – 13:08.00
2. Nora Wollen, Illinois – 13:18.90
3. Avril Andre, Illinois – 13:26.50
4. Nadia Potgieter, Bradley – 13:31.30
5. Abigail Hancock, Bradley – 13:35.10

Men’s Division

Graduate student Joshua Daggett paced the Illinois men with a fifth-place finish in the 6K, running a personal-best 17:41.90. Sophomores Trey Sato (7th, 17:49.10) and Adam Patel (8th, 17:49.90) added strong scoring performances.

Senior Brady Masters placed 16th (18:16.70), and sophomore Jackson Barrett crossed in 26th (18:30.50) to round out the team’s scoring five.

Illinois finished second behind Bradley (22 points), edging UIC (74) for the runner-up spot.

Men’s top five finishers:

1. Jayde Rosslee, Bradley – 17:23.50
2. Caleb Lind, Bradley – 17:33.10
3. Daniel Chavez, UIC – 17:38.40
4. Travis Gaffney, Bradley – 17:40.50
5. Joshua Daggett, Illinois – 17:41.90

Meet Team Results

Women’s Team Scores (4K):

1. Bradley – 28
2. Indiana State – 61
3. Illinois – 74
4. Illinois State – 98
5. UIC – 134
6. Southern Illinois – 181
7. Northern Illinois – 183
8. Chicago State – 232
Men’s Team Scores (6K):

1. Bradley – 22
2. Illinois – 61
3. UIC – 74
4. Illinois State – 101
5. Indiana State – 129
6. Southern Illinois – 139
7. Chicago State – 195

Tagged: Illinois cross country Fighting Illini Invitational results, Illinois XC 2025 season opener Savoy Orange and Blue Golf Course cross country race, Nora Wollen Illinois women’s cross country, Illinois men’s cross country Daggett Sato Patel

Brian Martin’s steady stride leads to Top-10 finish at Illinois Marathon

CHAMPAIGN — The day began with a chill.

Brian Martin running in the Illinois Marathon

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Brian Martin runs with a leading pack during the first four miles of his race at the 2025 Illinois Marathon. The forty-six year-old runner from Wheaton finished first in his age division in this year's race.

Heavy clouds loomed low over the University of Illinois campus Saturday morning, holding onto the remnants of an overnight rain that left puddles scattered along the streets of Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy. A northwest breeze swept across the starting line near the State Farm Center, where runners gathered in the cold gray light, adjusting their race bibs and glancing nervously at the wet pavement underfoot.

For Brian Martin, none of it mattered.

At 46, the Wheaton native was no stranger to the unpredictable moods of Midwest springtime. Experience taught him that the weather would shift — and so would the race. All that mattered was finding a rhythm and holding onto it.

By the time the starting horn sounded, Martin had already settled into the mental space that would carry him through 26.2 miles. Patiently, he carved his way through the early packs, mindful of the slick spots left behind by the rain, attentive to the gusts sweeping off the open stretches of campus.

It took him 1:16:34 to reach the halfway point — a strong, measured split — and as the morning wore on, something changed overhead. Almost an hour into the race, the gray ceiling finally cracked, and golden light poured down on the course. The puddles began to dry. The cheers along the sidelines grew louder, as spectators shed jackets and raised signs higher.

Martin, locked into a 5:57 mile pace, found another gear.

Brian Martin running the 2025 Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Martin smiles as he approaches a group of cheering race volunteers during his run.

Through the winding neighborhoods, past the familiar landmarks of campus, and out into the edges of Savoy, he kept his focus forward. Every stride brought him closer not just to the finish line but to a quietly outstanding achievement.

At 2:35:50, Martin crossed onto the 50-yard line inside Memorial Stadium, arms raised slightly in quiet triumph. His performance wasn’t just strong; it was among the very best of the day. Seventh overall out of 894 runners. Seventh among 624 male athletes. First — emphatically — in the men's 45-49 age division, a race within the race.

There were no fireworks at the finish, no extravagant celebrations. Just the satisfaction of a job well done, earned mile after mile, step after step, in a race that tested every runner’s patience early and rewarded resilience late.

The Illinois Marathon has built its reputation on moments like these — not just the victories, but the steady triumphs along the way. Flat, fast, friendly. Scenic where it counts. Midwest hospitality with a runner’s edge. On Saturday, Brian Martin became part of that tradition, conquering cold, wind, and miles to deliver one of the most impressive performances on a course built for those willing to embrace the journey.

