Eureka Opens Outdoor Season with Five PRs at Early Bird Invitational

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Eureka cross country and distance team opened its outdoor season Saturday at the Early Bird Invitational, hosted by Rose-Hulman, highlighted by five personal-record performances despite unseasonably warm conditions.

The women opened competition in the 1500 meters, where Zoe Stoecker (Metamora, Ill./Metamora) made her collegiate debut and recorded a personal-best time of 7:14.48.

On the men's side, Eureka saw strong performances across the distance events, led by Bailey Webster (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria). Webster delivered a standout effort in the 5,000 meters, placing fifth overall with a personal-record time of 16:07.08, improving his previous mark by more than 15 seconds.

Webster returned to the track in the 1500 meters alongside Cole Glover (Hopkinsville, Ky./University Heights) and Evan Gillespie (Jacksonville, Ill./Jacksonville), both making their collegiate debuts in the event. Glover paced the trio with a personal-best time of 4:22.17, followed closely by Webster in 4:22.66. Gillespie added another personal record with a time of 5:59.22.

Glover also competed in the 800 meters to close out the meet, recording a personal-best time of 2:07.90.

In the steeplechase, Jose Amador (Kempton, Ill./Tri-Point) was unable to finish due to an ankle issue.

WOMEN'S RESULTS

1500: Zoe Stoecker – 7:14.48 (PR)

MEN'S RESULTS

800: Cole Glover – 2:07.90 (PR)
1500: Cole Glover – 4:22.17 (PR)
1500: Bailey Webster – 4:22.66
1500: Evan Gillespie – 5:59.22 (PR)
5000: Bailey Webster – 16:07.08 (5th Place, PR)
Steeplechase: Jose Amador – DNF

UP NEXT

Eureka travels to Decatur, Illinois, next Saturday for the Millikin Big Blue Opener. Competition is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.