Oct. 29, 2000

MADISON, Wis. - The University of Illinois men's and women's cross country teams competed at the Big Ten Championships this morning at the University of Wisconsin.

The women's team placed fourth overall with 116 team points. Wisconsin won the meet with 34 points, while Michigan and Minnesota placed second and third, respectively. This was Illinois' highest finish at the Big Ten Championships since 1994, where the Illini also finished in fourth place.

Leading the Illini charge was sophomore Celi Williams. Williams placed seventh overall and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. Williams' time of 17:36 was a personal best over the 5-K distance. Sophomore Amber Hunt also ran a personal best, placing 15th in a time of 17:48. Coach Michelle Byrne's freshmen harries continue to impress as Breanna Wabick (29th, 18:11), Erin Frakes (31st, 18:15) and Marcy Bice (34th, 18:17) completed the scoring for the Illini.

"I'm delighted by their performance," Bryne said. "The freshmen handled the pressure (of running in the Big Ten Championships) like they had done it before. Breanna ran a solid race, running true to form. We are really excited by our performance."

The men placed tenth with 239 team points. Wisconsin won the race with 45 team points. Senior Ryan Eason placed 36th in a time of 25:20 over the 8-K course. Sophomore Aaron Wahls ran a surprise second for the Illini, placing 43rd in 25:32. Senior Mike Lucchesi (49th, 25:40), Dan Horyn (52nd, 25:50) and sophomore Brent Pfeiffer (59th, 26:01) completed the scoring for the Illini.