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St. Joseph-Ogden edges Unity for Illini Prairie XC title

RANTOUL - St. Joseph-Ogden’s depth paid off a week ago today as the Spartans claimed the Illini Prairie Conference boys cross country title with 62 points, narrowly defeating Unity, which finished second with 84 points. The Spartans placed all five of their scoring runners in the top 18, holding off a strong individual performance from Unity’s Camden Fairbanks, who won the race.

Fairbanks, a junior, took the individual title, finished the course in a personal-record 15 minutes, 33.1 seconds. Fairbanks beat his previous best by over 11 seconds, adding another stellar result to his season, which includes a 15:44.7 at the Spartan Classic last month. Unity’s second finisher, junior Eli Crowe, placed seventh with a time of 16:04.3, just shy of his personal best of 15:19.7 from the Spartan Classic.

While Unity boasted the top individual, St. Joseph-Ogden’s pack running proved the difference. Junior Lance Retz led the SJO, finishing sixth overall with a personal-best 16:03.0, improving his time by 18 seconds from his previous PR. Sophomore Colin Burnett also set a new personal record, finishing 11th in 16:20.2, a substantial improvement from his earlier season performances.

St. Joseph-Ogden’s next three finishers — sophomore Nate Farney (13th, 16:24.3), senior Jack Fisher (14th, 16:26.9), and senior EJ Beckett (18th, 16:37.7) — ensured the team maintained its edge over Unity. Their tightly packed grouping helped secure the team’s first-place finish, with just 34 seconds separating the Spartans’ top five.

Pontiac rounded out the top three in the team standings with 88 points, led by junior Peyton Beebe’s third-place finish (15:53.4).

Unity’s runners, while putting up solid performances, couldn’t overcome the overall depth of St. Joseph-Ogden. Behind Fairbanks and Crowe, UHS’ next finisher was junior Collin Graven, who finished 12th in 16:22.1. But the Rockets’ final two scorers, Carter Tiemann (29th, 17:16.0) and Ryan Akers (35th, 17:33.0), left them with too much ground to make up.

The meet, held at Brookhill Golf Course, saw four runners finish under 16 minutes, with the next four narrowly missing that mark. Unity’s Fairbanks set the pace from the start and maintained a strong lead to claim the victory, but SJO’s ability to keep their top runners close together proved decisive in the team competition.

Team Standings:
1. St. Joseph-Ogden – 62
2. Unity – 84
3. Pontiac – 88
4. Illinois Valley Central – 102
5. Monticello – 120
6. Prairie Central – 161
7. Central Catholic – 169
8. Rantoul – 175
9. St. Thomas More – 213
10. Paxton-Buckley-Loda – 231

Top 10 Individual Finishers:
1. Camden Fairbanks, Unity – 15:33.1
2. River Derby, Monticello – 15:41.6
3. Peyton Beebe, Pontiac – 15:53.4
4. Cam Fenton, Pontiac – 15:57.2
5. Aiden Duhs, Illinois Valley Central – 16:00.5
6. Lance Retz, St. Joseph-Ogden – 16:03.0
7. Eli Crowe, Unity – 16:04.3
8. Tim Sikorski, Monticello – 16:05.8
9. Wade Cloninger, Rantoul – 16:14.0
10. Philip Lee, St. Thomas More – 16:20.0

Running local races? Keep your feet healthy

Runners keep a steady pace while running down McHenry Street during the 2023 Illinois Marathon. From buying new shoes regularly to stretching ankles and toes, foot self-care is key to improving competitive performance.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

StatePoint Media - Whether you’re a novice jogger embarking on a couch-to-5K program or a marathoner serious about racking up finishers’ medals, it’s critical you take great care of your feet.

“Running is an amazing form of cardiovascular exercise, but because it’s a high-impact sport that involves repeated trauma to the feet, everyone from long-distance runners to casual joggers is at risk for developing painful and debilitating foot conditions,” says Bryce A. Paschold, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

To help you identify signs of some of the more common foot issues associated with running so you can get proper treatment before the condition keeps you from the activity you love, the foot and ankle surgeon members of ACFAS are offering the following insights:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is perhaps the most common complaint from runners. Presenting as heel pain, it’s caused by inflammation of the ligament that holds up the arch. At the first sign of heel pain, Dr. Paschold advises runners to stretch the calf, wear sturdier shoes and use arch supports. In some cases, icing and anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, are helpful. Should pain continue, visit a foot and ankle surgeon, who might recommend custom orthotics, injections and physical therapy.

