Hey all, will take a bit more of a Big Ten perspective on this week's post.

             The Wisconsin Badgers bounced back nicely from the home meet debacle to capture a victory at the Orange and Blue preview meet in Champaign, IL.  The Badgers were led by red-shirt sophomore, Mike Brice, on the way to a nine-point victory over Illinois.  Brice looks poised to continue the success he was having last cross-country season before being derailed by the injury bug.  Meanwhile teammate Drew Shields finished off an impressive second weekend out on the course by securing fourth place as he came in just five seconds behind the leaders.  Dart Schwarderer held of Michigan harriers Brendon Blacklaws and Bobby Aprill to give the Badgers an extra edge in 7^th place while Alex Brill (10^th) opened up his season just ahead of freshman duo McKenna (11^th) and Hatz (12^th).  Neal Berman had a rough outing at 16^th place but will look for opportunity in October. 

             Illinois, who is now under the direction of former Mick Byrne disciple, Gavin Kennedy, had a strong second place showing as seniors Dan Kremske and Collin Mickow defended the second and third place spots nicely at home.  These runners have shown they’re capable of solid performances, now its up to Kennedy to bring them out when it counts.  Senior Nathan Troester gave the Illini a bit more ammunition as he crossed the line for a sixth place finish, but the Orange and Blue will need to find more to step up before they host Big Tens this October. 

Michigan saw another strong performance from Zach Ornelas who stuck his nose in it to bring home fifth place.  Aprill and Blacklaws provided support with a few freshman chopping at the bit to help this team out.  No word as of now about red-shirt senior, Craig Forys, but surely his help will be needed as Michigan looks to improve on last year’s eighth place Big Ten performance.  Coach Alex Gibby (also a former east-coaster) surely has some tricks up his sleeve, but for now we're still waiting to see 'em.  

 Overall, it was a fine day of competition for the Badgers and a good experience for the team to check out the site of this year’s Big Ten Championship.  The race wasn’t anything too spectacular, but this is September; where spectacular can easily spell a slow, painful death come November.  The Badgers will rest next week in favor of a good block of training as they prepare to open up the full roster at the Bill Dellinger Invitational on October 1^st.  This will not only be a chance to see the Badgers heralded top five in action, but a great early season look at a young Duck’s roster defending their home turf.  

            Until next time, Go Badgers.