undefined Men’s Cross Country News

Big Ten Receives 2026 NCAA/MOAA Opportunities & Impact Award

Unknown — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- The Big Ten Conference has been named the Division I winner of the 2026 NCAA/MOAA Opportunities and Impact Award, the NCAA and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association — an affiliate of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics — announced Thursday.

READ: NCAA and MOAA announce 2026 Opportunities and Impact Award recipients

The award recognizes and celebrates the initiatives, programs and efforts of athletics departments and conference offices in Divisions I, II and III that embrace environments of belonging and well-being and elevate the student-athlete voice in intercollegiate athletics communities. NCAA and MOAA representatives will present the awards June 7-10 in Las Vegas during the MOAA Symposium.

"We're proud to accept this honor on behalf of our 18 schools, whose support makes these initiatives possible," Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petitti said.

Omar Brown, Big Ten senior vice president for community and impact, added, "This humbling recognition is a direct result of the leadership and alignment we have from Commissioner Petitti, throughout the conference office, and in collaboration with our campuses. Big Ten student-athletes always are aiming for excellence in competition, in the classroom and in their communities. We will continue to build on this foundation to create transformational opportunities for their development and deliver impact to the many locales we call home across the nation throughout the year."

The Big Ten Conference continues to engage, educate and empower its student-athletes, coaches, administrators and its broader community base with programs, initiatives and engagements that make a difference and encourage positive change. For four years, student-athletes from Big Ten schools have traveled to Alabama for an immersive journey that included learning about the Civil Rights Movement, visits to historic sites, community service projects and panel sessions with local leaders. The Big Ten has also added new elements to the transformative experience each year to deepen understanding and inspire civic responsibility.

WATCH: Big Ten Community & Impact makes a difference

Additionally, the conference creates leadership opportunities for its student-athletes. It partners with James Russell Lowell Elementary School in Indianapolis, connecting its 18 member schools with classrooms that include mentorship and encouragement via virtual meetings.

Another one of its many initiatives are structured conversations with administrators, coaches, athletes and employees to gather feedback and to inform future strategies. Examples include conducting student-athlete experience exit surveys and hosting standing committees, commissions and leadership councils to discuss progress, share feedback and assess strategic alignment. The conference also hosts numerous inclusive programs such as United as One, the B1G Fellows Program, the Student-Athlete Issues Commission, The Women's Volleyball Mentorship Program and the CBS Sports Ambassador Program & Sports Journalism Initiative. The conference also promotes several awards programs, which includes the Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award to recognize student-athletes who demonstrate leadership, service and volunteerism.

WATCH: Indiana honorees receive their Jackie Robinson Award jackets

WATCH: Purdue's Devin Mockobee dons his jacket while being recognized at Boilermakers basketball game

Along with the Big Ten, Saint Michael's College athletics department was recognized in Division II, and Occidental College's athletics department was the Division III honoree.

"This honor is an acknowledgment of NCAA member schools and conference offices that intentionally create spaces and opportunities for all student-athletes, coaches and administrators to feel seen, heard and valued," said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement. "It is important to recognize these outstanding recipients who diligently embrace a commitment to positively impact their athletic communities and make a significant difference for all humanity."

"Congratulations to this year's recipients," said Timothy Wise, MOAA president and assistant general manager at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. "The outstanding work by the winners showcases the commitment to providing opportunities in the ever-changing landscape and making a significant impact on their campus and in conference communities. Each of the winners is worthy of this honor, and MOAA looks forward to partnering with the NCAA to recognize these achievements at the 2026 MOAA Symposium in June."

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Discover, Big Ten Present Custom Jackets To Jackie Robinson Award Honorees

Unknown — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Presenting sponsor Discover will deliver custom letterwinner jackets to all 36 institutional winners of the 2025-26 Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award, the Big Ten announced Wednesday. Each university’s male and female honoree will receive a customized, one-of-one gift featuring unique school elements and visuals.

The first two custom jackets were presented in December at the Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game to 2025 national winners Dillon Fontus, from Maryland football, and Iowa wrestler Nanea Estrella.

Both of last year’s winners, and Sonya Pankey Robinson (Jackie Robinson’s granddaughter), attended the game as guests of Discover, seeing Indiana claim the title at Lucas Oil Stadium on their way to a perfect 16-0 campaign and CFP National Championship. The 2026 national winners will be announced later this spring from the cohort of 36 campus recipients.

In November, the Big Ten Conference announced the 36 student-athletes selected as institutional winners of the 2025-26 Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award presented by Discover. Now in its second year, the honor was created to recognize Big Ten student-athletes who strive to have a positive impact within their community in addition to excellence in competition.

