TERRE HAUTE, IND. – The UIC cross country teams were back in action Saturday, Sept. 17 morning at the John McNichols Invitational, hosted by Indiana State.
 
Competing at the site of this year's MVC conference championship, the UIC men's squad finished eighth out of 19 teams while the Flames' women's program took 11^th out of 18 squads. Individually, Daniel Chavez paced the men's team while Teresa Mejia was the top finisher on the women's side.
 
"I'm excited on how we competed as a group today and committed to another strong tactical race plan," said interim head coach Paul Zavala. "As we look forward to our next race, we are getting ready to showcase our strength as a team and showcase how competitive our team can be this season."
 
In the men's 8k, Chavez, competing in his second collegiate race, finished the course in 25:23.1 to finish 30^th overall. Kyle Friedler followed in 25:40.2 to take 48^th overall and Alex Bacci was five seconds behind at 25:45.6 to cross the line in 52^nd position. Maxum Caesar (60^th – 25:56.7) and Dathan Maton (63^rd – 26:01.0) rounded out the top five for the men.
 
For the UIC women, Mejia led the way as she crossed the line in the 5k competition in 39^th-place with a time of 18:39.7. Flames newcomer Emma Creviston posted a time of 19:11.3 to place 61^st overall and Jenna Boyle followed just under five seconds later with a time of 19:16.0 to take 64^th place.
 
Freshman Bella Dicrosta (80^th – 19:32.0) and Daniela Martinez (104^th – 20:15.9) rounded out the top five finishers on the women's side.
 
The Flames are back in action on Friday, Sept. 30^th at the Gans Creek Classic hosted by Missouri.