The University of Illinois Springfield cross country/track & field program has announced 21 additions, 15 men and 6 women, to the 2024-25 roster.
"I couldn't be more excited to announce this recruiting class for 2024-25!" shared Head Coach Emmons King. "This group consists of experienced transfers and freshmen who qualified for state meets in high school. This recruiting class is the next generation of Prairie Star athletes who will hold the tradition of success high here at UIS! I am honored that they chose UIS as their next home, to not only reach their full potential in running but academically as well."
The women's roster saw the addition of six freshmen, all from the state of Illinois while UIS men's cross country/track & field added six transfers and nine freshmen.
TRANSFERS |
| Brendan Cairney Ferris State | Roseville, Mich. | MBA | Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS due to the amazing opportunities it provided! The chance to run on an extremely talented UIS cross country team originally caught my attention, and the ability to work in the Graduate Public Service Internship program sealed the deal. I'm looking forward to my time at UIS, and I'm excited to race for the Stars 💫 |
| Isaac Cortes Saint Martin's (WA) | Arlington, Wash. | MBA | Distance Why I chose UIS: To join a new community of student-athletes and for the growth opportunities and professional development. |
| Aidan Donohue Bradley | DeKalb, Ill. | Athletic Training MS | Mid-Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because of what both the school itself and athletics had to offer. After an unsuccessful last season at Bradley, I knew I had unfinished business. UIS gave me the opportunity to finish what I started. The school itself offered me the Masters in Athletic Training program, paving the way for the future and career I want. |
| Balin Doud Heartland | Oswego, Ill. | Secondary Education | Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because I was drawn to all the amazing people that would help support me in my academic and athletic career! |
| Brock Loftus Heartland | Ohio, Ill. | Criminal Justice | Distance Why I chose UIS: The reason I chose UIS came down to a strong criminal justice program and a strong Cross Country/Track program. |
| Matt Padilla Heartland | Oswego, Ill. | Marketing | Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because they provide the tools for me to excel both academically and athletically, and help me achieve my full potential. |
FRESHMEN - WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY |
| Ava Allison Huntley | Huntley, Ill. | Exercise Science | Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because I instantly fell in love with the beautiful campus. I made great connections with the women's cross country team and knew this is where I would not only develop as an athlete but as an individual too. I knew I would have success at a smaller university with the low student-faculty ratio which would open more doors to opportunities with my career choice. |
| Josslyn Goana Oswego East HS | Oswego, Ill. | Exercise Science | Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because of its amazing environment. The second I stepped on to campus I knew it was the right choice. The campus is beautiful and not too big but also not too small. It was also the perfect distance from home! |
| Addelyne Nehmelman Delavan Community | Delavan, Ill. | Nursing | Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because it offers a unique combination of academic excellence and personal growth opportunities. The strong emphasis on both academics and athletics will allow me to develop as a runner while developing essential life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and time management. The supportive environment and the university's commitment to student success will push me to achieve my goals and make a meaningful impact in my future. |
| Olivia Thomsen Orion | Orion, Ill. | Exercise Science | Distance Why I chose UIS: UIS felt like home and I felt like I belonged on campus! Everyone I met was super welcoming and friendly! I also was given an amazing opportunity to continue my sport, and I can't wait to be a part of the team! |
| Audrey Wagoner Effingham | Effingham, Ill. | Medical Laboratory Science | Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose US because of the academic and athletic opportunities they have to offer, and the small campus size. |
| Norah Wright Rock Island | Rock Island, Ill. | Environmental Science | Distance Why I chose UIS: I struggled with my college decision for months. However, after I visited UIS, I immediately felt connected to the school and I knew my decision. I believe the biggest factor was the energy of the staff. They seemed genuine and excited to have me attend UIS. They made me feel welcome. |
FRESHMEN - MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY |
| Ryan Kries Burlington Central | Elgin, Ill. | Exercise Science | Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because I felt very comfortable and welcomed during my visit and during the recruiting process. I received an individual campus tour from Coach King and had the chance to talk with other runners on the team. I feel I will reach my full potential at a school that wants me to run for them! |
| DJ Dutton Civic Memorial | Bethalto, Ill. | Exercise Science | Mid-Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS due to the close-knit community along with the great academic and athletic programs. |
| Dominic Cantarini Galesburg | Galesburg, Ill. | Exercise Science | Mid-Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS so that I could continue my education and graduate with a University of Illinois degree, and also because of the opportunity I was given to continue my athletic career in running. |
| Dylan Howell Cerro Gordo | Cerro Gordo, Ill. | Business Administration | Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because I felt like there is a lot of team chemistry and that is one of the most important things to me. |
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Luke Jones
Lincoln | Lincoln, Ill. | Finance | Mid-Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because of the positive team atmosphere and the great business program they offer. |
| Isaiah Rodriguez Metea Valley | Aurora, Ill. | Business | Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because it perfectly balances my academic, athletic, and personal goals. Being on the UIS cross country team is a great opportunity for me as a dedicated runner. The small school feel offers a more personalized and supportive experience.The honors program provides an enriched curriculum and opportunities for academic growth. Additionally, UIS is close to my family, which means I can stay connected with them while pursuing my academic and athletic ambitions. |
| Lucas Naugle Civic Memorial | Bethalto, Ill. | Computer Science | Mid-Distance Why I chose UIS: The reason I chose UIS was because of the smaller campus feel that allows for a more personalized college experience. UIS was not only a great fit for my major, but also my desire to continue athletics in college. The cross country and track team are full of dedicated runners which will not only better me as an athlete, but also as a student. |
| Charlie Serrahn Dunlap | Dunlap, Ill. | Business Administration | Mid-Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because of the amazing business program they have to offer, along with the family aspect of the cross country and track programs have given me! |
| Ayden Groves Chatham-Glenwood | Springfield, Ill. | Exercise Science | Mid-Distance Why I chose UIS: I chose UIS because it felt like I could enjoy my time the most being an NCAA DII athlete on a very fun and supportive team while also achieving a high quality education enveloped in a great community. |
COMPLETE WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY ROSTER
COMPLETE MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY ROSTER