Sept. 19, 2009

Complete Results

Men's Results in PDF Format
Women's Results in PDF Format


NORMAL, Ill.- Kristen Heckert led the women’s cross country team to a fifth-place overall finish, while the men took a sixth place spot at the 2009 Illinois Intercollegiate Championships hosted by Illinois State University.

“Kristen ran real even splits in the race,” UIC head coach Jim Knoedel said. That was a new PR for her, and a nice win. It was a phenomenal race.”

Heckert won the women’s 5K race, posting a new personal best time of 17:37 with the win. She crossed the finish line almost a full 20 seconds before her nearest competition, besting 305 other runners for the win. The women’s squad took fifth overall out of 31 collegiate teams in attendance.

“We turned in a good effort, but I know we are capable of better,” Knoedel said of his women’s team. “We need to step it up a notch. The freshmen need to get used to competing at this level. This was their first real sense of collegiate competition.”

Matt Morse led the men, taking 14th place of 334 total runners in the men’s 8K race. Battling a cold, Morse posted a time of 25:02 to lead the Flames’ effort. After Morse, five of the next six UIC finishers posted new personal bests, including senior Nic Aubert, who took 49th place with a time of 26:00.

“I was pleased with the men’s race and all of the new personal bests,” Knoedel said. “Nic Aubert really saved the day for us.”

In regards to the men’s team finish, the Flames finished sixth of 31 teams, with Horizon League foe Loyola edging out UIC by 21 points for fifth place.

“Loyola is a team we will have to focus on beating down the road,” Knoedel said. “I was hoping for an overall higher team finish.”

Next on the 2009 docket for UIC is the Notre Dame Invitational Oct. 2.

Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes in two ways:

1. Download the free UIC Athletics Widget and click on the "UIC Flames Podcasts" link

2. Download podcasts for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."


Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page.