Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The University of Illinois Springfield Cross Country team has kicked off their season with impressive performances and a promising outlook for the future powered almost exclusively by runners from across the state, including local talent. All but four members of the men’s and women’s teams are from Illinois.  

Capitol City Now sat down with Head Coach Emmons King to talk about the season.

Early Season Success 

The UIS Prairie Stars Invitational on Sept. 6 marked the team’s first home meet, where both the men’s and women’s teams swept their races. Standout performances came from Maddy Miller of East Moline and Isaac Cortes of Arlington, Washington.  

In their first meet at Indiana State’s John McNichols Invitational, the men’s team competed in an 8k race, finishing 10th overall and 8th among Division II and III schools. The women’s team ran a 6k, placing 13th overall and 8th among Division II and III schools. Notable athletes included Maddy Miller and Zach Panek of Belleville.  

Depth and Versatility 

King emphasized the depth and interchangeability seen in both the men’s and women’s teams. “One thing we rely on and pride ourselves on is our depth and how anybody can have a good day, and anybody can take over any spot at any given point,” he said. 

Recruiting and Scholarships 

King actively recruits talent by researching online times and utilizing social media to reach out to potential UIS athletes in Illinois and beyond. Many recruits, he said, are not initially aware of the school, but they are pleasantly surprised by the beautiful UIS campus upon visiting. As a Division II school, UIS offers both athletic and academic scholarships, making it an attractive option for student-athletes, according to King.  

Local High School Recruits 

Local high schools have been a good source of talent for the team. Chatham Glenwood has contributed athletes like Emma Leahy and Kali Gaden to the women’s team and Ayden Groves to the men’s team. “Right down the road at Glenwood, Coach Garber is doing an amazing job with both the girl’s and boy’s programs,” said King.  

Blake Jones, from Lincoln, was the first male DII national qualifier and All-American for UIS, and now some brotherly rivalry is spurring some great talent in his brother Luke, said King.  

Daniel Giacomini, from Williamsville High School, and Finn Loken, from Springfield High School, also add to the talented pool of runners at UIS.    

Vision and Goals 

King took over head coaching duties from Tyler Pence, who is now the assistant coach, and aims to incorporate local talent and help athletes reach their full potential in both running and academics. “We bring in kids that aren’t necessarily state champions, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be All-Americans at the DII level.” said King.  

The team is preparing for the Lewis Crossover Invitational in Romeoville on Oct. 12, which will feature 55 Division II schools from across the country. The goal is to secure a top three position to qualify for the Nationals in November, or at least place 4th or 5th in the standings to earn an at-large bid. 

Conference 

King said the men’s team has consistently placed in the top three in the Great Lakes Valley Conference over the last six years, winning in 2022. The women’s team, he said, is growing stronger and aims to compete in the top three in the GLVC.  

Future Events at UIS 

UIS will host the GLVC Championship on Oct. 26, and King would like to extend an invitation to the public to attend and watch the UIS team in action. The event is free and starts at 9 a.m. Parking at Lot B is close to the start of the course.  

Additionally, the annual UIS Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving Day aims to raise funds for the cross country and track teams. Last year 750 runners took part, and King said the event aims to surpass 1,000 participants this year.