University of Southern Indiana Men’s and Women’s Cross Country returns to action, kicking off their 2020 campaigns Friday September 25 when the Greyhounds of UIndy will host the GLVC Triangular.
The Lewis Flyers are the third and final team at the meet vying for early season success.
USI’s men are led by junior Titus Winders the NCAA II All-American, reigning Midwest Region and GLVC Runner of the Year in 2019. Seniors Wyat Harmon and Gavin Prior look to complement Winders as they finished third and fourth respectively for the Screaming Eagles at the 2019 NCAA II National Championships. One of Harmon’s last events of the year happened to be an Indoor GLVC title in the 5,000 meters, so he hopes to harness that championship mindset once again. Last, senior Grady Wilkinson returns having been a member of the 2019 NCAA II National Championship team after an impressive 29th overall finish at the Midwest Regionals.
USI’s women will be headed by senior Jennifer Comastri, the 2019-20 NCAA II All-American, also receiving All-Midwest Region and All-GLVC recognition for her efforts. Alongside Comastri, senior Doriane Langlois figures to pace close behind as she finished third for the Eagles at the NCAA II National Championships as well as being named All-GLVC.
USI Cross Country Notes:
Men’s Conference Dominance: USI has been long respected and regarded as a powerhouse in Division II cross country as they seek their 16th consecutive title, the 17th in the last 18 years.
Women’s Conference Dominance: USI has won ten of the last 12 conference team titles.
Others To Watch: Men- junior Noah Hufnagel transferred late in the Summer from Indiana State where he was the Sycamores’ top finisher at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship, finishing 23rd overall. Sophomore transfer Braden Nicholson was the top freshman in the country in NCAA III last indoor season in both the three and five. Freshman Silas Winders was a Foot Locker Cross Country national finalist and Tennessee state cross country champion. His high school personal bests of 8:57 (3200 meters) and 14:29 (5k Cross Country) ranked among the best in the country.
Women- sophomore McKenna Cavanaugh returns, having received All-GLVC honors and crossing line fifth for the Eagles at the National Championships last season.
Runs In The Family: Between the men and the women’s teams there is a trio of siblings. On the men’s side, it is junior Titus Winders and his younger brother freshman Silas Winders along with twin freshmen Luke Heinemann and David Heinemann. For the women, it is senior Jennifer Comastri and younger sister freshman Audrey Comastri.
Hillyard Quote: “We’re excited and grateful to finally get an opportunity to return to competition. We expect there to be some cobwebs and rust early, but I am very optimistic about this group. We have a great mix of veteran leadership and very talented newcomers. I’m looking forward to seeing this group continue to develop as a team.â€
