On the first day of the Big Ten Indoor Championships, the Badgers place on the podium.

The first day of the Big Ten Indoor Championships was nothing short of spectacular for the Wisconsin Badgers track and field team. As the event unfolded in 2025, the Badgers rose to the occasion, showcasing their talent, grit, and determination in what promises to be another competitive year for one of the most storied programs in collegiate athletics. The team’s performance on the first day of the competition was marked by outstanding individual efforts and several podium finishes, setting the stage for what will surely be an exciting conclusion to the championships.

As the Badgers made their presence felt on the track, the day was not only about individual achievements but also a testament to the collective spirit and hard work that has defined Wisconsin track and field for decades. In this article, we’ll break down the highlights from the first day of the Big Ten Indoor Championships, focusing on the key events, standout performances, and what this strong start means for the team as they continue their quest for conference and national glory.

Setting the Stage: The Big Ten Indoor Championships

The Big Ten Indoor Championships are a highlight of the collegiate track and field calendar, bringing together the best athletes from the Big Ten Conference. With powerhouses like Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State competing alongside the Badgers, the meet is always intensely competitive. The championship not only serves as a way for athletes to earn recognition and qualify for national events but also as an important test of endurance, speed, and strength.

Held annually, the Big Ten Indoor Championships bring together the conference’s top athletes in events ranging from sprints to distance races, and from field events like high jump and pole vault to throwing events such as shot put and weight throw. Wisconsin’s track and field program has a rich history, and the Badgers are always a force to be reckoned with, whether it’s in the sprints, middle-distance, long-distance, or field events. The team’s balance across disciplines gives them an edge when it comes to scoring points in various segments of the meet.

The Badgers’ Strong Start: Day One Highlights

The first day of the Big Ten Indoor Championships was filled with anticipation, and Wisconsin wasted no time making a statement. The team’s athletes came out with a sense of urgency and determination, knowing that every point earned in the early rounds could be crucial in the team’s bid for a high finish in the overall standings.

1. Distance Runners Lead the Way

One of the hallmarks of Wisconsin’s track and field program has always been its strength in distance events. The Badgers have a storied tradition of producing elite middle and long-distance runners, and the first day of the Big Ten Championships was no exception.

Owen Haskins, a senior who has been a key figure for the Badgers in the 3,000m and 5,000m events, turned heads on the first day of competition. Running with poise and strategy, Haskins placed on the podium in the 3,000m, securing a third-place finish. His ability to manage his pace while maintaining a strong final lap was a testament to his years of experience and the training he has undergone under the guidance of Wisconsin’s coaching staff. Haskins’ performance earned the Badgers six important points, putting the team in a strong position as the first day of the competition came to a close.

Similarly, Megan McCabe, another standout distance runner for Wisconsin, impressed in the women’s 5,000m. Her pacing was methodical, and despite the stiff competition from top-tier athletes from other Big Ten schools, McCabe finished second overall, earning a silver medal and contributing another eight points for the team. Her performance was not only a personal achievement but also a significant contribution to the Badgers’ overall points total.

The Badgers’ distance runners have long been a source of pride for the program, and their ability to perform on the national stage is always a point of focus. With the strong finishes from Haskins and McCabe, it was clear that Wisconsin was in the mix for a high team finish at the Big Ten Championships.

2. Success in the Sprints and Hurdles

While Wisconsin is traditionally strong in distance events, the team has made impressive strides in the sprints and hurdles as well. The first day of competition saw Carmen King, a rising star in the 60m hurdles, showcase her elite speed and agility. In what was a highly competitive field, King managed to finish in third place, securing a crucial bronze medal and six points for the Badgers. Her performance in the preliminary and final rounds displayed her ability to handle the pressure of the championship setting, and her consistency throughout the race was a key factor in her success.

King’s strong showing in the 60m hurdles wasn’t the only highlight in the sprints. The Badgers’ relay teams also performed admirably, advancing to the finals in both the men’s and women’s 4x400m relays. Although these events are scheduled for the second day of the competition, the Badgers’ strong performances in the heats set them up for a shot at the podium. Relay races are often where teams can make a significant leap in the overall standings, and Wisconsin’s depth in sprinting and relay events bodes well for the team moving forward.

3. Field Event Standouts

In addition to the track events, Wisconsin also saw success in the field events, where they have consistently performed well over the years. On the first day, Elise Girard, competing in the women’s pole vault, had a standout performance. Known for her incredible flexibility and focus, Girard cleared a height of 4.25m, earning herself a third-place finish and contributing another crucial six points to the team’s overall tally.

The Badgers also showed strength in the throwing events, with David Kaminski securing a fourth-place finish in the men’s weight throw. Kaminski, a senior with a knack for rising to the occasion, had one of his best performances of the season. His mark of 19.20 meters was not only a personal best but also a critical contribution to the team’s efforts. Although he missed the podium, Kaminski’s performance was a sign of his continued improvement and his value to the team.

Another highlight in the field events came from Jillian Murphy, who competed in the women’s shot put. Her throw of 15.40 meters earned her a fifth-place finish, which may not have been enough for a podium spot, but it still earned Wisconsin valuable points.

The field events are always an area where teams can make up ground in the overall standings, and with key performances from Girard, Kaminski, and Murphy, the Badgers were able to secure a respectable number of points and maintain their position near the top of the leaderboard.

Team Standings After Day One

After the first day of competition, the Badgers found themselves in a strong position. With contributions from their distance runners, sprinters, and field event athletes, Wisconsin had accumulated a total of 32 points. This put them in the mix for a top-three finish, which would be an important milestone in their quest for a Big Ten title.

At the end of day one, Indiana was leading the standings with 38 points, while Minnesota was in second place with 34 points, just ahead of the Badgers. The competition was fierce, and every point would count as the meet continued into the second and final day.

Wisconsin’s strong first-day performance demonstrated that they were ready to contend for the title. With several key events still to come, including the men’s and women’s mile, 4x400m relay, and high jump, the Badgers knew they needed to maintain their momentum if they were to secure a podium finish.

Looking Ahead: Day Two Expectations

As the Badgers entered day two of the championships, there were several events to look forward to, particularly in the middle-distance and sprinting categories. The 4x400m relays, in which Wisconsin had qualified for the finals, were a crucial opportunity to earn big points. The men’s and women’s mile events also promised to be exciting, with Wisconsin’s athletes positioned to make a strong push.

In addition to the sprints and middle-distance races, the field events were far from over. The men’s high jump, featuring Wisconsin’s talented jumper Ethan Meyer, would be another event where the Badgers had a legitimate chance at placing high. With Wisconsin’s depth and strong performances on day one, the team’s focus shifted to capitalizing on every opportunity to score points.

 A Promising Start for the Badgers

The first day of the 2025 Big Ten Indoor Championships was a promising start for the Wisconsin Badgers, who made an immediate impact with podium finishes and valuable points across multiple events. With strong performances from their distance runners, sprinters, and field event athletes, Wisconsin showed that they are capable of competing with the best in the Big Ten. While there is still plenty of work to do on day two, the Badgers have laid a solid foundation for a strong finish and are well-positioned to challenge for a top spot on the podium.

As the meet continues, Wisconsin’s athletes will undoubtedly carry the momentum from their impressive performances into the final day of competition. Whether they can secure a Big Ten title or a top-three finish remains to be seen, but the Badgers have proven once again that they are one of the premier teams in college track and field. The journey is far from over, and the Badgers will continue to give their all in pursuit of conference glory.