By Erin Hayes
Gargoyle staff reporter
Posted Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006, The OG, sports

URBANA — Sophomore Malcolm Taylor took first place at Tuesday's home meet at Illini Meadows, running the three-mile course in 17 minutes, 29 seconds.

The Uni boys cross country team placed second overall, with a score of 39 points, following Paxton-Buckley-Loda, which led the field with 20 points. Bismarck-Henning finished out the scoring list with 69 points. Arthur/Lovington, Judah Christian, and Watseka did not score.

Junior Austin Rundus, one of Uni's top varsity runners, did not compete due to an injury to his Achilles tendon. Rundus was forced to leave Saturday's Peoria Woodruff Invitational after one mile because of the injury.

Freshmen Jack Snyder and Nathan Smith placed 10th and 11th, respectively, with times of 20:16 and 20:17. This duo's determination has been a great asset to the team throughout the season, head coach Doug Mynatt said, and it was an important factor on Tuesday, as they continue to push each other to the end of every race.

The rest of the varsity runners finished close behind Snyder and Smith:

— Marquis Wang, 20:45, 13th

— Cheng Luo, 21:23, 14th
— Carl Zielinski, 21:51, 15th
— Andrew Weatherhead, 21:51, 16th

The Illineks will compete Saturday at the Tuscola Classic.

2006 VARSITY RESULTS
(Meets at the U of I Illini Meadows in bold; courses are three miles unless otherwise indicated)

Aug. 29: Kickapoo Kickoff Classic, 6th (points to be posted)
Top Uni runner: Austin Rundus, 3rd overall (17:30)

Sept. 2: Chrisman Cowchip Classic, 8th (50 pts)
Top Uni runner: Malcolm Taylor, 1st in No. 2 flight (17:11)

Sept. 5: Twin City Championship, 5th (87 pts)
Top Uni runner: Malcolm Taylor, 4th overall (17:41)

Sept. 9: Peoria Woodruff Invitational, 19th (points to be posted)
Top Uni runner: Malcolm Taylor, 23rd overall (16:44)

Sept. 12: Home Meet, 2nd (39 points)
Top Uni runner: Malcolm Taylor, 1st overall (17:29)