MADISON, Wis. – The university of Wisconsin women’s cross country team is set to host the Nuttycombe Invitational presented by Under Armour on Friday, welcoming a field of 31 teams, including 19 nationally ranked squads. This year marks a significant event for the Badgers, who are looking to improve upon their fifth-place finish at the 2023 invitational.
the Nuttycombe Invitational is a key indicator for national rankings and NCAA Championship qualification,drawing top talent from across the country. Wisconsin, currently ranked No. 29 and sixth in the big Ten, will use this race as a crucial stepping stone toward the Big Ten Championships later this month. Spectator shuttles will run from 8:30 a.m. until one hour after the final race, and fans are encouraged to arrive early. Parking is prohibited on County Highway PD and County Highway M near the Zimmer Course.
Here are five things to know ahead of Friday’s competition:
1. Return to the Course: Last year, the Badgers placed fifth at the Nuttycombe Invitational with 182 points. Bella Jacobsen (21:09.5), Leane Willemse (21:20.7), and Kylie Finger (21:14.1) are among the three current Badgers who competed in the 2023 race. Nine of the top ten team finishers from last year will be competing this Friday.
2. Recent Performance: In their most recent outing, the Badgers finished 11th at the Sean Earl Lakefront Invitational, scoring 262 points. leane Willemse led UW in the championship race, completing the 6K course in 20:16.9. Sophomore Sara Mlodik won the open race with a time of 20:57.6.
3. Highly ranked Competition: The field at the Nuttycombe Invitational boasts significant depth, with 19 ranked teams and six in the top ten nationally.
4. New Badger: Senior Annelies Quinton will be competing in just her second race as a Badger after making her debut at the Sean Earl Lakefront Invitational, finishing 47th in 20:42.3. This time was just .2 seconds off her 6K personal best achieved while running for Harvard at the 2024 Paul Short race.
5. Looking Ahead: Following the Nuttycombe Invitational, the Badgers will travel to East Lansing, Michigan, for the Big Ten Championships on Friday, Oct. 31.
