The Illinois Springfield Prairie Stars competed over the weekend at the GLVC Indoor Track & Field Championships, gaining valuable championship experience despite competing with a small squad.

Senior Isaac Cortes delivered the top Prairie Stars finish on Saturday, placing 10th in the 5,000-meter run in 15:05.60. Cortes returned to competition this season for the first time since 2025 outdoor track. 

Junior Matt Padilla followed in 13th place in 15:20.69, while sophomore Dominic Cantarini finished 15th in 15:25.52. Freshman Charlie Borlin was right behind in 17th place with a time of 15:26.21.

On Sunday, Borlin doubled back to compete in the 3,000-meter run, placing 17th in 8:52.66. Junior Owen Whelan finished 19th in 8:55.42, while senior Will McGonigal placed 25th in 9:22.80.

Head coach Emmons King reflected on the team's indoor season following the championship meet. "We gained a lot of experience this indoor season," King said. "We had two freshmen qualify in three events, which was awesome to see. I am very excited to see what the outdoor season will bring."

Up Next
The outdoor track season is scheduled to open later in March with Prairie Stars distance runners set to compete at the WashU Distance Carnival in St. Louis, Mo., followed by the Big Blue Outdoor Opener in Decatur, Ill.