• Neuromas: A neuroma is a pinched nerve between the toes that can cause pain, numbness and a burning sensation in the ball of the foot. Overly flexible shoes are often the cause, and padding, orthotics or injections are usually effective treatments.

• Tendonitis: Runners can be sidelined with tendonitis if they ignore the warning signs of this overuse condition. There are several forms of tendonitis that affect the Achilles and other areas, and all are treated with rest, icing, strengthening, stretching and anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes with orthotics and physical therapy. Because overzealous training is usually the cause, especially among beginners, it’s important to ramp up mileage and speed gradually. A running coach can tailor your training plan to your current fitness level.

• Broken bones: Don’t assume that because you’re able to run, your foot is not fractured. Signs of a stress fracture can include pain, swelling, redness and possibly bruising. If a fracture is suspected, remember to practice RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). You should also see a foot and ankle surgeon for an X-ray and proper diagnosis. Remember that like with other overuse injuries, stress fractures are often brought on by trying to do too much too soon. A general rule of thumb is to increase mileage by no more than 10 percent week to week.

• Lisfranc injuries: One misstep can lead to a sprain, fracture or dislocation of the Lisfranc joint. Consider wearing a headlamp in low lighting for surer footing. It is also a good idea to incorporate exercises into your regimen that will keep ankles and feet mobile and strong.

“While completing a marathon or even longer distance race may seem like the ultimate goal, it’s wise for new runners to start with shorter races first. This conservative approach will keep your feet in good shape so you’re able to run pain-free for years to come,” says Dr. Paschold. “And of course, it’s vital to listen to your body and seek care from a foot and ankle surgeon whenever a foot problem is suspected.”

For more information on foot care or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

26.2 mile course is back for the Illinois Marathon

URBANA - Ryan Somerfield grabs a quick drink while running down Washington Avenue while running in the Illinois Half Marathon in 2023. The 26.2-mile race was canceled for a second year last April because of the lack of available law enforcement staffing from Champaign and Urbana to provide course security and traffic management. The marathon is back in the race lineup in two weeks, along with the half marathon, 10K, and 5K race on Friday. Somerfield, from San Francisco, finished 29th overall and 8th in his age division with 141 male runners 25-29. He completed the course in 1:18:41.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Area runners finished in the top spots at the Mountain Goat race

OAKWOOD - One hundred and thirty-nine runners took part in this year's KRR Mountain Goat trail race last Saturday. The 37th installment of the race featured three separate events. Runners could choose to run a 15K (3 loops), 10K (2 loops), or 5K (1 loop) race.

Daniel Chen runs down Washington Ave in Urbana during the 2023 Illinois Half Marathon. Chen finished in 39th place overall at the Mountain Goat 15K race on Saturday, completing the course at 1:40:48.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Justin Jones of St. Joseph won the 15K run, finishing his three laps in 54 minutes and 21 seconds. The win comes on the heels of a third-place overall finish at Siberian Express held in January Kennukuk State Park.

The Mountain Goat is one of 24 races in the East Central Illinois annual race circuit. The next race in the series is the Clinton Trails Ultra on March 30. Organizers will host two events this year for long-distance runners, a 30-miler, which starts at 7 am, and a 10-miler starts at 8 am.

Our list of area finishers is below.

Men 5K ~

1. Rowan Denmark-Collins (Homer) 0:17:54; 2. Isaias Diaz (Hoopeston) 0:19:19; 4. Jace Jones (Saint Joseph) 0:25:41; 6. Greg Denman (Danville) 0:27:41; 7. Walter Smith (Gifford) 0:29:08; 9. Marshall Quick (Rantoul) 0:29:42; 13. Jason Colwell (Champaign) 0:31:47; 16. Zachary Ruhter (Sidney) 0:33:17; 19. Nick Farmer (Champaign) 0:35:35; 23. Jeremy Ruhter (Sidney) 0:37:11; 26. Stephen Johnson (Sadorus) 0:39:25; 27. Richard Roth (Champaign) 0:39:43; 28. Brian Barto (Philo) 0:39:48; 29. Thiago Lopes (Champaign) 0:40:19; 32. Sean O’Callaghan (Oakwood) 0:42:47; 36. Steven Wayne (Champaign) 0:48:09; and 39. Jason Asaad (Catlin) 0:50:30.