Institution	Honoree	Sport
Illinois	TJ Griffin	Football
Illinois	Tali Joelson	Gymnastics
Indiana	Tyler Lillard	Wrestling
Indiana	Kristina Vincic	Track & Field
Iowa	Ava Bayless	Wrestling
Iowa	Will Ryan	Cross Country \| Track & Field
Maryland	Joey Schneck	Wrestling
Maryland	Madeline Komoroski	Gymnastics
Michigan	Kevin Kearns	Lacrosse
Michigan	Zoë Bormet	Field Hockey
Michigan State	Maddie Lawlor	Field Hockey
Michigan State	Jalen Thompson	Football
Minnesota	Charlie Sutherland	Baseball
Minnesota	Niamya (Nia) Holloway	Basketball
Nebraska	Katelyn Caneda	Softball
Nebraska	Michael Booker III	Football
Northwestern	Kansas Robinson	Softball
Northwestern	Najee Story	Football
Ohio State	Caleb Downs	Football
Ohio State	Makenna Webster	Ice Hockey \| Field Hockey
Oregon	Matt Bedford	Football
Oregon	Blessyn McMorris	Acrobatics & Tumbling
Penn State	Nick Dawkins	Football
Penn State	Elise DeWan	Field Hockey
Purdue	Devin Mockobee	Football
Purdue	Emma Bailey	Softball
Rutgers	Jude Essuman	Soccer
Rutgers	Caitlin Collins	Lacrosse
UCLA	Jordan Robinson	Track & Field
UCLA	Karson Gordon	Football \| Track & Field
USC	Maribel Flores	Soccer
USC	Robert Gref	Diving
Washington	Franck Kepnang	Basketball
Washington	Rhonda Newton	Track & Field
Wisconsin	Rico Hallman	Football
Wisconsin	Erin Connolly	Soccer

In recognition of their achievement and as an expression of the conference’s appreciation, each of the 36 campus winners will receive a medal bearing the likeness of Jackie Robinson and the logo of the Big Ten Conference in addition to their custom jacket.

WATCH: Indiana honorees receive their Jackie Robinson Award jackets

WATCH: Purdue's Devin Mockobee dons his jacket while being honored at Boilermakers basketball game

WATCH: Big Ten Community & Impact makes a difference

Jackie Robinson was a standout student-athlete at UCLA, where he was the school’s first four-sport letter winner, excelling in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball. Beyond his athletic prowess, he continues to be recognized and honored for his contributions off the field: integrating Major League Baseball and his lifelong commitment to social justice. He is the embodiment of the Big Ten's mission to develop strong student leaders, and this program honors his legacy and core values of courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment, and excellence. As Jackie famously said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

“It is our privilege and great honor to bestow this award in Jackie’s name upon these deserving Big Ten student-athletes and to express our appreciation for the support of the Jackie Robinson Foundation,” said Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petitti.

Honorees were selected based on the following criteria:

Demonstrated Impact: Significant and tangible contributions to community projects or causes, including measurable outcomes or positive changes resulting from their involvement.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with others, including peers, organizations, and community members, to achieve common goals and enhance community impact.
Consistency and Commitment: Ongoing and consistent participation in community service activities over an extended period of time.
Visibility and Advocacy: Efforts to raise awareness and advocate for important groups or causes, leveraging their platform to promote positive change and engage others.

"The Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award celebrates Jackie’s legacy of excellence in community service,” said Sonya Pankey Robinson, Jackie’s first grandchild as well as Director and board member of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. "We are proud to recognize 36 outstanding men and women for the incredible impact they make in their community."

"Our student-athletes make significant contributions through competition, academics, and community impact,” said Big Ten Senior Vice President, Community & Impact, Omar Brown. “This award allows the Big Ten to recognize these efforts in improving communities, just as we do with their other athletic and academic achievements. Jackie Robinson embodies this award and our goal to honor student-athletes who positively affect others."

The Big Ten Conference’s commitment to athletics, academics and service goes back to the conference’s founding. Coupling the academic goals set forth by leaders of the charter members of the conference with their steadfast commitment to athletics, the conference instituted the Big Ten Medal of Honor in 1915, the first award to demonstrate support for the educational emphasis placed on intercollegiate athletics. It is awarded annually by each member institution to one male and one female student of the graduating class who has attained the greatest proficiency in scholarship and athletics.

New “We Are Here” spot highlights student success, economic impact

Unknown — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Big Ten universities’ leading role in educating students and driving economic prosperity is featured the latest edition in the “We Are Here” series of :30 ads .

The new ad began airing during Big Ten basketball games and other winter sports in January. Students and alumni take center stage, sharing with viewers what their lives look like and what they have been able to accomplish thanks to their Big Ten university education. Seen on campuses and in communities nationwide, their experiences are living proof of the world-class educational opportunities they received, from learning alongside Nobel Prize–winning faculty to participating in internships and undergraduate research. The spot also highlights the universities’ broader impact through innovation, job creation and service.

Together, the 18 members of the Big Ten Conference are educating more than 810,000 students, preparing them for successful lives and careers. The Big Ten’s collective graduation rate is more than 20 points above the national average and the universities have more than 9.2 million living alumni.

