Varsity - The Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics

Varsity - August 29, 2013

Varsity is the free Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics, covering Badgers football, basketball, hockey and more each week.

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INSIDE MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY BY AJ HARRISON @BADGER_TRACK SCHEDULE COMING UP Sept. 5 Badger Opener 7 p.m. Sept. 14 Sycamore 10 a.m. Invitational Sept. 14 Warhawk 11:45 a.m. Invitational Sept. 27 Coast-To-Coast Battle Finnerty's finale: Rob returns for cross country Senior looks to end UW career on high note fter months of waiting to hear if he was granted a sixth year of eligibility for cross country, firstteam All-Big Ten runner Rob Finnerty received his answer while working UW's Camp of Champions in late July. "We were sitting down at dinner in the cafeteria," Finnerty said. "(Head coach) Mick (Byrne) comes over the A 60 // VARSITY August 29, 2013 loudspeaker and is speaking to about 105 campers and my teammates and says 'I want to let everyone know that Rob Finnerty got his sixth year." Finnerty is one of six seniors on the team that looks to continue a plethora of streaks. The Badgers have won the past 14 Big Ten championships and the past 11 NCAA Great Lakes Region titles. 5 p.m. Finnerty gained valuable experience over the summer, becoming the eighth UW runner to break the four-minute mark in the mile. He also ran under 3:39 in the 1500 meters three times, and competed at the 2013 USA Outdoor Championships. "Having someone with Rob's perspective and experience is huge for us going in to the fall," Byrne said. "He is familiar with how I do things, how our system works, and the younger guys are very excited to have him back to lead the team." Although the Badgers lost a trio of AllAmericans in Maverick Darling, Mohammed Ahmed and Reed Connor, Finnerty and his teammates look to continue the Wisconsin success. Big things are expected for the Badgers this year, as the squad checks in at seventh in the preseason U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Coaches' Poll. "A big reason I wanted to come back for cross country is because of the team mindset," Finnerty said. "Individually, I want to be in the top three at Big Tens and I want to earn All-America honors at nationals. "But the big goal is always to put the team first, to keep the streaks going at Big Tens and regionals, and then podium at NCAAs. I'm excited to work with my teammates to continue the tradition."

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