University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Gans Creek Classic
UNI cross country: Lillie and Sonderman lead Panthers at Gans Creek Classic
9/26/2025 12:20:00 PM | Cross Country
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The UNI cross country team returned to action Friday, participating in a crowded and competitive field at Missouri's annual Gans Creek Classic.
The Panther women took 14th in the women's 6K black invitational in Columbia, while the men finished 23rd in the men's eight-kilometer black invitational with six new career-best time set.
In the men's 8K, Colin Lillie led the panther pack with a 126th place finish in a time of 24:59, breaking the 25 minute mark for the first time in his career with a new career-best time. Micah Rees followed in 166th place with a career-best time of 25:16.
Additional UNI men competing included Ethan Olds, who took 174th in 25:23, and Ty Getz, who finished 202nd with a time of 25:55. Drew Dombrosky crossed the finish line in 25:57 to secure 207th place, while Josh Gormley followed in 210th place with a career-best finish of 26:00. Rounding out the Panther men in 228th place was Jonas VanDis, posting a time of 26:21.
On the women's side, freshman Lindsey Sonderman led Northern Iowa in the 6K race, placing 73rd in a time of 22:02. Leah Klapatauskas followed in 78th with a career-best time of 22:05, followed by Meghan Wheatley in 82nd with a career-best finish of 22:06.
Melody Ochana took home 130th place with a time of 22:39. Kaylee Woolery placed 147th (22:55), as Josee Simonson took 162nd (23:12), and Evie Henneberry in 171st (23:25).
UP NEXT
The Panthers will make the short trip to Waverly, Iowa, on Saturday, Oct. 4 for the Dan Huston Invite. Competition is slated to begin at 10:45 a.m. CT at the Max Cross Country Course.
UNI MEN'S RESULTS - 2025 GANS CREEK CLASSIC (8K BLACK)
- 126th - Colin Lillie (24:59)
- 166th - Micah Rees (25:16)
- 174th - Ethan Olds (25:23)
- 202nd - Ty Getz (25:55)
- 207th - Drew Dombrosky (25:57)
- 210th - Josh Gormley (26:00)
- 228th - Jonas VanDis (26:21)
UNI WOMEN's RESULTS - 2025 GANS CREEK CLASSIC (6K BLACK)
- 73rd - Lindsey Sonderman (22:02)
- 78th - Leah Klapatauskas (22:05)
- 82nd - Meghan Wheatley 22:06)
- 130th - Melody Ochana (22:39)
- 147th - Kaylee Woolery (22:55)
- 162nd - Josee Simonson (23:12)
- 171st - Evie Henneberry (23:25)
UNI cross country action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Track and Field), X (@UNITrackFieldXC) and on Instagram (@uni_tf_xc). The full schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
Players Mentioned
