West Central Reporter

The Summit League has announced its preseason poll and identified athletes to watch for the upcoming 2022 fall season in men's and women's cross country. The Western Illinois Leathernecks' men's team is projected to finish seventh out of eight teams, accumulating 13 points. South Dakota State is favored to win the conference title, securing 49 points and seven out of eight first-place votes. North Dakota received the remaining first-place vote.

On the women's side, Western Illinois is predicted to place eighth among nine teams, with a total of 17 points. South Dakota State again leads as the preseason favorite with eight out of nine first-place votes and 64 points. North Dakota State received one first-place vote and is expected to finish second.

Among the Leathernecks, juniors Logan Lommel and Olin Ortiz have been named preseason athletes to watch for the men's team. Sophomore Maleigha Huston and freshman Aylana Cezar are recognized as runners to watch for the women's team.

The Leathernecks will begin their season this Friday by hosting the Western Illinois Early Bird Invitational at Spring Lake Park. The women's race will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men's race. Further details about Western Illinois athletics can be found at www.goleathernecks.com.

Logan Lommel has shown strong performances in various track events, ranking in the top four in WIU school history during his previous indoor and outdoor seasons. Olin Ortiz achieved personal bests in several races last year, including a fifth-place finish at an earlier invite.

Aylana Cezar comes with accolades from Brazil, having been a national champion in cross country for U-18 and U-20 categories, along with medals from international championships this year. Maleigha Huston set personal records during her collegiate debut season last year.