Wisconsin Badgers
The Dual
Five things to know: The Dual
January 12, 2018 | Women's Track & Field
No. 11 Badgers take on No. 13 Golden Gophers to kickstart 2018 indoor slate
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Meet Coverage
Saturday, Jan. 13 | 12 pm — University Fieldhouse
MADISON, Wis. – The No. 11 Wisconsin women's track and field team opens its 2018 indoor season with a trip to Minnesota to take on the Golden Gophers in The Dual. Field events at the University Fieldhouse on the campus of Minnesota begin at noon with running events to begin at 1 p.m.
Fans can also follow the action on Twitter (@BadgerTrackXC) and check UWBadgers.com Saturday for a recap.
1. BORDER BATTLE HISTORY: The Badgers and Golden Gophers are tied 3-3 in their dual series dating back to their first meeting on Feb. 18, 1976. UW won the first three meetings in the Border Battle series while UM has won the last three. Last year's dual was the closest in series history as Minnesota escaped Madison with an 82-80 win.
2. STARTING THE YEAR STRONG: Wisconsin opens the 2018 indoor season ranked No. 11 in the country, according to the preseason. U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Computer Rankings. Five Badgers are ranked in the top-15 in their respective events as Georgia Ellenwood is ranked No. 2 in the pentathlon, Sarah Disanza is No. 3 in the 5000 meters, Banke Oginni is No. 8 in the weight throw, Chinne Okoronkwo is No. 13 in the triple jump and Taylor Amann is No. 14 in the pole vault.
3. RETURNING ALL-AMERICANS: Wisconsin returns six All-Americans to its indoor roster this year, including Georgia Ellenwood, who is a three-time All-American in the pentathlon. Sarah Disanza is a two-time first-team All-American in the 5000 meters, while Banke Oginni earned second-team All-America honors last year in the weight throw. Taylor Amann, Emma Haugen and Haley Showalter have also picked up honorable-mention All-America honors in their careers. In addition, Brenna Detra, who earned honorable mention All-America accolades last year in the 400 hurdles, will be back for UW for the outdoor season.
4. FIRST TIME ON THE TRACK (AND FIELD): Eight Badgers will make their track and field debut for UW on Saturday, including Rayce Albino (pole vault) Liz Bohn (800 meters/mile), Yolanda Johnson (60 meters/200 meters), Devan Montgomery (800 meters), Sophia Rivera (shot put), Bianca Stubler (400 meters), Isabella Weekly (high jump/long jump) and Hannah Wilson (60 meters/200 meters).
5. STAYING CLOSE TO HOME: Following The Dual, Wisconsin heads west again next weekend to Iowa City, Iowa for the Larry Wieczorek Invitational. The Badgers will take on Florida State, LSU, Kansas State, Iowa, Iowa State, Virginia, and Arizona at the two-day meet that runs Jan. 19-20. Following UW's trip to Iowa, the Badgers will head to New York City for the Armory Invitational and Columbia Challenge.
