Cross Country Signs Emily Brelsfoard

CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois cross country coach Erin Howarth has announced the addition of another runner for the women's team as Normal Community West High School standout Emily Brelsfoard signed a national letter of intent with the Panthers. 

Brelsfoard is the school record holder in multiple events for track as she has already made three IHSA Class 3A championship appearances.  As a junior she placed fifth in the 1600m run with a time of 5:09.83.  She was 11th in the 3200m run.  As a sophomore she placed sixth in both the 3200m and 1600m run.  She had her best 3200m finish as a sophomore with a time of 10:46 good for fifth place.

In cross country she twice placed in the top fifteen at the IHSA Class 3A state championships.  She was seventh as a senior posting a time of 17:24.  She missed the junior season with injury after placing 12th as a sophomore with a time of 17:04.  As a sophomore she also placed 29th at the Midwest Foot Locker Championships.

“When Emily first visited campus with her dad two years ago, I knew that I wanted to see her in Panther Blue as a collegiate distance runner. At the time of her visit, she was injured and extremely frustrated with not being able to run and race; her passion and her dedication to become the best distance runner she possibly could be was so obvious,” said Howarth.   “Instead of moping around and being sad about her misfortunes, she decided to do everything she could to get stronger, more knowledgeable about the sport and become the best teammate she could be off the track. Emily is someone who will elevate this program right off the bat. She isn't scared to take a race out hard and hang with the “big dogs” and she certainly isn't scared to compete with the best. Our staff is extremely excited to have Emily on our team and welcome her and her family to Panther Nation.”