BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University men's and women's cross country teams began their 2021 season at Maxwell Park as hosts of the Titan Opener Wednesday, Sept. 1. The women came out victorious behind three of the top-four finishes, while the men's team brought home fifth place.

The women's team won the two-mile event with a total of 43 points. Millikin finished in second place with 70 points, while Heartland took third with 71 points. On the men's side, Heartland claimed the team title. IWU's 138 points gave them fifth place, finishing ahead of Monmouth (157 points). 

Senior Rebekah Harden (Tinley Park, Ill. - Lincoln Way-North) claimed the individual title as she crossed the finish line with a time of 11:40.23.  Senior Lexie Dorsey (Mahomet, Ill. - Mahomet-Seymour) ran an impressive race with a time of 12:08.94, which gave her third place. Crossing the finish line right behind Dorsey was senior Jenna Mirande (Peoria, Ill. - Limestone) who captured fourth with a time of 12:11.44. 

Junior Noah Smith (El Paso, Ill. - El Paso-Gridley) paced the men's team as he ran the three-mile race with a time of 15:54.17 to notch an eighth place finish. Junior J.D. Barrett (Tuscola, Ill. - Tuscola) clocked in at 16:28.80. 

IWU will remain at home for the Titan/Hawk Invitational Friday, Sept. 10 at 5:45 p.m. The event will be held at Maxwell Park in Bloomington, Ill.

IWU Individual Results - Women
1. Rebekah Harden 11:40.23
3. Lexie Dorsey 12:08.94
4. Jenna Mirande 12:11.44
14. Kayleigh Pitterman 12:43.44
21. Annalese Chudy 12:55.98
28. Amanda Wilson 13:08.83
33. Jasmine Reyes 13:13.82
42. Tia Hardt 13:48.79
49. Emily Wagh 14:24.91
57. Sam Churchey 15:01.87
62. Nile Doucette 15:52.27
66. Lauren Lilienthal 16:31.61


IWU Individual Results - Men
8. Noah Smith 15:54.17
26. J.D. Barrett 16:28.80
34. Josh Tong 16:40.68
47. Zach Orpilla 17:03.95
55. Nick Fisch 17:20.68
67. Ernie Waterson 17:43.38
68. Liam Owens 17:44.18
98. Kade Murray 19:34.16
99. Uriel Ferreira 19:41.16
104. Sam Morris 20:29.88


Final Team Standings - Women
1. Illinois Wesleyan: 43 points
2. Millikin: 70 points
3. Heartland: 71 points
4. Missouri Baptist: 80 points
5. Monmouth: 116 points
6. St. Mary-of-the-Woods: 120 points
7. Eureka: 225 points

Final Team Standings - Men
1. Heartland: 48 points
2. Millikin: 54 points
3. Missouri Baptist: 79 points
4. Augustana: 92 points
5. Illinois Wesleyan: 138 points
6. Monmouth: 157 points
7. St. Mary-of-the-Woods: 182 points
8. Illinois College: 210 points
9. Knox: 253 points
10. Eureka: 312 points