Five things to know: Big Ten Championships

Watch live on B1G Network+ | Live results on PT Timing

MADISON, Wis.-- The 12th- ranked Wisconsin men's cross country team travels to Shelbyville, Indiana, this Saturday to compete in the Big Ten Championships. The Badgers are looking to defend their dynasty and fight for their 51st Big Ten championship. The men's 8000-meter race takes off at 2 p.m. CT.

1. DEFENDING BIG TEN CHAMPIONS: In 2019, the Badgers won their 50th Big Ten Championship and second consecutive title. Wisconsin won the title with 56 points, a 14-point victory over second-place Indiana. Former Badger Olli Hoare led the team to victory placing first overall in the men's 8000-meter race with a time of 23 minutes, 50.9 seconds, claiming his sixth Big Ten title. Olin Hacker finished seventh overall and second for the Badgers, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.

2. A CROSS COUNTRY DYNASTY: The Badgers are one of the most decorated programs in the nation. Along with their 50 Big Ten titles, Wisconsin has produced 34 Big Ten individual champions, made 57 NCAA appearances, and won five NCAA team championships and five NCAA individual titles.

3. KEY RETURNEES : 2019 Big Ten Freshman of the year Jackson Sharp will be a key leader this weekend for the Badgers. Sharp finished 15th overall and fourth for the Badgers at the 2019 Big Ten Championships in 24:23.7. Junior Shuaib Aljabaly was 20th in 24:30.7 while senior Seth Hirsch finished 29th overall and sixth for the Badgers in 24:55.7. Other returnees include Jack Meijer and Conor Perreault.

4. NINE-TIME BIG TEN COACH OF THE YEAR: Director of men's and women's track and field and cross country Mick Byrne is looking to lead the Badgers to another victory this weekend. Byrne has led the Badgers to nine Big Ten titles, 20 NCAA appearances, and one NCAA team title. He has also coached 45 first-team All-Americans, 25 Big Ten individual champions and five Big Ten Freshmen of the year.

5. FOLLOW THE ACTION: The 2020-21 Big Ten Cross Country Championships will be streamed live on BTN+ with live results available on PTTiming. Fans can follow the action on Instagram and Twitter (@BadgerTrackXC) and catch a recap following the meet on UWBadgers.com.

Five things to know: Big Ten Championships

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Players Mentioned

Shuaib Aljabaly

Olin Hacker

Seth Hirsch

Olli Hoare

Jack Meijer

Conor Perreault

Jackson Sharp

University of Wisconsin Athletics