West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's cross country teams competed at the Gans Creek Classic in Missouri on Friday, facing a strong field of regional opponents and delivering several notable individual performances.

In the women's 6K Black Division race, Aylana Cezar led the Leathernecks with a time of 23:12.9. She was closely followed by Deana Hudson at 23:13.9 and Emma-Kate Watt at 23:31.0. Finley Hancock (24:10.2) and Ellie Eastman (24:15.9) completed the team's top five finishers, while Marissa Shute (24:35.0) and Lily Patterson (25:03.1) also contributed to the team's effort.

The close times among Western Illinois' top three runners demonstrated strong depth at the front of their lineup.

In the Women's Open Division, Aurora Dominguez finished first among her teammates with a time of 24:15.4, followed by Ava Gorrie (24:38.9) and Cassandra Brushaber (25:26.4). The experience gained in this division was noted as valuable for these athletes.

On the men's side, Western Illinois placed 11th as a team in the Open 8K event, with six runners completing the course. Robert Perry led the group with a time of 25:19.5, earning him a 16th-place finish overall. He was joined by Logan Beckmier (26:35.8), Brody Harker (26:48.6), Evan Eberhart (27:30.6), Eason Comer (28:20.6), and Logan Rosas (29:33.1).

Perry's top-20 finish stood out for the men's team, which maintained solid representation within a large competitive field.

The Leathernecks will continue their season next week at the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invitational on October 3.

For more information about Leatherneck Cross Country or to follow updates, visit GoLeathernecks.com or check their social media channels on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

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