Chicago, Ill. - The Illinois Tech cross country team isn't just gearing up for its first race—it's embracing a new chapter. With a coaching transition underway, the Scarlet Hawks have leaned into resilience and teamwork, determined to turn uncertainty into momentum.

Assistant Coach Evan Balizado said the team is eager to finally toe the line. "The team is excited for our first opportunity to race. It's one week later than we planned to open up, so our runners are itching to stretch their legs in a race," Balizado said. The Scarlet Hawks were slated to open up last Friday at the North Central College Cross Country Invitational, but the heat advisory that day forced the team to withdraw from the meet for the safety of their runners.

Their season opener in the Spartan Classic at the Settler's Hill Cross Country Course in Geneva, Illinois carries added weight: it's also the site of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Cross Country Championships later this fall. For the upperclassmen, it's familiar ground. For newcomers, it's a first look at the course that could define their season.

Finding Strength in Transition

Transitions test teams, but the Scarlet Hawks have responded with maturity beyond their years. "The team has been incredibly resilient and self-sufficient during the transition," said Balizado. "Coaching transitions can be difficult but each athlete from freshman to senior has stepped up for each other in all aspects of the sport."

Balizado, along with assistant coach Brendan Batliner, have been assisted by former captains Mason Brewer and Sophia Halama, helping the program find stability. "Our coaching staff has been aided by former Cross Country Captains Mason Brewer and Sophia Halama who have been instrumental in our training plans and day to day needs," he added.

Leading the Way

On the women's side, returner Izzie Pullen has emerged as a clear leader early in the year. "For our Women's team our top returner is Izzie Pullen, who has been leading the way in our first phase of workouts," Balizado said. "The rest of our Women's team is very strong as well and will be pushing Izzie all season long."

The men's squad features a deep, tightly bunched group, with Gabe Durazo setting the tone as he returns from injury. "On the Men's side, Gabe Durazo has been working hard, returning from a long-term injury and looks to be our top contributor in our biggest meets in October and November," Balizado said. "Our entire roster could be our top runner on any given day."

Setting the Tone at Settler's Hill

With the first meet looming, the focus is on learning and competing. "For our younger runners, gaining the experience of racing the college distances of 8k and 6k and taking mental notes on our conference course," Balizado said. "For our returners, we are looking for a competitive effort to measure up against conference opponents and set the standard for the rest of the season."

For Balizado, this moment has reinforced what matters most in collegiate athletics. "A successful program is a team effort starting with committed athletes, a coaching staff with an obsession for the sport and an administration who strives for and puts us in a position to be great," he said.

As the Scarlet Hawks prepare to race, their message is clear: whatever the course brings, they'll meet it together."