MINNEAPOLIS – The Wisconsin men's track and field team came up short in its dual meet against Minnesota, falling 88-72 to the Golden Gophers at the University Fieldhouse in the Twin Cities. 

"It was a much better competition from our end than a year ago," UW Director of Track and Field Mick Byrne said.  "Competition like this is great for our sport and makes our sport relevant. It's a win-win for our student athletes because they are learning how to compete. It's not about just you, it is about the team."

The Badgers were led by junior transfer Lorenzo Larry in the sprints. Larry bettered his time from last week in the 60-meter dash, crossing the line in 6.73 seconds, which ranks fifth in program history and also second in the Big Ten.

That wouldn't be Larry's only win of the day as he took first in the 200 meters in 21.66.

In the 3000 meters, the Badgers earned a one-two finish from sophomores Carl Hirsch and Morgan McDonald, posting times of 8:32.18 and 8:32.47, respectively.

In the 400 meters, junior Ryan Davis won in 48.55, while sophomore Corbin Ellis was close behind in third in 48.82.  

After winning the 1000 meters at last week's dual against Notre Dame, Austin Mudd claimed the mile title at the Border Battle in 4:07.71. Freshman Zack Snider took third in 4:10.51.

Wisconsin dominated in the pole vault as the Cardinal and White swept the top-three spots. Redshirt senior Zack Ziemek soared 17 feet, 0 3/4 inches to win the event. Tim Guthrie and Jake Wallenfang also notched impressive marks with clearances of 15-7 and 15-1, respectively.

"If you compete, the performances will come," Byrne said. "That's why we do these dual meets. That's why they're important. You need to make the performances relevant because it is relevant in the Big Ten." 
Wisconsin will send a group to Northern Iowa next week to compete at the Jack Jennett Invitational, Jan. 29-30.