The first ad in the “We Are Here” series began airing last fall and has generated more than 250 million impressions across Big Ten broadcasts to date, including during the College Football Playoff National Championship won by Indiana University. It focused on how Big Ten universities make America healthier, safer and more prosperous through everything from discovering new medical treatments to developing healthier foods to driving economic growth.

“The success of our students is our first priority, and Big Ten universities lead the nation in providing access to an excellent and valuable college education. And after graduation, our students go on to join the more than 9 million alumni who are making a difference in communities around the nation and world,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines, who chairs the Big Ten's Council of Presidents and Chancellors. “We’re proud to be part of a conference that shares a commitment to academic and athletic excellence, and that showcases both on a daily basis.”

"Big Ten universities are committed to wide-ranging achievement, from athletics to research to public service,” said Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti. “As millions of fans tune in to root for their favorite team, we have an opportunity to illustrate the countless ways our member institutions and alumni make an impact in their communities and around the world.”

The ad will air on linear and digital platforms during sporting events featuring Big Ten universities, utilizing airtime allocated to the Conference as part of its media agreements, including the Big Ten Network (BTN). This new initiative builds on other Conference efforts, including research vignettes highlighting the impact of university research that air during select BTN sporting event broadcasts.

As with the first ad, the second spot was developed by a creative team made up of staff from Big Ten member universities under the auspices of the Big Ten Academic Alliance. It is the second in a planned series of three ads, which over the course of the series will feature footage from all 18 universities.

About Big Ten Academic Alliance

The Big Ten Academic Alliance is the nation’s preeminent model for effective collaboration among research universities. For more than half a century, these world-class institutions have advanced their academic missions, generated unique opportunities for students and faculty, and served the common good by sharing expertise, leveraging campus resources, and collaborating on innovative programs. Governed and funded by the Provosts of the member universities, Big Ten Academic Alliance programs and initiatives are coordinated by a staff from its Champaign, Illinois headquarters.

About Big Ten Conference

The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The Big Ten Conference sponsors 28 official sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, and the broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 14,000 student-athletes. For more information, visit www.bigten.org .

Media Contacts:

Paul Kennedy, Big Ten Conference, pkennedy@bigten.org

Jack Martin, University of Washington, jacktm@uw.edu

Big Ten Member Universities:

· Indiana University

· Michigan State University

· Northwestern University

· The Ohio State University

· Pennsylvania State University

· Purdue University

· Rutgers University-New Brunswick

· University of California Los Angeles

· University of Illinois

· University of Iowa

· University of Maryland

· University of Michigan

· University of Minnesota

· University of Nebraska-Lincoln

· University of Oregon

· University of Southern California

· University of Washington

· University of Wisconsin-Madison

Big Ten Conference Student-Athlete Issues Commission Calls for Limitations or Ban of Individual Prop Betting on College Athletics

Unknown — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. — [February, 10, 2026] — The Big Ten Conference Student-Athlete Issues Commission (SAIC) today sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker urging the NCAA to continue pushing for limitations or the outright elimination of proposition (“prop”) betting involving individual student-athletes competing in college athletics. The letter reinforces the Big Ten Conference’s unwavering commitment to protecting the well-being and safety of student-athletes across all 18 Big Ten campuses, and the integrity of intercollegiate athletics.

“The Big Ten Conference is proud to support our student-athletes in calling for the restriction or elimination of individual proposition wagers on college athletics,” said Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petitti. "The Big Ten Conference appreciates the NCAA’s effort to eliminate these wagers and will continue to assist student-athletes as they deal with the challenges that result from proposition bets in college sports.”

President Baker recently sent letters to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and to State Gambling Commissions calling for amended state laws and regulations to better-protect student-athletes.

The letter from the Big Ten Conference SAIC outlines the growing concerns around the rise of individual performance prop wagering in college sports, including:

Increased harassment student-athletes experience because of wagers on individual-performance proposition wagers
Negative impact individual-performance proposition betting has on student-athletes’ mental health
Accusations of impropriety, even when unfounded, damage the student-athlete experience
Potentially jeopardizing the integrity of athletic competition

“While we understand that sports betting is becoming increasingly more common across the country and allows for states to generate increased tax revenue, prop betting represents unique risks at the college level,” the Big Ten Conference Student-Athlete Issues Commission wrote. “We believe protecting student-athletes must be a priority. Limiting or eliminating prop betting on college athletics would be a meaningful step toward reducing harassment, protecting mental well-being, and preserving the integrity of college competition.”

The Big Ten Conference SAIC was founded in 1994. SAIC members take an active role in monthly meetings discussing the issues most important to Big Ten Conference student-athletes and highlighting ongoing initiatives on their respective campuses. SAIC executive leadership members also represent Big Ten student-athletes in front of the Conference’s Joint Group council and represent the Big Ten Conference on the NCAA’s Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, where they review NCAA activities, proposed legislation and offer feedback on behalf of the Big Ten’s student-athletes. Student-athletes are nominated by their institution and appointed by the Conference’s Joint Group Executive Committee to serve on the commission for one academic year.

