Badgers Look For National Title
November 21, 2004 | Men's Cross Country
The Wisconsin men's cross country team will compete at the 2004 NCAA Championship today in Terre Haute, Ind. The top-ranked Badgers are looking to capture their fourth championship in the program's history.
Last season, UW finished second behind Stanford at the national meet with 174 team points. It was Wisconsin's second consecutive runner-up finish and its 21st top-five finish. UW runners garnering All-American honors were Simon Bairu, who finished first for Wisconsin and ninth overall in 29:33.8, and Chris Solinsky, finishing 15th in 29:48.5. Tim Nelson crossed the finish line in 61st place in 30:34.3 and Bobby Lockhart finished 68th in 30:36.1
UW has had a very solid season this year, winning their 20th NCAA Great Lakes regional title and sixth consecutive Big Ten Title. At the Great Lakes regional, Wisconsin finished with 47 team points and placed six runners in the top 25 to earn all-region honors. Senior Matt Tegenkamp led the way for UW placing sixth overall (30:24.7). Chris Solinsky followed in seventh (30:25.1), with Simon Bairu finishing 10th (30:25.7). Senior Josh Spiker was close behind finishing 11th (30:26.0), followed by Bobby Lockhart in 13th (30:29.2). Tim Nelson and Tim Keller also ran for the Badgers finishing 18th (30:33.1) and 29th (31:01.9), respectively.
At the Big Ten championship, Wisconsin swept the top three places to win with 23 points, the fourth-lowest point total in championship history. Junior Simon Bairu won his second consecutive individual title and was named the Big Ten Athlete of the Year. Coach Jerry Schumacher picked up his fifth Big Ten Coach of the Year award.
For championship information, log on to NCAA Cross Country
Check uwbadgers.com for the latest updates and scores.
