2004 Men's Cross Country Scheduled Announced
April 27, 2004 | Men's Cross Country
The Wisconsin men's cross country team will compete in five events in 2004, prior to the NCAA championship on Monday, Nov. 22 in Terre Haute, Ind. The Badgers, winners of five straight Big Ten conference championships, will look to defend their title at the 2004 Big Ten Championship on Sunday, Oct. 31 in Iowa City.
'I like how our schedule sets up for next season,' head coach Jerry Schumacher said. 'Like in years past, we start off with some meets that can get our guys some experience. We can get an idea of how we stand nationally at the Griak Invitational and then the real season starts with the Big Ten championship. '
UW starts its season on Friday, Sept. 10, at Iowa in Iowa City. Next up is the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis follows on Saturday, Sept. 25. The Jim Drews Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 16, in La Crosse, Wis., wraps up the team 's preparation for the championship races.
Following the Big Ten championship, the Badgers will look to qualify for the national meet at the 2004 NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship on Saturday, Nov. 13 in Ypsilanti, Mich. Wisconsin is coming off consecutive second-place finishes at the NCAA championship meet and should be one of the favorites at this year's race in Terre Haute.
The Badgers return 2003 Big Ten Athlete of the Year Simon Bairu and Big Ten Freshman of the Year Chris Solinsky, both of whom finished among the top 15 at last year's NCAA championship. Also on next year's roster are three other runners who have earned All-America honors, seniors Josh Spiker and Matt Tegenkamp and junior Bobby Lockhart.
