The UW-Eau Claire cross country program is building a successful tradition. During the past 15 years (and 14 CC seasons) the Blugolds have finished in the top 10 as a team at nationals 13 times including a men’s national title in 2015, a women’s national title in 2009 and a women’s runner-up finish in 2017. Eight men and 13 women have earned a total of 30 individual All-American awards (top 40 finish at nationals) during this same time including an individual national title by Darin Lau in 2017.
It is no surprise that Blugold distance runners have been equally successful in the classroom since the skill set needed to excel as a runner and a student are similar. The men’s team cumulative GPA has been above 3.0 for the past fourteen years, and the women’s team cumulative GPA has been over 3.4 for the past fifteen. The team has earned the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Academic Team of the Year Award with the women winning the honor in 2009 and the men capturing it in 2015.
The hard work and discipline it takes to be a successful student athlete carries over to life after college. Employers are drawn to individuals who have competed in cross country at UW-Eau Claire because of the work ethic and team focused mentality that is developed by being a part of our program. In addition, being involved in cross country builds a high level of self-confidence because every member of this team has the potential to be successful if they put in the work and have a positive attitude.
With your help we will ensure that our student athletes continue to have this truly unique and beneficial experience that being a member of the UW-Eau Claire cross country team provides.
Thank you for your support,
Dan Schwamberger, Head Cross Country Coach
schwamdj@uwec.edu / 715-836-2649