Byrne's bunch have something to prove in Champaign
September 15, 2011 | Men's Cross Country
Sept. 15, 2011
MADISON, Wis. -- “I think the guys who run this weekend will have more fire in their bellies.”
Following a disappointing second-place team finish at the season-opening Badger Opener last Friday, that’s exactly what UW head coach Mick Byrne is expecting from his runners this weekend: More fire.
“Last week post-race, we talked about the importance of competing hard whenever you wear the Wisconsin uniform,” Byrne said. “I understand that at this time of the year, we are training at a very high level and you don’t always feel fresh.
“That’s to be expected, but you have to always compete.”
The Badgers prepare to take their first road trip of the season, travelling to Champaign, Ill., Friday for the Orange and Blue Preview. The 8-kilometer race will take place at the University of Illinois Arboretum, where the men are scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. (CT).
| 2011 Orange and Blue Preview | |
| Date | Friday, Sept. 9 | 5:30 p.m. (CT) |
| Location | Champaign, Ill. | University of Illinois Arboretum |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Available along Lincoln Avenue |
| Meet Schedule | Women (6K): 4:30 p.m. | Men (8K): 5:15 p.m. |
| Course Info | Directions | Course Maps  |
| Live Coverage | @Badger_Track on Twitter  |
Big Ten rivals Illinois and Michigan complete the three-team field, with the Fighting Illini playing host to the preview event. Great Lakes Region foe Michigan currently sits at No. 5 in the USTFCCCA’s regional rankings, while Wisconsin begins atop the poll at No. 1.
It’s not a typical occurrence for UW to go and preview a course, but this year, a unique opportunity presents itself. Illinois will play host to the Big Ten championship, on Oct. 30. For Byrne, getting the chance to gain an early feel for the course is valuable.
“I feel that it’s important for us to do our homework and prepare as best we can for this year’s Big Ten meet,” he said.
This past Tuesday, the USTFCCCA released its week one national cross country coaches’ poll for the season. Oklahoma State tops the list at No. 1, with Wisconsin right behind at No. 2. Stanford, Iona and Oregon round out the top five.
So, how does Byrne feel about toting early rankings and expectations?
“It’s way too early to be looking at the rankings,” he said. “I can only control what we do, and don’t spend any time thinking about the poll.
“The poll will take care of itself on Nov. 21 in Terre Haute.”
Terre Haute, Ind., is the site of the 2011 NCAA Championship, and if the Badgers want to have the right momentum come the end of the season, they know it begins by preparing each and every week, and handling the expectations and challenges that come with being a top-ranked team.
“We’ll have big targets on our back, so doing our homework on the course is smart,” Byrne said.
Mike Brice, Alex Brill and Drew Shields, individual winner of last week’s Badger Opener, are expected to lead the Badgers at Illinois.
Byrne sees the early preview events as a chance for newcomers and younger runners to represent UW, and also for “finding the correct supporting cast for [Big Ten competition] and beyond.
“Everyone on our roster gets an opportunity to compete for a spot on our championship team,” he said.
Neal Berman, Alex Hatz, Matt McKenna and Donald Schwaderer are some of the others that expect to line up for the Badgers in Illinois.
“These early meets are just like preseason games in the NFL or any other pro sport,” Byrne said.
“We give guys an opportunity to wear the Badger uniform and compete for spots on the team for the big invites and championship season.“
