BREAKING: Wisconsin Hires Chris Solinsky as Badgers' Next Director of Cross Country and Track & Field

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Earlier today, the University of Wisconsin announced that they have hired Chris Solinsky as the Badgers' next Director of Cross Country and Track & Field. The hiring comes a month-and-a-half after it was announced that long-time Director Mick Byrne would be retiring from the role at the conclusion of this outdoor track season.

Solinsky previously coached distance athletes at Oregon, Florida and William & Mary. He was most notably responsible for the recruitment and initial development of Gator superstar Parker Valby before joining the Ducks as an assistant coach in 2023.

Back in January, Solinsky surprised many by stepping away from his assistant coaching role at the University of Oregon to be hired as the Executive Director of the "W Club" at the Wisconsin, described as a, "lifelong engagement hub for all Letterwinners who have earned a varsity letter in their sport."

According to one source who was familiar with the coaching search, the University of Wisconsin pursued multiple big-name distance coaches around the country. Per our source, at least three of the candidates who interim Athletic Director Marcus Sedberry pursued either passed on the role or expressed limited interest.

Solinsky is a hire that makes plenty of sense for the Madison-based program. Not only was he directly involved with the University of Wisconsin's "W Club," but he is also an alumnus of the Badgers' distance program. During his time as an NCAA athlete, Solinsky won five individual national titles (all on the track) and led Wisconsin to the men's team title at the 2005 NCAA XC Championships.

He was introduced into the Badger Hall of Fame in 2017.

Solinsky, who was coached by Jerry Schumacher while at Wisconsin, would reunite with his college coach by joining Nike's Bowerman Track Club (based in Portland, Oregon) in 2009.

Solinsky would go on to have a decorated pro career. He iconically became the first American to ever break the 27-minute barrier over 10,000 meters. Solinsky ended his pro career with personal best times of 7:34 (3k), 12:55 (5k) and 26:59 (10k).