Five things to know: Badgers gear up for Big Ten Championship

MADISON, Wis. – The postseason has finally arrived in Madison, Wisconsin. On Friday, October 27, the University of Wisconsin will host the Big Ten Championships at the Zimmer Championship Course. The highly anticipated event will kick off with the men’s 8K race at 10:45 a.m., followed by the women’s 6K race at 11:45 a.m.

The Badgers have their sights set on their 54th Big Ten Cross Country Championship, as they aim to secure their sixth consecutive conference title.

Admission to the meet is free, but please note that there will be no on-site spectator parking available. Parking is strictly prohibited on County Highway PD or County Highway M near the Zimmer Championship Course. Any vehicles found in violation will be subject to tickets and towed at the owner’s expense.

Spectator parking for the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational, the Big Ten Championships, and the NCAA Great Lakes Regional will be conveniently located at Blackhawk Church in Middleton, Wisconsin. To facilitate transportation to the course, spectator shuttles will be provided free of charge this season. There will also be one accessible shuttle available. The shuttle service will be operational from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For those unable to attend the event in person, you can still catch all the action live on B1G +. Alternatively, you can stay updated by following @BadgerTrackXC on Twitter and Instagram. Live results can be accessed through PTTiming.

1. BIG TEN BOB: Senior runner Bob Liking is aiming to secure his third consecutive individual Big Ten Championship on Friday. Hailing from St. Charles, Illinois, Liking emerged as the champion last year, finishing with a time of 23:48.9, just milliseconds faster than second-place finisher and fellow Badger Jackson Sharp. Liking showcased his dominance in 2021, conquering Penn State’s 8k course in 24:38.7, finishing four seconds ahead of his closest competitor. With a victory on Friday, Liking will join the ranks of the illustrious few who have won three consecutive Big Ten titles, as well as cement his place as the ninth athlete in history to win three Big Ten Championships overall.

2. HISTORY BECKONS FOR BYRNE: Director of Cross Country and Track and Field Mick Byrne has the opportunity to etch his name in Big Ten Championship history on Friday. Currently tied with legendary Badger Martin Smith for the most Big Ten Cross Country Championships won with 12, the Irishman can claim the top spot with a victory, making it his 13th championship title.

3. FAMILIAR TERRITORY: This will be the ninth time that the University of Wisconsin has hosted the Big Ten Championships. Out of the previous eight occasions, the Badgers have emerged victorious on five occasions. The most recent hosting was in 2010, where Landon Peacock claimed the individual title, and the team posted a remarkable 28 points.

4. TOUGH COMPETITION: The Badgers will face a highly competitive field in the Big Ten Championships, with the presence of No. 19 Michigan. In the Badger Classic held at the Zimmer Championship Course in September, Minnesota emerged as the victors, while Illinois and Ohio State also showcased commendable performances.

5. LOOKING AHEAD: The postseason action will continue with the NCAA Great Lake Regionals, scheduled for November 10 at the Zimmer Championship Course. Having previously conquered the region in 2022 and secured 31 regional titles, the Badgers aim to defend their regional crown. UW last hosted the Great Lakes Regional in 2019 and last emerged victorious on home soil in 2016.