Wisconsin Hosts 17th Annual Nuttycombe Invitational
The University of Wisconsin men's and women's cross country teams competed at the Thomas Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Track & Field
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The University of Wisconsin hosted the 17th annual Nuttycombe Invitational on Friday, featuring a women's 6k and a men's 8k race. The Badgers men's team secured a ninth-place finish, while the women's team finished 33rd overall.
Why it matters
The high-profile meet serves as a key barometer for collegiate cross country, attracting 21 teams currently ranked in the top 30 by the USTFCCCA. Participation in these elite heats provides essential racing experience as programs prepare for conference championships.
Four Wisconsin men's runners completed the 8k race in under 23 minutes. Individual finisher Emmerson Drobac placed 114th in the competitive field.
The players
Emmerson Drobac
Emmerson Drobac is a cross country runner who finished in 114th place at the Nuttycombe Invitational.
Chris Solinsky
Chris Solinsky is the coach who will lead the team through his first post-season appearance.
The details
The invitational took place at the Thomas Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course and utilized both 'A' and 'B' heat structures to accommodate the large number of participating programs. This event marks a major mid-season milestone for the Badgers' cross country program.
Timeline
The Nuttycombe Invitational was held on Friday, October 10, 2026.
The Big Ten Championships are scheduled for October 30, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The meet serves as a critical indicator of regional strength against the USTFCCCA top 30 national rankings. Performance here helps teams calibrate their rosters ahead of the upcoming Big Ten Championship meet.
The ninth-place finish for the men's team provides a performance baseline as they head into post-season competition. Fans should look for roster adjustments during the upcoming Big Ten Championships on October 30.
The takeaway
This event highlights the depth of competition in collegiate cross country as teams transition into the championship phase of the season. Athletes and coaches will use these results to refine training regimens in the weeks leading up to conference titles.
What happens next
The Wisconsin Badgers are scheduled to compete in the Big Ten Championships at the Zimmer Course on October 30, 2026.
Further reading
For more local coverage of the program, visit Track & Field.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Badger Herald.
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