Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Indiana State's Under Armour Pre-National Invite
10/16/2026 | 6:12:00 | Cross Country
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Southern Illinois Cross Country competed Friday at the Under Armour Pre-National XC Classic, with the Saluki women taking on the 6K White Race and freshman Maxx Haas representing the men's team in the 8K White Race.
The Southern Illinois women finished 22nd as a team with 621 points.
Senior Hannah Meiser led the Salukis, placing 73rd overall with a time of 22:01.7. Savanna Franzen followed in 138th at 22:30.6.
Freshman Jaylee Duncan was Southern Illinois' third finisher, crossing the line in 23:29.3 for 224th place. Ellary Blakey followed in 236th with a time of 23:45.9, while Eislee Moore rounded out the Salukis' scoring five in 260th at 24:35.0.
Here's how the Saluki women finished:
- 73rd - Hannah Meiser - 22:01.7
- 138th - Savanna Franzen - 22:30.6
- 224th - Jaylee Duncan - 23:29.3
- 236th - Ellary Blakey - 23:45.9
- 260th - Eislee Moore - 24:35.0
- 268th - Ally Niedfeldt - 24:51.5
- 277th - Layla Janisch - 25:18.8
Southern Illinois' top five combined for a total time of 1:56:22.3 and an average of 23:16.5.
Head Coach Angelina Ramos highlighted Savanna Franzen's performance in challenging conditions.
"Savanna showed great strength over body weight battling into the wind and elements," Ramos said. "Her race was probably the most exciting of the day, clearing through 5K in the same split as the Loyola meet on a much tougher course and putting together a stronger first 4K competitively over the hills and mud."
Ramos also viewed the meet as an important learning opportunity for a young women's group.
"How young our women's team is experientially and age-wise showed for sure today, however it was a key learning lesson and experience for all," Ramos said.
The difficult terrain and conditions in Terre Haute gave the Salukis another opportunity to develop before the championship portion of the season.
"ISU will most likely host MVC Cross Country Conference in two years from now, and it was critical for them to battle on a hillier course than what this year's conference XC race will demand," Ramos said.
On the men's side, Haas returned to competition after missing the Salukis' previous men's meet due to injury.
Haas was the lone Southern Illinois runner in the Men's 8K White Race and finished 191st overall with a time of 28:04.7.
Friday's race gave Haas an opportunity to return to race action and gain another full 8K experience as Southern Illinois continues through the second half of its season.
UP NEXT
The Salukis will return to action on Friday, Oct. 30, at the Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championships.
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
For the latest updates on Southern Illinois Cross Country, follow the team on X (@SalukiTrackXC), Instagram (@SIUTrackXC) and Facebook (@SalukiTrackandField).
