Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Southeast Missouri State University
Saluki Men Win Team Title at SEMO OVC Preview
09/19/2026 | 11:24:00 | Cross Country
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southern Illinois men's cross country team claimed the team title Friday evening at the SEMO OVC Preview, winning the men's 8K with 34 points.
The Salukis finished ahead of SE Missouri (57), Murray State (59) and Southern Indiana (64) to take first place in the team standings.
Southern Illinois placed five runners in the top 14, led by Ben Chance, who finished as the runner-up in 25:54.6. Will Foltz followed closely behind in third place with a time of 25:55.4, while Brady Faulkner placed sixth in 26:00.6.
Calen George added a ninth-place finish in 26:16.6, and Drew Twyman rounded out the Salukis' scoring five in 14th with a time of 26:32.7.
Head Coach Angelina Ramos was pleased with the way the group executed its race plan, especially in difficult conditions.
"The confidence the men showed to pack run as two packs — a returner pack and a freshmen pack — and move as a unit, progressing across the race from a controlled start, showed their ability to trust the process and trust their strength in 93-degree temperatures and high humidity," Ramos said.
The meet also marked the first full 8K race for three of Southern Illinois' freshmen. Ramos highlighted the way the younger runners stayed together and progressed through the race.
"It was the first full 8K race for the three freshmen, and they packed up and progressed the race," Ramos said.
Ramos also pointed to Drew Twyman's improvement from a year ago. Twyman opened his 8K season approximately 90 seconds faster than last season.
"Drew Twyman opened his 8K season 90 seconds faster than last year, and his hard work this summer was evident throughout," Ramos said.
For Ramos, the team's performance reflected more than just the final result.
"It's so exciting to see the growth curve from a year ago to today in the maturity of execution and confidence in how they carry themselves," Ramos said.
Here's how the Salukis finished:
- Ben Chance – 25:54.6
- Will Foltz – 25:55.4
- Brady Faulkner – 26:00.6
- Calen George – 26:16.6
- Drew Twyman – 26:32.7
- Maxx Haas – 28:03.8
- Mason King – 28:10.7
- Mark Rozhon – 28:23.5
With five runners finishing inside the top 14, Southern Illinois used a disciplined pack approach and steady progression throughout the 8K to secure the team victory in Cape Girardeau.
UP NEXT
The Salukis will return to action on Friday, Sept. 25, at Loyola University's Sean Earl Lakefront Invitational in Chicago, Illinois.
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