UIS Men's Track Delivers Strong Midseason Distance Efforts at Kip & Kirk Outdoor Mule Relays

Prairie Stars turn in solid performances across 1500m, 5000m, and 800m events

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a track and field competition, with overlapping planes of vibrant colors representing the dynamic movements and energy of the athletes.The UIS men's track team's strong midseason distance performances showcase their depth and potential for the remainder of the outdoor season.Terre Haute Today

The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) men's track and field team competed at the Kip & Kirk Outdoor Mule Relays, with several athletes delivering strong midseason performances in the distance events. River Derby, Matt Padilla, Chase Cooley, Dom Cantarini, Isaac Cortes, and Charlie Borlin all turned in impressive results in the 1500m, 5000m, and 800m races.

Why it matters

As the outdoor track and field season hits its stride, the UIS men's team is demonstrating its depth and competitiveness in the distance events, which are crucial to the team's overall success. These midseason performances provide a positive indicator of the team's potential as it prepares for the remainder of the regular season and postseason competitions.

The details

In the 1500 meters, River Derby led the Prairie Stars in the open sections, placing fourth in 4:03. Matt Padilla was right behind in 4:04 for seventh, while Chase Cooley ran 4:05 for 19th in the invitational section. UIS closed Thursday with strong performances in the 5,000 meters, where Dom Cantarini placed 10th in 15:12. Isaac Cortes followed closely in 11th at 15:13, and freshman Charlie Borlin finished 18th in 15:23. On Friday in the 800 meters, Cooley and Derby both ran 1:59, finishing 34th and 39th respectively. Derby placed third in his heat, while Cooley ran in a tightly packed second heat and edged out a conference opponent from SBU.

  • The Kip & Kirk Outdoor Mule Relays took place on Thursday, April 10, 2026 and Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

River Derby

A member of the UIS men's track and field team who competed in the 1500 meters and 800 meters at the Kip & Kirk Outdoor Mule Relays.

Matt Padilla

A member of the UIS men's track and field team who competed in the 1500 meters at the Kip & Kirk Outdoor Mule Relays.

Chase Cooley

A member of the UIS men's track and field team who competed in the 1500 meters, 800 meters, and 5000 meters at the Kip & Kirk Outdoor Mule Relays.

Dom Cantarini

A member of the UIS men's track and field team who competed in the 5000 meters at the Kip & Kirk Outdoor Mule Relays.

Isaac Cortes

A member of the UIS men's track and field team who competed in the 5000 meters at the Kip & Kirk Outdoor Mule Relays.

Charlie Borlin

A freshman member of the UIS men's track and field team who competed in the 5000 meters at the Kip & Kirk Outdoor Mule Relays.

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What’s next

The UIS men's track and field team will send a small group to next week's Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, California, while most of the team competes at Indiana State's Gibson Invitational in Terre Haute.

The takeaway

The UIS men's track and field team is demonstrating its depth and competitiveness in the distance events, with several athletes turning in strong midseason performances at the Kip & Kirk Outdoor Mule Relays. These results bode well for the team's potential as it prepares for the remainder of the regular season and postseason competitions.