UIS cross country runner Cort Ross was named a USTFCCCA All-American after finishing 18th overall at the NCAA DII Cross Country Championships on Saturday. Ross is a first-time honoree after racing to All-Region status twice in his cross country career.
Race Summary
Ross was in 29th place after the first kilometer, and never drifted above 31st place. He improved over 6-of-8 splits in the race and even moved into NCAA All-American territory over the ninth kilometer. Ross was unable to hold 15th position over the final split, but became a coaches' association all-American when he crossed the finish line in 18th.
The Casey, Ill. native shattered the UIS record in the cross country 10k by 25 seconds, running 29:50.
Ross is the program's second USTFCCCA All-American, following Wyatt McIntyre who earned his first all-american honors in 2022.
Noah McIntyre also qualified for the meet, but did not toe the line at the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course on Saturday.
The Wingate Bulldogs were the team champions while William Amponsah of West Texas A&M took the individual crown.
Up Next
Next for the cross country and track program is the indoor track and field season. The Prairie Stars will open the 2024 season at the Bellarmine Open on Jan. 19.