Hawks Battle Joliet in Tight Midwest Classic Showdown

Bourbonnais, IL: The Hawks men's cross country team entered the Midwest Classic at Aspen Ridge Golf Course in Bourbonnais ranked No. 1 in the nation, setting up a marquee matchup with Region 4 rival Joliet Junior College, ranked No. 2. It was the second meeting of the season between the two powerhouses, with Joliet edging Harper by three points at the season-opening NCC XC Invitational.

Once again, the race came down to the smallest of margins. The Wolves narrowly topped the Hawks by just two points, while Harper showed strong depth and consistency across the lineup.

Ryan Golden led the Hawks for second time in three meets, finishing 18th overall with a time of 27:06. He was followed by Sebastian Welc, who placed 29th in 27:42, and Jerome Graessle, who continued his role as the Hawks' third scorer, finishing 56th in 28:45. Michael Johnson made steady progress in his second race of the season, clocking 28:58 for 62nd, while Nate Larsen closed out the Hawks' scoring five in 84th with 30:02.

Three more Hawks were not far behind: Eric Escobedo (89th, 30:14), Ethan Waddell (93rd, 30:18), who had been the Hawks' fourth man in each of the first two meets, slipped back in the pack, and RJ Moniri (97th, 30:37).

While Joliet claimed the team edge for the second time this year, Harper showed strength in a hypothetical dual meet, where their depth would have secured the victory. Joliet was boosted by individual star Nathan Ciarlette, who followed up his 9th-place finish at the NCC XC Invitational with a runner-up performance at Aspen Ridge.

The Hawks will continue their season at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee on Saturday, October 4th, competing in the Warrior Invitational hosted by Wisconsin Lutheran.

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Players Mentioned

Jerome Graessle: Sophomore

Michael Johnson: Sophomore

RJ Moniri: Sophomore

Ryan Golden: Freshman

Nate Larsen: Freshman

Ethan Waddell: Freshman

Eric Escobedo: Freshman

Sebastian Welc: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Jerome Graessle
: Sophomore

Michael Johnson
: Sophomore

RJ Moniri
: Sophomore

Ryan Golden
: Freshman

Nate Larsen
: Freshman

Ethan Waddell
: Freshman

Eric Escobedo
: Freshman

Sebastian Welc
: Freshman