The Big Ten Conference SAIC members signing the letter include:

Callin Hake, SAIC Chair, University of Nebraska Women’s Basketball
Mia Rogan, SAIC Internal Vice Chair, Women’s Cross Country & Track, Michigan State University
Michael Long, SAIC External Vice Chair, Men’s Swim & Dive, University of Wisconsin
Nya Robinson, SAIC Secretary, Women’s Swim & Dive, Penn State University
Samuel Edwards, NCAA Board of Directors, Men’s Football, Michigan State University
Abigail Lynch, NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Women’s Soccer & Track, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Demetrious Allen, Men’s Football, Rutgers University
Javiera Baeza, Women’s Field Hockey, Indiana University
Ava Bayless, Women’s Wrestling, University of Iowa
Josh Eernisse, Men’s Ice Hockey, University of Michigan
Taji Flynn, Men’s Lacrosse, The Ohio State University
Jordan Hall, Men’s Football, Michigan State University
Tali Joelson, Women’s Gymnastics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Franck Kepnang, Men’s Basketball, University of Washington
Nuala Macfarlane, Women’s Rowing, University of Minnesota
Ava Morales, Women’s Soccer, University of Maryland
Myranda Quinton, Women’s Golf, Penn State University
Kansas Robinson, Women’s Softball, Northwestern University
James Rowley, Men’s Wrestling, Purdue University
Jaidin Russell, Men’s Volleyball, University of California, Los Angeles
Russell Soohoo, Men’s Tennis, University of Oregon
Madison Whyte, Women’s Track & Field, University of Southern Californi

Big Ten Recognizes Fall Academic All-Big Ten Honorees

Unknown — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Full Fall 2025 Academic All-Big Ten List

ROSEMONT, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference recognized a total of 1,852 students on fall sports rosters who have been named to the All-Big Ten Team Wednesday, Dec. 10.

The list of honorees includes 134 field hockey students, 800 football students, 140 men’s and 201 women’s cross country students, 155 men’s and 276 women’s soccer students and 146 volleyball students.

To be eligible for Academic All-Big Ten selection, students must be on a varsity team (as verified by being on the official squad list as of Nov. 1 for fall sports), have been enrolled full time at the institution for a minimum of 12 months and carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

Among the fall Academic All-Big Ten honorees, 65 had unblemished GPAs:

Men’s cross country
Jackson Barrett, Illinois, Sophomore, Business Undeclared, Tuscola, Ill.
Miles Wilson, Iowa, Junior, Finance, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Seth Norder, Michigan State, Statistics, Grand Haven, Mich.
Jack Agnew, Ohio State, Junior, Exercise Science, Bellbrook, Ohio
Will McGraw, Ohio State, Junior, Operations Management, Dublin, Ohio

Women’s cross country
Julia Gehl, Iowa, Sophomore, Business, Dubuque, Iowa
Marissa Long, Iowa, Sophomore, Human Physiology, Chanhassen, Minn.
Evelyn Rogers, Maryland, Sophomore, Finance, Odenton, Md.
Emily Cescon, Michigan, Sophomore, Biomedical Engineering, Toronto, Ontario
Leah Hill, Michigan, Senior, Organizational Studies, Denver, Colo.
Anjali Hocker Singh, Michigan, Sophomore, Biomedical Engineering, Olathe, Kan.
Brooke Johnston, Michigan, Junior, Psychology, Hawthorn Woods, Ill.
Katelyn Watkins, Michigan, Sophomore, LSA Undeclared, Midland, Mich.
Emily Bardwell, Michigan State, Graduate Student, Integrative Biology MS, Brunswick, Ohio
Julia Bockenstette, Michigan State, Sophomore, Special Education -Learning Disabilities, Powell, Ohio
Sophia Lucki, Michigan State , Graduate Student, Global Health MS, Toronto, Ontario
Charlotte Lange, Minnesota, Senior, Kinesiology B S, La Grange Park, Ill.
Ali Weimer, Minnesota, Graduate Student, Sport Management M Ed, Saint Michael, Minn.
Ali Bainbridge, Nebraska, Junior, Nutrition & Health Sciences, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Alea Hardie, Nebraska, Junior, Psychology, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Erin Boler, Northwestern, Junior, Economics, Niskayuna, N.Y.
Katie Clute, Oregon, RS Sophomore, Psychology, Olmsted Township, Ohio
Ali Ince, Oregon, Sophomore, Advertising, Bloomington, Ill.
Florence Caron, Penn State, Graduate Student, Hospital Health Systems, La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada
Paige Hazelrigg, Purdue, Junior, Biomedical Health Sciences, Noblesville, Ind.
Cassidy Kidd, Rutgers, Sophomore, Exercise Science, Union, N.J.
Sara Mlodik, Wisconsin, Sophomore, Biomedical Engineering, Weston, Wis.
Maggie Munson, Wisconsin, Graduate Student, Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis, Plymouth, Wis.

