Caleb Brown Talks Decision To Join Badgers


Newly minted Division 2 State Champion, Caleb Brown has decided on his collegiate home for the next four years. The Shelby senior will be off to Madison to represent the University of Wisconsin for cross country in the fall of 2020 and distance track events beginning in the winter of 2021.      

Brown has been untouchable during the current XC campaign, as he's authored wins in all seven of his outings, with three of those first place marks being south of the 15 minute standard. He resides at No. 1 in Ohio's overall rankings and twenty-third nation-wide due to his 14:51.20 clocking at the OHSAA District - Galion meet.

His recent victory at the Ohio Cross Country Championship complements indoor and outdoor state titles that he earned during his junior year. Brown is the reigning D2/D3 OATCCC 3200 champion and the D2 OHSAA 1600 and 3200 champion.

His success is not exclusive to in-state competitions, however. Brown has been a regular at regional and national gatherings over the years and he counts a first place effort in the 2 mile contest at NBNO last summer among his career highlights. He'll join Michigan-talent, Evan Bishop (East Grand Rapids) and former Minster stand-out, Emma Watcke (now representing Hinsdale Central, IL) in the Badgers in-coming freshman class. 

Caleb provided MileSplit with some context regarding his big decision - 

What made the University of Wisconsin the right place for you? 

"UW set itself apart from other schools I was considering because of the team bond that's shared and the overall consistency of success they've experienced over the past 20+ years." 

Who are the coaches, teammates and family members you credit for helping you to reach this point? 

"A lot of credit goes out to Coach Chris Zeurcher and of course my family. My coach has always kept my training exactly where it needed to be and obviously my family has provided me with more than enough nutrition, opportunities, resources and support throughout my entire lifetime. Lastly, a big shout-out to all my Shelby teammates that I've had during the last four years. You guys made this all possible!" 

Talk about some goals you've established for yourself and, in general, some of the excitement you have about competing at the next level. 

"Initial goals I've already thought about are winning a few more B1G Championship titles in cross country and having solid performances as a team at national meets over the next four years."

"Also, I'm super excited to make that jump to up to the 8k-10k distance. I've always enjoyed longer distances and I can't wait to start racing them regularly." 

Is there anything else that you'd like to add? 

"Yes, I'd like to add that forever my goal is to represent the city of Shelby and the Brown last name. Going to Wisconsin is such a blessing and an honor, but that won't define who I am. Finally, I'd like to thank everyone who has been involved in this journey with me. Go Badgers!"   

Coverage - 

Personal Records High School

Outdoor
800 Meter Run2:03.20
1600 Meter Run4:13.26
One Mile Run4:15.08
3200 Meter Run9:05.16
Two Mile Run9:04.18
Indoor
1600 Meter Run4:20.40
One Mile Run4:35.93
3200 Meter Run9:07.56
5000 Meter Run14:53.59
CC
One Mile Run14:17.20
5000 Meter Run14:51.20


Caleb shared some thoughts following his victory at the Division 2 XC Championship -