DEWITT, Ill. — The Chicago State triathlon team competed at the 2026 Prairie Cup at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area on Saturday (Oct. 3).
Melaika Russell was the top finisher for the Cougars, placing 34th with a career-best time of 1:17:00, four minutes off her previous personal record. Shaina Whitt was the next finisher for Chicago State, placing 55th with a personal record time of 1:28:56.
Jasmine Cruz placed 60th with a time of 1:38:40, which is a personal record time. Jalyn Long rounded out the Cougars' competitors with a 62nd-place finish in 2:05:40 while setting a personal record in swimming and a seven minute course personal record.
About Chicago State Athletics
Chicago State University sponsors 17 Division I intercollegiate athletic teams and competes in the Northeast (NEC) Conference. CSU's athletic program includes over 300 student-athletes that compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, triathlon, and volleyball. CSU held memberships in the National Association of Athletics (NAIA) and NCAA Division II before transitioning to NCAA Division I in 1994. For more information and updates on Chicago State Football, visit www.gocsucougars.com.
About Chicago State University
Chicago State University, founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago Metropolitan area. The University's four colleges offer over 60 undergraduate and graduate degree-granting and non-degree programs. CSU is committed to equity in education, serving as the only U.S. Department of Education-designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois. The University's continued value to students and the State of Illinois is demonstrated by the ranking by a Harvard economist that places CSU in the top 4 percent of public and private universities nationwide in supporting its graduates' economic mobility. The University serves as a prominent community anchor and civic space on the greater south side of Chicago by leading a multitude of athletic, educational, cultural, and recreational activities. Visit csu.edu.
