Indiana State University Athletics

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Both the Indiana State men's and women's cross country teams remained ranked in the Great Lakes Region as the women moved up one spot according to the latest numbers released today by the USTFCCA.

The Sycamore women jumped to No. 13 in the Great Lakes Region ranking, up one spot from their No. 14 ranking in the preseason. The men held steady for the second consecutive week at No. 12. 

The new numbers reflect an impressive performance for both squads on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course which saw the Sycamore men finish second and the women third -- both against regionally and nationally ranked teams at the 2017 John McNichols Invitational.

The Indiana State men amassed 54 points to finish second in the meet to Illinois which won with 22 points. The Sycamores clipped Louisville who scored 57 points as well as Butler (88) and Evansville (133). Also in the meet and topped by the Sycamores were Rose-Hulman, St. Mary (Kansas), Marian and McKendree.

For the men, Seth Cousins led the way in the 8K race with a time of 25:45.2 in sixth place just ahead of teammate Akis Medrano who was seventh in a time of 25:46.2. Quentin Pierce tallied a 10th place finish with a time of 25:59.4 while Ryan Cash was 13th in a time of 26:19.2.

The Indiana State women totaled 82 points to beat Cincinnati (90) and Evansville (154). Michigan won the meet with 15 points while Louisville scored 49. The Sycamores also bested Marian, Rose-Hulman, St. Mary (Kansas) and McKendree.

On the women's side in a 5K race, Taylor Austin picked up right where she left off at the end of the outdoor track season as she finished 12th in a time of 18:00.2. All-MVC performer Alli Workman also had a strong showing with a 20th place finish in a time of 18:26.3. 

Now the attention shifts to the Indiana Intercollegiates meet which is set for Friday, September 15 at the Purdue University Golf Course in West Lafayette, Ind. The meet will begin at 3:30 pm (ET). 

The race, which is open to all Indiana colleges and universities will feature 5 women's teams and 5 men's teams which are ranked in the Great Lakes Region. On the women's side No. 2 Notre Dame, No.3 Indiana, No. 8 Purdue, No. 9 Butler and No. 13 Indiana State all are invited to participate. For the men, No. 2 Indiana, No. 6 Butler, No. 7 Notre Dame, No. 8 Purdue and No. 12 Indiana State will be featured.