Field Hockey
Javiera Baeza, Indiana, Junior, Marketing, Shaker Heights, Ohio
Morgan Qualls, Indiana, Sophomore, Exercise Science, Randallstown, Md.
Lauren DeRose, Iowa, RS Sophomore, Human Physiology, Collegeville, Penn.
Carmen Maudlin, Michigan State, Sophomore, Kinesiology, Louisville, Ky.
Caro Schafer, Michigan State, Sophomore, Urban & Regional Planning, Hannover, Germany
Alexa Shaffer, Michigan State, RS Junior, Kinesiology, Hummelstown, Pa.
Maddie Zimmer, Northwestern, Graduate Student, Sports Administration, Hershey, Penn.

Football
Joe Taylor, Michigan, Graduate Student, Social Work, Chelsea, Mich.
Samuel Edwards, Michigan State, Graduate Student, Marketing Research & Analytics MS, Williamston, Mich.
Tate Crane, Northwestern, Graduate Student, Post Baccalaureate, Iowa City, Iowa
Aidan Hubbard, Northwestern, Graduate Student, Post Baccalaureate, Cleveland, Ohio
Yannis Karlaftis, Northwestern, Graduate Student, Post Baccalaureate, Athens, Greece
Liam Clifford, Penn State, Graduate Student, Education, Maineville, Ohio
Dominic DeLuca, Penn State, Graduate Student, Education, West Pittston, Penn.
Tyler Holzworth, Penn State, Graduate Student, Education, Milford, N.J.
Brandon Shepherd, USC, RS Junior, Human Biology, La Cañada, Calif.
Kerry Kodanko, Wisconsin, Graduate Student, Sports Leadership, Green Bay, Wis.

Men’s Soccer
Nolan Kinsella, Indiana, Sophomore, Biology, Munster, Ind.
Will Eby, Michigan State, Junior, Mechanical Engineering, Northville, Mich.
Josh Mason, Michigan State, Senior, Kinesiology, South Lyon, Mich.
Graham Kois, Rutgers, Sophomore, Finance, Scotch Plains, N.J.

Women’s Soccer
Charlotte Bien, Iowa, RS Freshman, Psychology, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
Berkley Binggeli, Iowa, Sophomore, Human Physiology, Heber City, Utah
Danielle Gichner, Maryland, Sophomore, Letters and Sciences, Northbrook, Ill.
Beanie Harshe, Michigan, Sophomore, Economics, Dexter, Mich.
Taya Hjorth, Michigan State, Graduate, Kinesiology MS, Commerce Township, Mich.
Bella Najera, Michigan State, Junior, Marketing, St. Charles, Ill.
Kelsey Kwon, Northwestern, Graduate Student, Data Science, Redmond, WA
Ava Bramblett, Ohio State, Junior, Health Sciences, Noblesville, Ind.
Amanda Poorbaugh, Penn State, Senior, Sociology, Westerville, Ohio
Rachel Quigley, Rutgers, Graduate Student, Public Health, Columbus, N.J.
Eleanor Morrissey, USC, Sophomore, Psychology, Seattle, Wash.
Katie Park, USC, Sophomore, Accounting, Yorba Linda, Calif.
Ashley Martinez, Wisconsin, Special Student, Psychoactive Phmtcl Invstg Capstone, Wentzville, Mo.

Volleyball
Claire Ammeraal, Iowa, Senior, Exercise Science, Madison, Wis.
Gabriella Deery, Iowa, Junior, Marketing, Burlington, Iowa
Jenna Meitzler, Iowa, Sophomore, Journalism & Mass Communication, Barrington, Ill.
Sienna Noordermeer, Northwestern, Senior, Master in Management, Los Angeles, Calif.

Big Ten Recognizes Fall Academic All-Big Ten Honorees

Unknown — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Full Fall 2025 Academic All-Big Ten List

ROSEMONT, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference recognized a total of 1,852 students on fall sports rosters who have been named to the All-Big Ten Team Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Among the fall Academic All-Big Ten honorees, 65 had unblemished GPAs:

Big Ten Conference Statement on Anticipated SCORE Act Vote

Unknown — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Big Ten Conference Statement on Anticipated SCORE Act Vote:

As the House prepares to vote on the SCORE Act, the Big Ten remains steadfast in its support of this landmark legislation. The SCORE Act enshrines important student-athlete protections into federal law, fortifies the educational mission of college sports, makes it possible for everyone to play by the same rules, and protects the ongoing funding structure for women's and Olympic sports, a Big Ten priority. Countless stakeholders have come together from a wide range of perspectives, sports, conferences, and institutions to make the SCORE Act a reality and we look forward to its passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Oregon and Michigan State Earn 2025 Big Ten Men’s Cross Country Postseason Honors

Unknown — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Oregon senior Abdel Laadjel was selected as the unanimous 2025 Big Ten Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Year and Michigan State’s Thomas Westphal as unanimous Freshman of the Year through a vote of the Big Ten head coaches, the conference announced Wednesday.