Women 5K ~

8. Samantha Smith (Gifford) 0:29:17; 10. Stacy Wells (Tilton) 0:29:50; 15. Deanna Hines (Danville) 0:32:56; 17. Amy Carley (Danville) 0:33:23; 18. Lorri Howes (Bement) 0:34:54; 22. Abilene Ruhter (Sidney) 0:36:54; 24. Amber Plotner (Fairmount) 0:37:47; 25. Sarah Colwell (Champaign) 0:38:11; 30. Kathy Wicks (Homer) 0:41:02; 38. Sue Wantland (Catlin) 0:50:26; and 40. Ramona Rollins (Danville) 1:00:14.

Mens 10K ~

2. Aaron Miller (Champaign) 0:49:28; 4. Tim Shelton (Danville) 0:53:30; 5. Cody Marsh (Catlin) 0:55:22; 10. Robert Ogden (Sidney) 0:58:59; 12. Jay Hoeflinger (Urbana) 1:01:43; 14. Nathan Parsons (Savoy) 1:04:56; 26. Teresa Cronk (Danville) 1:27:51; and 27. Shane Rowe (Danville) 1:27:52.

Womens 10K ~

6. Paula Tankersley (St. Joseph) 0:56:54; 11. Mara Thacker (Urbana) 1:00:26; 15. Jennifer Russell (Mahomet) 1:05:41; 17. Liz Paunicka (Champaign) 1:07:00; 18. Karen Roth (Danville) 1:07:53; 19. MinJee Lee (Savoy) 1:08:19; 21. Kate Fair (Champaign) 1:12:06; and 24. Nancy Boose (Georgetown) 1:19:14.

Mens 15K ~

1. Justin Jones (St. Joseph) 0:54:21; 2. Charles Fogelman (Champaign) 1:02:23; 3. Luke Morrison (Urbana) 1:03:13; 4. Michael Burk (Champaign) 1:06:17; 5. Justin Seno (Champaign) 1:07:53; 7. Ryan Anderson (St. Joseph) 1:11:39; 8. Timothy Merrell (Bismarck) 1:12:24; 9. Michael Tankersley (St. Joseph) 1:12:36; 10. Paul O’Neil (Urbana) 1:16:23; 12. Richard Mann (Urbana) 1:18:26; 15. Scott Olthoff (Savoy) 1:19:34; 16. Mark Dixon (Urbana) 1:20:05; 20. Patrick Carley (Danville) 1:23:04; 25. Brad Giffel (Urbana) 1:29:51; 28. Jim Fair III (Champaign) 1:31:29; 29. Thomas Corda (Anderson) 1:31:58; 31. Nikita Borisov (Urbana) 1:33:14; 33. Joe Grosso (Fisher) 1:34:39; 35. Brock Gale (Danville) 1:38:09; 36. Devin Rittenhouse (Champaign) 1:39:03; 38. Christopher Korose (Urbana) 1:40:05; 39. Daniel Chen (Champaign) 1:40:48; 46. Steve Darling (Oakwood) 1:43:30; 49. Joe Barnes (Mahomet) 1:46:13; and 51. Jarrod Scheunemann (Champaign) 1:46:28.

Womens 15K ~

17. Jennifer White (Danville) 1:20:22; 19. Nicole Olson (St. Joseph) 1:22:33; 22. Brooke DiBello (Sidney) 1:28:37; 23. Brittany Cain (Danville) 1:28:50; 26. Nicole Lake Olmo (Savoy) 1:30:40; 27. Whitney Patel (Savoy) 1:30:40; 30. Megan Parsons (Savoy) 1:32:46; 34. Sarah Lipps (Champaign) 1:37:41; 37. Brenda Straka (Urbana) 1:39:35; 40. Alison Ball (Champaign) 1:41:24; 44. Lynne Hoveln (Sidney) 1:43:21; 45. Tina Holley (Danville) 1:43:30; 48. Amy Bailey (St. Joseph) 1:46:05; 50. Jessie Scheunemann (Champaign) 1:46:27; 52. Giang Lam (Champaign) 1:49:57; 53. Laura Owen (Sadorus) 1:55:06; 54. Leslie Hammersmith (Sadorus) 1:55:07; 55. Rebecca Reck (Urbana) 1:57:39; 56. Adrianne Thompson (Danville) 1:57:49; 57. Debra Studniarz (Champaign) 1:58:05; 58. Haley Speciale (Champaign) 1:58:55; 59. Alyssa Guzman (Champaign) 1:59:01; 60. Nancy McCarty (Champaign) 1:59:35; 61. Ellen Vore (Urbana) 2:00:02; 64. Caroline Tonozzi (Savoy) 2:01:24; and 65. Nikki Campbell (St. Joseph) 2:06:36.

