Admin (Garrett Zatlin)
Nov 27, 20232 min
Earlier today, Division Two distance running superstar, Lindsay Cunningham, announced that she will be finishing her collegiate eligibility as a graduate transfer with the Wisconsin women starting next fall.
The current Winona State distance ace is expected to have one season of cross country eligibility remaining. And if we are to assume that she will be racing (attached) this winter and spring, then she will join the Badgers with one season of indoor track eligibility and one season of outdoor track eligibility remaining (strictly according to TFRRS).
Over the last few years, Cunningham has evolved into an all-time great at the Division Two level. In total, she has (currently) collected nine All-American honors, four of which were national title victories across all three seasons of competition.
Cunningham, who has been known for her aggressive front-running approach, has also produced some of the fastest performances ever seen in Division Two history. The current Warrior star has run times of 9:10 (3k), 15:41 (5k) and 32:43 (10k).
The former mark currently sits at NCAA #5 (D2) all-time while her 5k PR is the NCAA D2 indoor record. On the outdoor oval, Cunningham sits at NCAA #8 (D2) all-time over 5000 meters and at NCAA #3 (D2) all-time over 10,000 meters.
The Wisconsin women are coming off of a cross country season where they finished runner-up at the BIG 10 XC Championships and were 22nd at the NCAA XC Championships. The Badgers held a complete lineup and solid depth, although additional firepower behind top-50 talent, Leane Willemse, was very clearly needed in order for this traditional midwest power to standout in nationally competitive fields.
According to TFRRS, multiple members of the Badgers' varsity contingent are set to graduate. However, key contributors such as Willemse, Bella Jacobsen and Kylie Finger are expected to return, thus giving Coach Lindsay Crevoiserat a strong core with two low-sticks (including Cunningham) to develop and build around.
With a more potent group set to headline their 2024 lineup, the Badgers could be in contention for the BIG 10 team title given how many key departures the Michigan State women will be dealing with.
It should also be noted that the Wisconsin women have been rumored to be in contention for another top name who is expected to make their transfer decision in the coming week or two. That, however, is not yet confirmed.