University of Illinois
NCAA Regionals
Olivia Howell Wins Regional Meet
November 11, 2022 | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois men's and women's cross country teams wrapped up their 2022 season at the NCAA Midwest Regional meet on Friday, Nov. 11 at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, Mo. Senior Olivia Howell earned first place in the 6k race with the third fastest course and Illinois program time with 20:02.9.
"Olivia was outstanding today," said head coach Sarah Haveman. "She remained focused and executed the race with maturity and poise. We are excited to see her perform next week at the NCAA Championships. As a whole, I believe there was much learned this fall for our team. I look forward to seeing how they respond to the lessons they learned."
Howell was in ninth place at the 5k mark, but ran a blistering 3:06.1 in the last kilometer to win by a nine second cushion. This is her second victory on this course this year, she also won the Gans Creek Classic on Sept. 30 (20:21.1).
Howell's full splits:
1k – 3:17.12
2k – 3:23.6
3k – 3:26.6
4k – 3:26
5k – 3:23.6
6k – 3:06.1
The women's team finished in sixth place with 176 points and the men finished in seventh place with 257 points.
"As we conclude a few cross country careers," said Sarah Haveman. "I want to commend Ayah Aldadah, Irwin Loud, Emma Milburn, Michael Madiol, Madison Marasco and Colin Yandel for their leadership and thank them for everything they have done for our program. They all can be very proud on how they navigated the sport and all that they did to elevate our program and their teammates."
Graduate student Emma Milburn finished tenth (20:25.1). Sophomore Sam Poglitsch (21:10.4) and fifth year Ayah Aldadah (21:11.7) finished just outside the top-50, 51st and 54th respectively.
Graduate student Colin Yandel led the Illini men's squad, he finished 29th (30:10). Junior Tyler Cushing (30:27.6) and senior Jack Roberts (30:30.2) placed inside the top-50, 42nd and 45th respectively.
Illinois Results (Women's 6k):
1. Olivia Howell (20:02.9)
10. Emma Milburn (20:25.1)
51. Sam Poglitsch (21:10.4)
54. Ayah Aldadah (21:11.7)
60. Halle Hill (21:16.9)
76. Madison Marasco (21:33.6)
136. Maggie Gamboa (22:14)
Illinois Results (Men's 10k):
29. Colin Yandel (30:10)
42. Tyler Cushing (30:27.6)
45. Jack Roberts (30:30.2)
71. Michael Madiol (30:53.3)
72. Irwin Loud (30:55.2)
96. Brady Masters (31:15.2)
181. Anthony Maida (32.56.4)
Women's Team Results:
1. Oklahoma State – 58 points
2. Northwestern – 88 points
3. Bradley – 99 points
4. Iowa State – 115 points
5. Minnesota – 137 points
6. Illinois – 176 points
Men's Team Results:
1. Tulsa – 49 points
2. Oklahoma State – 49 points
3. Iowa State – 73 points
4. Loyola-Chicago – 156 points
5. Wichita State – 184 points
6. South Dakota State – 204 points
7. Illinois – 257 points
UP NEXT
Olivia Howell will make the trip to the NCAA Championships in Stillwater, Okla. on Saturday, Nov. 19.