Laadjel won first place at the Big Ten Championships by seven seconds and guided Oregon to a team first-place overall finish. He also recorded a top 10 finish at the NCAA Championships with a 28:46.2 finish in the men’s 10K. He was the fastest Big Ten men’s finisher by 11 seconds.

The senior became the ninth unanimous selection for Athlete of the Year in Big Ten history and the first Duck to win the award.

Westphal had a stellar freshman season for the Spartans, as he finished third overall at the Big Ten Championships, which helped Michigan State earn a second place team finish. He also was the top finisher amongst Big Ten freshmen at the NCAAs and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times this season.

Westphal becomes the fifth unanimous selection for Freshman of the Year and the first Spartan since David Madrigal in 2011.

2025 Big Ten Men’s Cross Country Postseason Awards
Athlete of the Year: Abdel Laadjel, Oregon
Freshman of the Year: Thomas Westphal, Michigan State

Big Ten Announces Institution Winners for the 2025-26 Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award presented by Discover

Unknown — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference on Wednesday announced the 36 student-athletes selected as campus winners of the 2025-26 Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award presented by Discover. Now in its second year, the honor was created to recognize Big Ten student-athletes who strive to have a positive impact within their community in addition to excellence in competition.

From the collection of 36 local winners, two overall conference honorees will be selected and announced in the spring of 2026.

Institution	Name	Sport
Illinois	TJ Griffin	Football
Illinois	Tali Joelson	Gymnastics
Indiana	Tyler Lillard	Wrestling
Indiana	Kristina Vincic	Track & Field
Iowa	Ava Bayless	Wrestling
Iowa	Will Ryan	Cross Country \| Track & Field
Maryland	Joey Schneck	Wrestling
Maryland	Madeline Komoroski	Gymnastics
Michigan	Kevin Kearns	Lacrosse
Michigan	Zoë Bormet	Field Hockey
Michigan State	Maddie Lawlor	Field Hockey
Michigan State	Jalen Thompson	Football
Minnesota	Charlie Sutherland	Baseball
Minnesota	Niamya (Nia) Holloway	Basketball
Nebraska	Katelyn Caneda	Softball
Nebraska	Michael Booker III	Football
Northwestern	Kansas Robinson	Softball
Northwestern	Najee Story	Football
Ohio State	Caleb Downs	Football
Ohio State	Makenna Webster	Ice Hockey \| Field Hockey
Oregon	Matt Bedford	Football
Oregon	Blessyn McMorris	Acrobatics & Tumbling
Penn State	Nick Dawkins	Football
Penn State	Elise DeWan	Field Hockey
Purdue	Devin Mockobee	Football
Purdue	Emma Bailey	Softball
Rutgers	Jude Essuman	Soccer
Rutgers	Caitlin Collins	Lacrosse
UCLA	Jordan Robinson	Track & Field
UCLA	Karson Gordon	Football \| Track & Field
USC	Maribel Flores	Soccer
USC	Robert Gref	Diving
Washington	Franck Kepnang	Basketball
Washington	Rhonda Newton	Track & Field
Wisconsin	Rico Hallman	Football
Wisconsin	Erin Connolly	Soccer

Dillan Fontus of Maryland Football and Nanea Estrella, a member of the Iowa Women's Wrestling team, were named the inaugural national winners last spring. Both will be hosted in Indianapolis next month and recognized on the field during the 2025 Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, December 6 (8pm ET; FOX).

Jackie Robinson was a standout student-athlete at UCLA, where he was the school’s first four-sport letter winner, excelling in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball. Beyond his athletic prowess, he continues to be recognized and honored for his contributions off the field: integrating Major League Baseball and his lifelong commitment to social justice. He is the embodiment of the Big Ten's mission to develop strong student leaders, and we honor his legacy and core values of courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment, and excellence. As Jackie famously said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

Honorees were selected based on the following criteria:

Demonstrated Impact: Significant and tangible contributions to community projects or causes, including measurable outcomes or positive changes resulting from their involvement.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with others, including peers, organizations, and community members, to achieve common goals and enhance community impact.
Consistency and Commitment: Ongoing and consistent participation in community service activities over an extended period of time.
Visibility and Advocacy: Efforts to raise awareness and advocate for important groups or causes, leveraging their platform to promote positive change and engage others.

