Cross Country Sweeps Millikin Opener

DECATUR, Ill. - Eastern Illinois cruised to a pair of wins on Tuesday evening to kick start the 2009 cross country season as the Panthers domisteeplewebd competition at the Millikin 5K With A View held at Nelson Park in Decatur.

The EIU men won the five team event scoring 17 points as they placed runners in the top four spots and their fifth runner crossed in the number seven position.

Jason Springer won the event posting a 5K time of 16:16.75. He was followed by Matt Feldhake in second place at 16:22.65 and David Holm in third at 16:28.30. Aaron Iaun rounded out the top four EIU finishers with a time of 16:29.60. Matt Dettloff was the final scoring runner for EIU in seventh place at 16:36.30.

Due to technical difficulties at the competition site complete team results were not available on the men's side.

Eastern Illinois women's team had a freshman lead the pack at Olivia Klaus won the individual title with a time of 19:23.50. She was followed by senior Erin O'Grady in second place at 19:36.90.

Another freshman, Danielle Dickman, led a second group of Panther runners placing fourth in a time of 20:16.85. Caitlin Napoleoni was fifth at 20:18.65 and Brittany Arthur rounded out the EIU scoring performers in sixth place at 20:29.10.

The Panther women domisteeplewebd the race winning with only 18 points. Greenville College was second followed by Lincoln College, Millikin and Blackburn.

The Panthers will host their annual Panther Open next Friday evening, Sept. 11, at the EIU Panther Trail in Charleston