Tigers run at Peoria Invite, Stori top finisher for the UHS

PEORIA -- The Urbana girls' cross country team finished 23rd in the team standings out of 34 teams at the Peoria Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, October 1.

Senior Maya Stori led the Tigers' squad to the finish line circumventing the course at Detweiller Park in 20 minutes and 6.49 seconds in the Class 1A/2A race. 80th overall, she finished behing Bloomington's Alexandra Noona and ahead of Morton's Cali Fitzgerald.

Later, Stori was followed into the chute by teammate Abby Fairbanks, who stopped the clock at 20:10.80 for best time in the 3-mile distance this season. Prior to Saturday's race, Fairbanks' top finish this season was 21:09.70.

Also scoring points for UHS were Ellie Scully, Noam Kramer, and Kaleigh Bell. Scully finish 158th at 21:50.16, Kramer 180th at 22:34.20, and Kaleigh Bell finished out the top-five runners with a time of 22:37.05, good for 182nd overall.

Lavie Maisha and Brianne Wefel finished the race with times of 22:55.61 and 23:18.61 respectively.

The 1A/2A title was won by Crystal Lake South with 88 points. Dunlap tallied 105 points to take second, and Glenwood finished third in the team standings with 148 points.

The Tigers will run again this Tuesday on the University of Illinois Cross Country Course at the annual Twin City Meet and then again on Saturday for the Big 12 Conference title back at Detweiller Park.

Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, here's how they are different

Photo: PhotoNews Media

StatePoint Media -- As fall sports heat up for kids, so do 5Ks, marathons and golf tournaments for adults, leading to ankle sprains for athletes of all ages.

"Both serious athletes and weekend warriors often underestimate how serious a sprain can be, and they rush back into action without taking time to rehabilitate the injury properly," says Michael J. Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS, foot and ankle surgeon and president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). "While no one enjoys being sidelined from the physical activities they love, quickly diagnosing and treating an ankle injury expedites the healing process. It also reduces the chances of long-term, chronic ankle pain."

To help people manage this painful injury properly, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is sharing some important insights and facts:

What is an ankle sprain? An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments, usually on the outside of the ankle. The severity depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn or completely torn, as well as on the number of ligaments involved. Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments.

What are the causes of ankle sprains? Sprained ankles often result from a fall, a sudden twist or a blow that forces the ankle joint out of its normal position. Sometimes ankle sprains occur because of congenital conditions or previous injuries.

"I always recommend that those who’ve suffered sprains and injuries in the past get their ankles checked for chronic instability as they start new fitness routines," says Dr. Cornelison.

Do ankle sprains require a doctor’s visit? Those with ankle injuries should see a foot and ankle surgeon any time there is bruising or the inability to bear weight on that foot. Receiving a correct diagnosis is essential as different injuries require different treatment. An examination can determine if there is a fracture — which involves a crack or break in the bones that form the ankle joint. It can also differentiate between a high ankle sprain and a lateral ankle sprain.

Can an athlete play through the pain? Whether training for a 5K or quarterbacking for a high school team, getting back in the game is often a patient’s top concern, and athletes may experience pressure from teammates and coaches to play through pain. But rehabilitation of a sprained ankle needs to begin right away. If rehabilitation is delayed, the injury may be less likely to heal properly, and may lead to chronic ankle instability, which is not only painful, but can increase the risk of additional ankle sprains down the line.

How are ankle sprains treated? Most ankle injuries require no surgical intervention, according to Dr. Cornelison, who stresses that foot and ankle surgeons will always choose the most conservative treatment for the best long-term outcomes. In addition to rest, ice, compression and elevation, (also known as RICE) doctors may also recommend physical therapy to promote healing and range of motion, as well as NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, or in cases where the injury was initially neglected, surgery may be required to repair the damaged ligaments. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the procedure best suited to the type and severity of the injury.

