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UIS Athletics has officially named Emmons King the head coach of the Prairie Stars cross country and track & field program, removing the interim title he has held since fall 2022. King joined the UIS coaching staff as an assistant in 2021 and has led the program as interim head coach for the past three years.

During that time, the men's cross country team continued its run of top-four finishes at the GLVC Championships, and the women's team returned to the top four in fall 2024.

The Illinois Springfield athletic department has announced the hiring of Chris Rodriguez as the head coach of the Prairie Stars baseball program. Rodriguez's appointment marks a new chapter for the program, shaped by his focus on player development and competitive success.

Four members of the Illinois Springfield baseball team were recognized on the 2025 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II All-Region Teams, as announced Tuesday morning. Selections are determined by members of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and guided by the ABCA NCAA Division II All-America & Coach of the Year Committee.

Seth Masters – First Team Relief Pitcher

Illinois Springfield junior catcher Ivan Dahlberg has earned a spot on the 2025 CCA All-America Honorable Mention list following a standout season for the Prairie Stars.

Dahlberg was a cornerstone of the team throughout the 2025 campaign, delivering both consistency and power at the plate while providing leadership behind it. He appeared in 48 games, making 44 starts, and posted a .344 batting average with a 1.214 OPS.

The UIS cross country and track and field program has announced the addition of Kaitlin Skeate as an assistant coach beginning with the 2025-26 season.

"I'm super excited to help mentor Kaitlin through her transition from being a student-athlete to coach," said head coach Emmons King. "Her passion and enthusiasm about our sport is contagious. Kaitlin's experience as an athlete at Illinois State University is going to help take our program to the next level. I'm excited to be able to work with her this year."

Junior distance runner Madelyn Miller closed out her weekend at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Saturday afternoon, competing in the women's 5,000-meter final and capping a historic year.

Originally scheduled for 8:05 p.m. Mountain Time, the race was moved up to 3:55 p.m. due to anticipated severe weather in the Pueblo area. The entire day's schedule was shifted forward in an effort to ensure a safe and uninterrupted conclusion to the championships.

Race Recap

The University of Illinois Springfield athletic department has achieved a GPA above 3.50 for the third consecutive semester, continuing a strong tradition of academic success among Prairie Stars student-athletes.

In spring 2025, 238 student-athletes combined for a 3.55 GPA. Every team posted a GPA of 3.25 or higher, with 70% of programs surpassing the 3.50 mark and 35% reaching 3.80 or better.

Madelyn Miller made her outdoor national championship debut Thursday night at the NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships.

Race Recap
Miller completed the 10,000-meter race in 38:01 at the CSU ThunderBowl in Pueblo, Colorado, located around 5,000 feet above sea level. Racing at altitude was a first for Miller and several others in the field.

The UIS Athletic Department proudly recognizes members of the Class of 2025 who are affiliated with Prairie Stars Athletics. This year's group includes seniors and graduate students who exhausted their athletic eligibility, former student-athletes who returned to complete their academic journey at UIS, individuals who will remain on campus to pursue further education while continuing to compete, and assistant coaches from multiple programs.

Three Prairie Stars have been named to the 2025 Division II Conference Commissioner's Association (D2CCA) Midwest All-Region baseball teams. Catcher Ivan Dahlberg and first baseman Mark Kattula earned first team recognition, while shortstop Ethan Bowers landed on the second team.

Ivan Dahlberg | Junior | Catcher