Badgers split up for meets in Chicago and New York

Friday, January 24

Urbana-Champaign, IL

11:00 AM

Wisconsin Badgers

Fighting Illini Invite

Photo by: Mark Moore

Badgers split up for meets in Chicago and New York

January 21, 2025 | Men's Track & Field

Sprinters and hurdlers head to Illinois as throwers travel to New York

By: Dani Savin

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin men's track and field team competes in two meets this weekend: the Fighting Illini Invite in Champaign, Illinois from Jan. 24-25 and the Dr. Sander Invitational at The Armory from Jan. 24-25. The Badgers will send select runners and throwers to Illinois while others will compete in New York.

1. LAST TIME OUT: The Badgers return to the track after a strong showing at the Hawkeye Invite, where they won five events. Elliot Harris excelled in the sprints, winning the 200 meters in 21.58 seconds as well as finishing fourth in the 60 meters in 6.94 seconds. In mid-distance, Patrick Hilby won the 600 meters with a personal best of 1:18.14, placing him ninth on the program's all-time list. In the hurdles, Gio Wearing dominated with a win in the 60-meter hurdles in 7.84, placing 23rd nationally. The pole vault team shined as Hunter Cook cleared 16-4 3/4 to win, with Augustus Counard-Ciechanowski setting a personal best of 16-0 3/4.

2. BACK TO THE BIG APPLE: The throwers aim to continue their dominance this weekend at the Dr. Sander Invitational in New York. At the Wisconsin Midwest Invitational, Badger newcomer Joseph White made an immediate impact, winning the weight throw with a mark of 70-9 3/4, the fifth-best performance in program history. In the shot put, Swarens claimed victory with a throw of 62-2 1/4 (18.95m), edging out White, who also recorded the same mark but finished second on attempts. Mid-distance standouts Patrick HIlby and Bryce Stachewiz are also poised for impressive showings. Hilby won the 600 meters, while Stachewicz won the 800 meters, clocking 1:52.40 on the track.

3. CHARGING AHEAD IN CHAMPAIGN: The Fighting Illini Invite will provide a fresh stage for the Badger sprinters, hurdlers, and mid-distance runners. This will be the team's fifth meet of the season. Action beings at 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 24 and 1:00 p.m. on Jan. 25.

4. FOLLOW THE ACTION: Fans can follow the action on Twitter and Instagram @BadgerTrackXC and can find a recap following the meet at UWBadgers.com

5. UP NEXT: The Badgers will split up next weekend for meets in Louisville and Notre Dame, as UW will send athletes to the Lenny Lyles Invitational and the Meyo Invite.