Cross Country Signs Riley McInerney

McInerney was a four-time IHSA Class AA State Cross Country qualifier earning All-State honors his sophomore through senior years with top twenty finishes.  As a sophomore he posted a 3-mile time of 15:03 placing 18th at the state meet.  He placed third at the state meet as a junior and senior improving his time each year.  He ran a 14:40 as a junior and 14:33 as a senior.  During his senior season he placed first at every meet until the state championships including winning the Apollo Conference individual title.  He was second at the Midwest Senior meet in Kettering, Ohio.

In track McInerney competes in the 1600m and 3200m run.  As a junior he set the school record in the 3200m with a time of 9:22.50.  He advanced to the IHSA Class AA State Track Championships in both events.  He placed fourth in the 1600m run and sixth in the 3200m run after winning the Apollo Conference and IHSA Sectional meets in both events.

“Riley McInerney is an amazing young man from an outstanding family. He is obviously a very talented runner and someone who has gotten better with each passing season. But more importantly, he is an incredible person and a leader on and off the course,” said Howarth.  “Every time I have watched Riley race, he has been the loudest cheerleader, the teammate who finishes the race and immediately goes back out onto the course to encourage his teammates.  To get to the next level, teams need leaders who are willing to put the team first, people like Riley. Eastern Illinois Cross Country and Track & Field could not be more excited about Riley Mac and the enthusiasm and dedication that he will bring to our program.”

McInerney is the son of former EIU cross country coach and All-American runner John McInerney.