The University of Wisconsin men's cross country team, the defending national champions, has the nation's most potent running weapon: Chris Solinsky.

The three-time All-American and team tri-captain is back for his fourth and final cross country season, giving the cross country team the potential to repeat as national champs and prove to the rest of the cross country nation that they are not just a one-hit wonder.

After a very successful track season, and a vigorous off season training, Solinsky is prepared to take part in two weeks in his first race of the season at the Notre Dame Invitational in South Bend, Ind.

"I feel pretty good, I feel a lot stronger than I have been in the years past, and I feel as though it's going to help a lot," Solinsky said. "I feel as though I'm in a lot better shape. I feel like this year could be better results in cross country than last year, and hopefully I can improve on how I place and do better than I did in the NCAA [championships] last year."

In order to prepare himself, Solinsky has participated in vigorous training workouts to improve on his already impressive cross country and track resume.

"[Training] went pretty well, I did a lot of high mileage work, in probably 4-5 weeks I ran over 100 miles," Solinsky said. "I took some time off after track and built my base back up like I did last year, but trained with a little higher mileage."

Solinsky is at full strength and well-prepared to start his 2006 cross country campaign.

"I am healthy right now and I am anxiously awaiting my first race," Solinsky said.

Solinsky and his teammates are excited to start off the season as reigning national champions and they are ready to duplicate last year's success. Solinsky firmly believes that this is an obtainable goal and that the preseason ranking of No. 1 is no fluke.

"Definitely our team goal is to repeat [as national champions], and obviously to win the Big Ten [championship] for the seventh straight year," Solinsky affirmed. "To repeat as national champions is our main goal, to show the country that we aren't just a one-hit wonder and that we can do it year in and year out and show how we are a strong program."

Solinsky is ready to do what he can to help the team in any way. He is focused on putting his personal goals aside to further advance the team goal of a repeat.

"I mainly just want to do what I can, to help the team win, that's my first concern." Solinsky said.

The three-time All-American and a two-time reigning 3,000-meter champion — a feat unheard of in track — hasn't been getting as much publicity off campus as most would expect, but that doesn't trouble Solinsky.

"I would say that I've received more attention this year than the years past," Solinsky stated. "But I don't expect any more or any less."

Badger fans have a lot to look forward to for this cross country season. As Solinsky starts his final cross country season, there is no telling who the Badgers will leave in the dust in their campaign to win yet another Big Ten championship and also to repeat as national champions.