For more ankle sprain information and to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Prep Sports Notebook: Stegall leads Spartans in XC victory

SJO boys win 2021 Cow Chip Classic title

Three seniors turned in 3-mile times under 18 minutes at the annual Cow Chip Classic in Chrisman on Saturday to power the St. Joseph-Ogden cross country team to a first-place meet finish.

Luke Stegall finished the course in 17:00.1 and in fourth place in the race's top flight. An SJO runner finished first the remaining six flights. Charlie Mabry clocked 11.6 seconds slower time than his teammate Flight #2 and Elijah Mock crossed the finish line at 17:36.4.

Sophomore Carson Maroon, juniors Ethan Blackburn and Peyton Wendell, and soph Aiden Armstrong placed first in each of their flights.

Behind the Spartans in the team standings, Monticello finished in second place, Tuscola in third and Unity took fourth to round out the top four places.

SJO squad plces third at the Cow Chip

Collecting 145 team points on Saturday, the St. Joseph-Ogden girls cross country squad brought home third-place honors from the Cow Chip Classic at Chrisman.

Newcomer Savanna Franzen, a freshman, led the Spartans' effort finishing her race in the #1 Flight in 19 minutes and 50.5 seconds.

A senior-dominated team, the seven runners' total time added up to 2:29:12.2 at the early season race. Ava Knap (19:55.8), Kailyn Ingram (20:31.4), Chloe Burkhalter (21:49.9), Addie Allen (22:09.9), Taryn Sexton (22:24.6), and Maddison Clampitt (22:29.9) represented SJO at this season's meet.

College Notebook | Crowe leads Cobras to 2-0 start

Crowe shines in Parkland season opener

Peyton Crowe opened her sophomore season with the Parkland College with an 18-point performance against Jefferson College last Wednesday. The St. Joseph-Ogden grad now starting a starting five with the Cobras, led the team in steals with three in the 71-62 home win on January 20. Crowe is averaging 14 points per game after the first two wins for the 2-0 Parkland girls squad.

Bree Trimble shoots a free throw her senior year

Trimble scores 13 at Parkland

Starting along side teammate Peyton Crowe, Bree Trimble went 2-for-2 from the free throw line to finish the night with 13 points in Parkland College's second home contest of the season. She led the Cobra with four of the team's 17 assists in the 71-64 victory on January 23.

Baker captures two firsts

Last Saturday, Riley Baker, a junior on the Eastern Illinois University track team, set a new indoor facility record at the Indiana State John Gartland Invite in Terre Haute. The former Spartan hurdler and sprint specialist took first in the men's 400-meter run with a time of 50.00 in the new the state of the art Indoor Track & Field Facility that opened in 2018.

Later, as a member of the Panthers' 4x400 relay squad, along with teammates Damian Clay, Tadiwa Mhonde and Gregory Downs, he earned another first place award when his foursome led the field with 3:22.52 win the event.

Baker and the EIU men's track team are back in action again on February 12 at the Grand Valley Big Meet in Allendale, Michigan.

Plotner makes college running debut

Freshman Jillian Plotner started her college cross country career with the University of Tennessee at Martin by helping her team to a third place finish at the Redhawks Invite held at Osage Centre Fields on January 23. Plotner, the fifth runner from the Skyhawks to cross the finish line, turned in a time of 20:05.6 in the 2020-21 season opener. UT Martin competed in a field which included regional foes Eastern Illinois, Memphis, SIUE and Southeast Missouri. The women's team finished with 74 points.

Mabry #3 runner for EIU

Former St. Joseph-Ogden distance specialist Sam Mabry was the third runner to finish for the Eastern Illinois University Panthers at the Redhawks Challenge at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO.. EIU finished fifth in the women's 5k race. Mabry, a 2019 grad from SJO, who raced against former teammate Jillian Plotner (SJO '21), now at UT Martin, turned in a time of 20:34.8 to finish 29th overall.

Know a Unity or St. Joseph-Ogden graduate playing at collegiate level? Let us know their name, sport(s) and where they are playing. An email or a link to their social media account for interviews is a big help, too. Send The Sentinel a message to us at sports@oursentinel.com.

