Ten is the lucky number. A number that the University of Wisconsin men’s cross country has been fighting for all season. This Sunday, the Badgers will travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan for the Big Ten Championship—a race that will most likely focus on two teams. Ranked No.1 and No.2 in the Great Lakes Regional poll, UW and the University of Michigan are the heavy favorites to finish atop the Big Ten in Ann Arbor.
The Badgers will have to overcome several obstacles in order to win their tenth straight Big Ten crown and first under first-year head coach Mick Byrne. Mainly, the home-field advantage aspect will play into Michigan’s favor because of the hilly terrain that Wolverine runners practice every day. Also, Michigan head coach Ron Warhurst is advertising this event to the public in order to get more supporters to cheer on their maize and blue. Byrne referenced Michigan’s plan to make the race an alumni event in order to have additional support for their runners to end Wisconsin’s chance at a decade-long streak.
“The kids are excited about going up to Ann Arbor, taking on Michigan on their home course” Byrne said. “They’re going to throw everything at us. They do not want the Badgers to win their 10th-straight title, that’s obvious. So this week is preparation for these guys, and we’re really looking forward to it.”
