Newton Runners Shine at Little Illini Conference Cross Country Championships
October 14, 2025 | LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course, Terre Haute, IN
The Newton Eagles cross country teams turned in impressive performances at the Little Illini Conference Championships held Tuesday, October 14, at the prestigious LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course.
Girls Team — Third Overall
The Newton girls earned a strong third-place team finish with 54 points, just behind Olney (47) and champion Marshall (29).
Senior Layna Marshall led the Eagles with a stellar run, finishing fifth overall in 19:41.46. Freshman Heather Bergbower followed closely in seventh at 20:31.24, showcasing the team’s blend of experience and emerging talent.
Sophomore Avery Geier crossed in 10th place at 21:01.28, while freshman Nora Street finished 18th (22:51.17), and Kimberly Bierman rounded out the scoring five in 20th (22:52.96).
Other key contributors included Josie Vogt (22:56.11, 21st) and Shay Bennett (25:24.29, 32nd).
Team Standings – Girls
- Marshall – 29
- Olney (Richland County) – 47
- Newton – 54
- Casey-Westfield – 110
- Robinson – 111
Boys Team — Third Overall
On the boys’ side, Newton also placed third, finishing behind Olney (31) and Paris (41) with a team total of 80 points.
Senior Hayden Borgic led the way for the Eagles, placing seventh overall with a time of 16:37.71. Fellow senior Tanner Whitaker wasn’t far behind, finishing 12th in 17:38.19.
Junior Holden Barthlemy clocked 18:20.48 for 20th, followed by senior Johnnie Brant in 23rd (18:51.94) and sophomore Alec Bower in 25th (18:59.37) to complete Newton’s scoring lineup.
Senior Wade Ochs (19:28.60) and freshman Kendall Probst (20:08.50) provided strong depth performances for the team.
Team Standings – Boys
- Olney (Richland County) – 31
- Paris – 41
- Newton – 80
- Robinson – 101
- Lawrenceville – 116
- Casey-Westfield – 156
- Mt. Carmel – 180
Both Newton squads demonstrated steady improvement and depth across the lineup, setting a positive tone heading into the upcoming postseason meets.