Photo of the Day - January 9, 2021

Running along side his daughter Katie Duval, Doug Weaver keeps a steady pace to a first place finish in the Male 60 and Over division at the 2019 SJO 5K. He finished in 59th place overall with a time of 24:21.30. Just under 200 runners competed at this year's race. Proceeds are donated to the St. Joseph Middle School and St. Joseph-Ogden cross country and track programs. Clocking in second place in the Female 30 to 34 division, Duval finished in 58th place overall with a time of 24:21.10.

Photo of the Day - December 23, 2020

Henry Dust runs at the 2007 cross country sectional — Unity's Henry Dust [496] runs ahead of Monticello's Josh Clark through a muddy section of the course at the IHSA Cross Country sectional competition at Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School on Saturday, October 27, 2007. The senior finished the rain soaked course in 17 minutes, 12 seconds. Dust's 38th place overall finished helped the Rockets' cross country team qualify for the Class 1A state championship race for the first time since the 2000 season after their 5th place team finish.
Photo: PhotoNews/Clark Brooks

Third installment of holiday 5K held in St. Joseph goes virtual

While the Coronavirus pandemic has put the kibosh on a lot of events, it is not stopping Brenda Hixson from raising money for the St. Joseph Food Bank. The St. Joe Santa 5K will run on - online that is.

Proceeds from the race in past years was given to help support the local St. Joseph food bank pantry managed by the St. Joseph Methodist Church in partnership with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.

The race was originally started as collaboration of efforts between Hixson and fellow runner Max Painter to host a local holiday race and raise money for local charities. The event this year will benefit the St. Joe Feed the Need program, which is managed by the First United Methodist Church through the Eastern Illinois Food Bank. Feed the Need provides free food each month to anyone in the community.

Runners start out on the St. Joe Santa 5K course

Woodard leads Rockets to regional cross country title, SJO 4th

Unity's Erica Woodard crossed the finish line at the St. Teresa regional at 18:21 good for fourth place overall in a field of 89 runners. The Rockets' rising star was followed in by five teammates all finishing in top 15 places to secure the postseason title at Hickory Point Golf Course on Saturday.

Just 27 seconds over her best time in her short prep career on Saturday, Woodard turned in the best time of her prep career back on September 19 at Darcy Trails for the Shelbyville-Marshall-Unity triangle meet.

Caelyn Kleparski, Taylor Joop and Olivia Shike clocked in within a 16 second period 8-9-10, respectively, for 24 points. Malia Fairbanks rounded out the top five Rocket runners 13th overall at 19:33.9. Unity finished with a meet best of 40 points.

Unity along with St. Joseph-Ogden, who finished in fourth place with 104 points, advance to next Saturday's sectional meet to run on the same course.

The Spartans were led by junior Ava Knap and her season best time of 19.33.3.

Crusing in behind Knap for the Spartans was Helene Jones. A freshman, Jones went out for cross country when the fall volleyball season was put on-hold due to restrictions by the state in the effort to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Setting a new PR of 19:36.0, the first-time harrier shaved nearly three minutes off her initial three-mile time of 22:14.

Later, 22 minutes and 37 seconds after her race started Chloe Burkhalter was followed in by teammates Malorie Sarnecki and Ashlyn Lannert to pick up needed points to extend the Spartans' running season one more week.

Regional Results:
4. Erica Woodard (Unity) 18:21.0
8. Caelyn Kleparski (Unity) 19:13.8
9. Taylor Joop (Unity) 19:15.3
10. Olivia Shike (Unity) 19:29.4
12. Ava Knap (SJO) 19:33.3
13. Malia Fairbanks (Unity) 19:33.9
14. Helene Jones (SJO) 19:36.0
15. Elizabeth Hulick (Unity) 19:43.0
18. Caroline Bachert (Unity) 20:03.8
25. Chloe Burkhalter (SJO) 20:37.6
28. Malorie Sarnecki (SJO) 20:52.3
30. Ashlyn Lannert (SJO) 20:57.5
34. Kailyn Ingram (SJO) 21:02.6
38. Addie Allen (SJO) 21:16.9

Area runners qualify for boys cross country sectional

Sixteen area high school runners qualified to compete at the IHSA St. Teresa cross country section next Saturday.

With no state meet this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, eight members from both Unity and St. Joseph-Ogden will run for a chance to bring home this year's highest award in cross county next week.