2025 NCAA Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships Central

Unknown — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

November 22, 2025
University of Missouri - Gans Creek Cross Country Course

LIVE RESULTS | ESPNU/ESPN+ | TICKETS | PARKING | COURSE INFO

MISSOURI CHAMPIONSHIPS CENTRAL

*Fans can watch the races live on ESPNU

SCHEDULE
Time (CT)	Event
9:20 a.m. CT	Women's 6K Championship Race
10:10 a.m. CT	Men's 10K Championship Race
Post-men's race	Awards Ceremony

TEAMS COMPETING
School	Home	Roster	Schedule
Michigan	Men	Men	Men
Michigan State	Men	Men	Men
Oregon	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Washington	Women	Women	Women
Wisconsin	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women

Men's Individuals Competing
Nick Sloff , Penn State

Women's Individual Competing
Rose Coats , Maryland
Rachel Forsyth , Michigan State
Rachel Forsyth , Ohio State

Five Big Ten Men’s Cross Country Teams to be Represented at NCAA Championships

Unknown — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Results: Great Lakes Regional | Mid-Atlantic Regional | Midwest Regional | West Regional

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Five Big Ten teams will be represented at the 2025 NCAA Men’s Cross Country Championships following results at NCAA Regionals held around the country on Friday. The top two teams and the top four individuals not on a qualifying team at each regional earned automatic berths to the NCAA Championships, which will take place Nov. 22 in Columbia, Missouri. At-large teams were revealed in the NCAA’s selection show on NCAA.com on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.

Oregon tallied 55 points to win the West Regional with three top-10 finishers and earn an automatic bid. 2025 Big Ten individual title holder Abdel Laadjel placed sixth (29:28.2) while Simeon Birnbaum finished seventh (29:28.4) and Aiden Smith checked in at eighth (29:31.1).

Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin were all selected as at-large qualifiers by the NCAA. The three teams finished third, fourth, and fifth in the Great Lakes Regional, respectively.

Individually, Penn State’s Nick Sloff finished within the top four outside of the qualifying teams to secure a spot in Columbia. The sophomore finished sixth overall with a time of 29:37.0.

Michigan State’s Simoneau Wins Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year

Unknown — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced the first of its postseason men’s cross country awards on Wednesday. Michigan State head coach Aaron Simoneau was selected as Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Simoneau coached Michigan State to a second-place finish in the Big Ten Championship, the program’s highest finish since 2017. The Spartans also won the 40^th Annual Jeff Drenth Memorial and the B1G Preview earlier this season. Under his guidance, junior Riley Hough and freshman Thomas Westphal have each had successful individual seasons. The two finished in second and third place overall for the Spartans in the Big Ten Championship, and have each been named Big Ten Runner and Freshman of the Week three times this season, respectively.

The Big Ten also recognizes the Sportsmanship Award honorees from each institution. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have set themselves apart through hard work, sportsmanship and honorable behavior. These student-athletes must also be in good academic standing and demonstrate good citizenship outside of the sports setting.

The men’s cross country Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Athlete of the Year will be announced following the NCAA Championships, which will be held Nov. 22 at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, Missouri, hosted by the University of Missouri.

2025 Big Ten Men’s Cross Country Postseason Awards
Coach of the Year: Aaron Simoneau, Michigan State

2025 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Honorees
Joshua Daggett, Illinois
Nolan Satterfield, Indiana
Eli Arbuckle, Iowa
Kyler McNatt, Michigan
Jack Pennewell, Michigan State
Emett Gerres, Minnesota
Grant Wasserman, Nebraska
Kevin Agnew, Ohio State
Evan Bishop, Oregon
Brendan Flynn, Penn State
Douglas Buckeridge, Purdue
Maan Patel, Rutgers
Kai Mitchell-Reiss, UCLA
Jamar Distel, Washington
Bryce Stachewicz, Wisconsin

Oregon Wins 2025 Men’s Cross Country Championship

Unknown — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Photo by Kelly Branigan

Men's Results | Championships Central | 2025 Big Ten Cross Country Champions Merch

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Oregon men’s cross country team claimed its first team title after winning the 2025 Big Ten Cross Country Championship, hosted by Michigan State University at Forest Akers East Golf Course.

The Ducks totaled 36 points, which included five runners placing in the top 15. Michigan State tallied 68 points, and Wisconsin recorded 90 points to round out the podium finishers.

Oregon’s Abdel Laadjel claimed the individual title, finishing the 8K course in a time of 23:11.6. Michigan State’s Riley Hough and Thomas Westphal, three-time Big Ten Athlete and Freshman of the Week award winners respectively this season, finished second and third.

This marks the first time a team other than Wisconsin has won the men’s team title since 2017, and the first time a runner other than the Badgers’ Bob Liking, who graduated last year, has won the individual title since 2020.

Oregon coach Jerry Schumacher also became the first coach to win a cross country title for multiple teams in the Big Ten. He previously won 11 titles with Wisconsin and now earned his first with the Ducks.

The top 10 finishers at the Big Ten Championships garnered first team All-Big Ten honors, while competitors in places 11-20 received second team laurels. The five highest-finishing freshmen earned a spot on the all-freshman team.

