Michigan State women's cross country secured a second consecutive Big Ten Championship with the help of two top-five finishes from junior Jenna Magness and Senior India Johnson. The Spartans' men's cross country team finished fourth, with sophomore James Uhlenberg being their lone top-ten finish at seventh.
Following the postponement of the 2020-21 fall sports season, the men and women's cross country teams competed in the Big Ten Championship on Saturday Jan. 30 in Shelbyville, Indiana.
Other teams that competed included Purdue, Indiana and Wisconsin. Due to the cancellation of all Michigan athletics, the Wolverines did not attend.
As there are no NCAA regionals for cross country this season, this was the first and last meet in order to qualify for the national championship set for March 15.
The Spartans were beyond ready to be back on the course.
“We’re thrilled to not only be able to train but also compete," Interim Director of Cross Country and Track and Field Lisa Breznau said during an interview. "Our student-athletes have tons of gratitude right now to the process, ... so we’re happy to be able to train and compete."
The event began with the No. 9 women’s team looking to defend their title in the 6K race after winning their seventh Big Ten title last season. MSU senior India Johnson was a leader for the Spartans and finished fourth overall with 20:34.9 after earning second-team All-Big Ten honors last season.
“Jenna, India and Lynsie just did a phenomenal job, not just on the course today, but just in their leadership and helping the team be at their best by keeping them calm," Breznau said. "Just being an example of what it means to be a student-athlete at this level.”
Throughout the course, junior Jenna Magness was another front-runner for the Spartans. Magness was holding fifth place tight but inched back to sixth place at the 4K mark. Magness finished strong as she placed third overall with a time of 20:30.1.
The women’s team took the title for the second year in a row. At the 3K mark, the Spartans were tied for third place but took over the team lead at the 5K mark. Finishing strong, the Spartans held their lead and finished first with 48 points.
“We have a great mix of senior leadership and younger athletes of all types, so we’re just excited to see that growth across the board,” Breznau said.
Other leaders for the women’s team include Lynsie Gram, Katie Osika and Casey Mossholder.
“Honestly, we could add more to that list,” Breznau said.
The Michigan State men’s cross country team ran an 8K course and placed fourth overall with a score of 97 points with top performances from sophomore James Uhlenberg, who an overall time of 24:13.2.
“He’s one of the best guys in the conference, and that’s huge," Breznau said. "It’s significant, the type of progression he’s made.”
Starting off strong in his cross country debut, Uhlenberg earned first-team All-Big Ten honors, while freshman Brendan Favazza was named second to the team.
The Spartans are now looking forward to transitioning their season into indoor track and field, while also preparing for the national championship set for March 15 at Oklahoma State.
“Our message since January has been to focus on the adventure aspect of this season with the winter cross country during an indoor track season and to look forward to reveling in it,” Breznau said.
The Spartans will now carry their season into indoor track and field beginning with a meet Saturday, Feb. 6 in Bloomington, Indiana.
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