Representing the Rockets, who finished in fouth place at the regional meet, are seniors Jarrett Cox, Ben Gavel and Connor O'Donnell along with juniors Nolan Miller, Clayton Jamison and Thomas Cler. The upperclassmen are supported by sophomore Brendan Graven and freshman Bryson Denny.

Finishing above Unity in the final team standings, the St. Joseph-Ogden boys squad was just 7 points away from bringing home the regional title. Helping SJO to a second place finish and advance were Ethan Blackburn, Charlie Mabry, Carson Maroon Brandon Mattsey, Elijah Mock, Luke Stegall, Spencer Wilson and Logan Wolfersberger.

Regional Results:
5. Brandon Mattsey (SJO) 16:00.6
8. Charlie Mabry (SJO) 16:11.6
10. Carson Maroon (SJO) 16:19.9
11. Elijah Mock (SJO) 16:37.6
14. Connor O'Donnell (Unity) 16:39.7
16. Logan Wolfersberger (SJO) 16:40.6
17. Ben Gavel (Unity) 16:44.0
19. Jarrett Cox (Unity) 16:45.8
24. Luke Stegall (SJO) 17:06.0
27. Clayton Jamison (Unity) 17:14.3
29. Spencer Wilson (SJO) 17:19.7
30. Thomas Cler (Unity) 17:21.0
39. Bryson Denny (Unity) 17:54.6
40. Brendan Graven (Unity) 17:58.9

Photo of the Day - September 28, 2020

Sisay Eisenmenger and Savannah Day at the 2014 PBL Invite

Eisenmenger, Day run strong at PBL Invite

Unity's Sisay Eisenmenger runs along side teammate Savannah Day at the 2014 PBL Invite. Day clocked in at 20:29 in 7th place on the course at Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School while Eisenmenger finished in 8th place overall with a time of 20:44. The Rockets finished in second in the overall team standings on September 13, 2014.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Girls XC advances to Effingham sectional meet

Despite cold conditions and wet, rainy conditions, the St. Joseph-Ogden girls cross county team finished in third place behind Monticello (first) and Unity (second) as one of seven teams advancing to next Saturday's Class 1A sectional in Effingham.

Hannah Rajlich running at the Spartan Classic.

Hannah Rajlich runs during the Spartan Classic in September. The all-conference runner did not compete in Saturday's regional race. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

The Spartans finished the meet just two points ahead of St. Thomas More with a score of 85 points in arguably the state's toughest small school sectional qualifier.

Led by senior Jillian Plotner, SJO's scoring runners completed the course at Wimple Park in a strong formation of 9, 16, 19, 20 and 21.

Plotner circumvented the course in 19 minutes and 10 seconds for a ninth place overall finish. Ashlyn Lannert was the next Spartan to cross the finish line 33 seconds later at 19:43. Two runners and five seconds later, Ava Knap locked up 19th place.

Malorie Sarnecki rounded out the top 20 finishers with a time of 19:54 with teammate Ally Monk one second behind her at 19:55.

Sophomores Addie Allen and Kailyn Ingram finished their races under the 21 minute mark.

SJO and Heritage place in top five at Acklin Cross Country Meet

St. Joseph-Ogden girls capture Acklin Cross Country Meet title

Illini men finish 2nd, women 3rd in sunny season opener in Savoy

Women’s top five finishers:

Men’s top five finishers:

Brian Martin’s steady stride leads to Top-10 finish at Illinois Marathon

St. Joseph-Ogden edges Unity for Illini Prairie XC title

Running local races? Keep your feet healthy

26.2 mile course is back for the Illinois Marathon

Area runners finished in the top spots at the Mountain Goat race

Tigers run at Peoria Invite, Stori top finisher for the UHS

Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, here's how they are different

Prep Sports Notebook: Stegall leads Spartans in XC victory

College Notebook | Crowe leads Cobras to 2-0 start

Crowe shines in Parkland season opener

Trimble scores 13 at Parkland

Baker captures two firsts

Plotner makes college running debut

Mabry #3 runner for EIU

Photo of the Day - January 9, 2021

Photo of the Day - December 23, 2020

Rockets qualify for state

Third installment of holiday 5K held in St. Joseph goes virtual

Woodard leads Rockets to regional cross country title, SJO 4th

Area runners qualify for boys cross country sectional

Photo of the Day - September 28, 2020

Girls XC advances to Effingham sectional meet

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