“Minnesota Athletics: A Leading Force in University Sports”

MINNEAPOLIS – The Big Ten Conference has announced the recipients of its first postseason cross country awards. Redshirt senior Taylor Kreitinger and redshirt sophomore Leo Goodman from the University of Minnesota have both been honored with the conference’s Sportsmanship Award. The Sportsmanship Award recognizes individuals who have displayed exceptional dedication, sportsmanship, and honorable conduct. These student-athletes must also maintain good academic standing and exhibit good citizenship outside of their sports involvement.

Taylor Kreitinger has been a top performer for Minnesota throughout the season, finishing either as the team’s No. 1 or No. 2 runner on three different occasions. She achieved the team’s best finish at both the Badger Classic in September and the Joe Piane Invite at Notre Dame later that month. Kreitinger recorded a personal best 5K time of 17:11.3 at Notre Dame, finishing in 28th place. She also qualified for the NCAA track and field regional championships in the 3000m steeplechase last outdoor season.

Leo Goodman has had an outstanding season at the collegiate level, achieving two personal bests during the 2023 season. He set an 8K lifetime best at the XC23 NCAA Pre-Nationals meet in Virginia, finishing second on the team with a time of 24:28.2. Additionally, he finished second on the team at the 2023 Griak Invitational.

The University of Minnesota’s men’s and women’s cross country teams will be competing in the NCAA Midwest Regional in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Friday, November 10. The Regional Championships will be hosted by Oklahoma State University on the Greiner Family OSU Cross Country Course.

For more information on the Gophers, visit GopherSports.com. Stay updated on the University of Minnesota cross country and track and field team by following them on Twitter and Instagram (@GopherCCTF) and on Facebook, to ensure you don’t miss any content during the 2023 cross country season.