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Oct. 25, 2007

In the 93rd running of the Big Ten Men's Cross Country Championship, No. 6 Wisconsin will look to extend its win streak to a record nine straight titles this Sunday, Oct. 28.  All 10 conference cross country squads will gather at the Ohio State University Golf Course in Columbus, Ohio, on the campus of Ohio State University.           

The 8,000 meter race will take place at 11:30 a.m. ET following the women's Big Ten Championships at 10:45 a.m.

The Badgers, who were second in the NCAA Championships last season, dominated the field in 2006 with a total of 27 points, recording the third-largest margin of victory all-time with 58 points.  UW placed all five of its runners in the top nine of competition.  In 2005, Wisconsin posted a near-perfect outcome recording 16 points and taking five of the top six spots. 

       
Juniors Stu Eagon and Matt Withrow will pace the Badger squad after placing second and ninth in the event last year, respectively.             

Placing second last year was No. 10 Michigan with 85 points.  The Wolverines return junior Lex Williams and senior Mike Woods who crossed the tape in the 2006 Championships at sixth and eighth, respectively.     

      
Defending individual champion Chris Rombough will lead No. 22 Minnesota once again.  He wil receive help from freshman Hassan Mead.  The newcomer placed 20th overall in the Pre-NCAA two weeks ago in Terre Haute, Ind.    

Another school to look out for is Iowa with senior leader Eric MacTaggart.  He finished 10th in this event last season in a time of 24:44.  Michigan State will be in the hunt after finishing fourth in 2006.          

Badger general Jerry Schumacher picked up his sixth consecutive Big Ten Coach of the Year award last season which tied the conference record with former UW coach Martin Smith (1989-91-92-94-95-96).         

This year's event marks the eighth occasion Ohio State has hosted the men's Big Ten Championships.  The Buckeyes first hosted in 1913, when Wisconsin captured the team title.  OSU was victorious in its second time holding the event in 1923.