CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (Nov. 1, 2024) -  The 2024 Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championships finished up earlier today, with both the men's and women's teams turning in strong team efforts. 

In a highly competitive meet, both the men's and women's teams achieved numerous personal bests, and for the women's team it was one of their fastest performances in school history. The men's team finished sixth out of eleven teams, while the women's team secured eighth place out of twelve. 

Full results can be found here. 

Coach's Comment 

"Our conference is one of the best in the Midwest and couldn't have prouder of the effort our team gave today." Zavala said. 

 "Nearly every team member had a personal best performance and should give us great momentum heading into the Regional Championships." 

Top Finishers 

Women 

All nine Flames ran personal bests. The team effort was one of the fastest women's performances in school history. 

Senior Daniela Martinez (Chicago, Ill./Lane Tech) ran a 21:14.7 moving her to second on the all-time UIC record book in the 6,000 meter race. 

The sophomore duo of Praise Oyebanji (Mundelein, Ill./Mundelein) 21:47.7 and Emma Dubie (Fenton, Mich./Fenton) 22:05.2 moved to sixth and tenth all-time respectively. 

Men 

Five Flames ran personal bests. 

Senior Luke Malone (Plain City, Ohio/Jonathin Adler) had a career day running a 24:11.3 and moving all the way up to second on the all-time UIC list in the 8,000 meter race. 

Alexander Das (Oswego, Ill./Oswego East) ran a personal-best of 24:25.8, ranking fourth all-time at UIC. 

Zachary Close (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) also had a personal-best time, clocking a 24:32.2 to land at seventh all time for the Flames. 

Not to be out-done, Alex Bacci (Lyons, Ill./Morton) tallied a 24:39.4, a new personal-best and ninth all time at UIC. 

UP NEXT 

The Flames will take a week of preparation and look to carry today's momentum to the NCAA Midwest Regional Championship on Nov. 15. The meet will take place in Peoria, Ill., hosted by Bradley.