WAUKESHA, Wis. – The 2021 Carroll University men's cross country team has seen growth every year since rejoining the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin in 2016. The men's program, after coming off a fourth-place finish at the 2019 CCIW Championships, is ready to keep climbing up the ranks of the conference.
 
"Our upperclassmen deserve a lot of credit for our growth," says Head Cross Country Coach Shawn Thielitz. "They have put in a lot of time training to make themselves better runners and more importantly time to make themselves great leaders."
 
Led by returning graduate students Kyle Adams and Zach Benes, along with senior Spencer Kirsteatter, the depth doesn't stop there for the Pios. "Having a group of guys across all ages, and talent brings a great (friendly) competitive mindset" says Graduate Student Zach Benes. "When you're all alone it's hard to go out and tell yourself to exert your best effort. It is a lot easier when you are surrounded by teammates who are all gunning for that top-five scoring spot in a race."
 
"We have the perfect number of upperclassmen who have competed in the CCIW and understand what it takes to be successful in this conference," says Thielitz when asked about his favorite part of this year's men's team. "Their leadership will be key in bringing along the underclassmen.  I like the team's desire to succeed this year and willingness to put the team first when it comes to our goals."
 
The Pioneer men's cross country team competes in five meets this season before the 2021 CCIW Championships, and hopes to outperform expectations at the NCAA Midwest Regional in November. "Hard work has been put in to achieve these long-term goals we have set. The team is hungry to tear up some dirt and compete" Says Benes.  The team begins its season on Saturday, September 4 at the annual Tom Barry Invitational at St. Norbert.