CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois cross country team is set to begin their 2024 season on the road at the Badger Classic in Madison, Wis. On Friday (Sept. 6). The women’s 6k will begin at 4 p.m. and the men’s 6k will follow at 4:40 p.m. CT.
This is the first of three regular season meets that the Illini will run in Madison, with the other two being on Sept. 27 and Oct. 19. Madison is the host site for the 2024 NCAA Championships, so Illinois is taking advantage of being close and learning the course.
Illinois cross country is under new direction for the 2024 season with head coach Eric Johannigmeier returning to his alma mater after a seven-year stint in the same role at Virginia Tech. During his time at Virginia Tech, Johannigmeier coached 110 All-Americans to 17 ACC team championships and 63 ACC individual or relay titles. He also led Virginia Tech to 25 top-25 finishes at the NCAA Championships, highlighted by seven top-10 performances. Johanningmeier has also added assistant coach Chase Kappeler, who he coached for four seasons with the Hokies.
The Fighting Illini roster features one returning all-region runner in senior Halle Hill who took 16th at the NCAA Midwest Regionals (21:00.8). On the men’s side, Alex Partlow returns for his junior season. He placed 15th at the Big Ten Championships (24:47.8) last season, one spot shy of earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors.
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