Illinois Springfield Men's Cross Country opened the season with a victory at the Prairie Stars Invitational on its home course Friday night, extending its streak to 11 consecutive season-opening wins.

Although UIS did not have the individual winner, the Prairie Stars placed runners second through seventh, with its top five finishers taking second through sixth. The Prairie Stars averaged 16:03 for the 5K race.

Owen Whelan led Illinois Springfield in second place at 15:59, followed by Dom Cantarini in third at 16:03 and Charlie Borlin in fourth at 16:04. Ryan Kries placed fifth in 16:05, Dylan Gehl finished sixth in 16:05 and Joey Karlesky was seventh in 16:06.

Following UIS, Missouri Baptist took second place, and Heartland finished third. MBU's Wade Patten was the individual champion.

The race time was delayed to 7 p.m. due to hot temperatures, which were a factor in the race.

"I'm super proud of how these men fought today given the tough conditions! The home opener is always a fun event and the true start to our cross country season," Head Coach Emmons King stated. "Our men's program has always been deep, and that continues this year. I'm super pleased with how they have run as a group and how our underclassmen committed to a hot pace from the start and stuck with it! This showing gives us a lot of confidence going forward as the distance starts to increase over the next few meets."

UIS travels to Weibring Golf Course in Normal, Ill., for Illinois State's Redbird Invite on Friday, Sept. 18.