CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Marc Amarillas goes out on top after leading the SIUE men's cross country team with a first-place finish at the Illini Open Friday night at the University of Illinois Arboretum.

The senior from Quincy finished nine seconds ahead of his closest competitor in the 8,000-meter race. His time of 25 minutes, 34 seconds, was his second-fastest time at that distance in his Cougar career and only three seconds off his personal best.

"Marc is the story of the day," said SIUE Head Coach Eileen McAllister. "What a way to end his cross country career. He left the pack after two miles and never looked back."

Fellow senior Shawn Dillard did not fare as well as he cramped up with less than two miles to go but managed to finish 14th in 26:53.

Junior Aaron Werths placed ninth overall with a time of 26:14 while freshman Nick Moore ended his first season at SIUE 10th traversing the course in 26:16 to join Amarillas in the top 10. Moore's time was two seconds shy of his season best.

Sophomores Campbell Walters (26:27) and J.D. Wynn (27:55) also ran for the Cougars and finished 12th and 17th, respectively.

"We will continue to train through mid-November to emulate next year and have the Harvest Run as well as the Red & Black meet as markers for our training," said McAllister.

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