2025 Men’s Cross Country All-Big Ten Honors
First Team
Abdel Laadjel, Oregon
Riley Hough, Michigan State
Thomas Westphal, Michigan State
Evan Bishop, Oregon
Jamar Distel, Washington
Aiden Smith, Oregon
Douglas Buckeridge, Purdue
Christian de Vaal, Wisconsin
Matan Ivri, Wisconsin
Liam Newhart, Wisconsin

Second Team
Nathan Lopez, Michigan
Benjamin Balazs, Oregon
Connor Burns, Oregon
Trent McFarland, Michigan
Luke Venhuizen, Michigan
Michael Hegarty, Michigan State
Simeon Birnbaum, Oregon
Nathan Walker, Purdue
Tayson Echohawk, Oregon
Jack Meier, Oregon

All-Freshman Team
Thomas Westphal, Michigan State
Jack Meier, Oregon
Andreas Dybdahl, UCLA
Everett Capelle, UCLA
Aloysius Franzen, Minnesota

2025 Big Ten Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships Central

Unknown — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

OCTOBER 31, 2025
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY - FOREST AKERS EAST GOLF COURSE

MEN'S RECAP | WOMEN'S RECAP | RESULTS | FOREST AKERS EAST GOLF COURSE | MICHIGAN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL

2025 BIG TEN MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIPS MERCHANDISE | 2025 BIG TEN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIPS MERCHANDISE

MEN'S RECORD BOOK | WOMEN'S RECORD BOOK | USTFCCCA POLLS | PARKING | ABOUT EAST LANSING

LOCAL TRAFFIC UPDATE
Mount Hope will be CLOSED between Farm Ln. and Harrison Rd. on Friday. Please plan an alternate route. If you use any wayfinding apps, they will guide you around the closure as well.

*Fans can watch the races live on Big Ten Network

SCHEDULE
TIME (ET)	EVENT	LOCATION
9:00 a.m.	Gates Open to Public	Forest Akers East Golf Course
10:35 a.m.	Men's 8K Race	Forest Akers East 8K Course
11:35 a.m.	Women's 6K Race	Forest Akers East 6K Course
12:30 p.m.	Awards Ceremony	Finish Line Area

SCHOOL INFORMATION
School	Home	Roster	Schedule
Illinois	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Indiana	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Iowa	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Maryland	Women	Women	Women
Michigan	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Michigan State	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Minnesota	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Nebraska	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Northwestern	Women	Women	Women
Ohio State	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Oregon	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Penn State	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Purdue	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Rutgers	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
UCLA	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
USC	Women	Women	Women
Washington	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Wisconsin	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women

Michigan Garners Final Weekly Men’s Cross Country Award

Unknown — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference has announced its Men’s Cross Country weekly award winner for the week of Oct. 22–Oct. 29, 2025.

Athlete of the Week
Camden Law, Michigan
Junior – Littleton, Colo. – Chatfield Senior High School – Major: Business Administration

Finished fifth overall and first for the Wolverines in the Eastern Michigan Fall Classic
His 5k time of 15:20.2 was a personal best and averaged a 4:55.9 mile pace
Last Michigan Athlete of the Week award: Nolan Clark (Sept. 3, 2025

2025 Men’s Cross Country Athletes of the Week

Sept. 3
Athlete: Nolan Clark, MICH
Freshman: Nate Assa, PUR

Sept. 10
Athlete: Kevin Agnew, OSU
Freshman: Isaac Oppermann, PSU

Sept. 17
Athlete: Riley Hough, MSU
Freshman: Thomas Westphal, MSU

Sept. 24
Athlete: Luke Knepp, IOWA
Freshman: Nolan Sutter, MINN

Oct. 1
Athlete: Riley Hough, MSU
Freshman: Thomas Westphal, MSU

Oct. 8
Athlete: Douglas Buckeridge, PUR
Freshman: Jaxson Schoedel, PSU

Oct. 15
Athlete: Benjamin Balazs, ORE
Freshman: Andreas Dybdahl, UCLA

Oct. 22
Athlete: Riley Hough, MSU
Freshman: Thomas Westphal, MSU

Oct. 29
Athlete: Camden Law, MICH
Freshman: N/A

Michigan State Takes Home Weekly Men’s Cross Country Honors

Unknown — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference has announced its Men’s Cross Country weekly award winners for the week of Oct. 15–Oct. 22, 2025.

Athlete of the Week
Riley Hough, Michigan State
Senior – Hartland, Mich. – Hartland High School – Major: Kinesiology

Earned an eighth-place finish at the Nuttycombe Invitational with an 8K time of 23:32.1
Hough was the highest finishing Big Ten athlete in the race
Led the Spartans to a seventh-place finish with 245 points, which was best among the Big Ten schools
Hough's third Athlete of the Week award this season. Last: Oct. 1, 2025

Freshman of the Week
Thomas Westphal, Michigan State
Freshman – Fair Haven, Mich. – New Baltimore Anchor Bay –Major: Kinesiology

Finished 23^rd overall with a time of 23:40.3 at the Nuttycombe Invitational 8K
Westphal’s efforts helped the Spartans to a seventh-place team finish, which was the top Big Ten finish
As a freshman, Westphal was second best in his effort for the Spartans
Westphal’s third Freshman of the Week award this season. Last: Oct. 1, 2025