The 2024 UW-Whitewater men’s cross country senior class is stacked. With six seniors in total, their strength showed in the Sept. 21 Tom Hoffman Invitational, where Gunner Schlender and Christian Patzka took the top two spots en route to a first-place team finish.
The third Warhawk senior in line that day was former Most Valuable Freshman award winner Chris Allen. A fourth-year runner from Downers Grove, Illinois, he’s been a high-impact runner for the squad every year of his Warhawk career. Now, he has one final year to leave a larger legacy.
Allen sat down with the Royal Purple to discuss seniority, development as a runner, and more.
Q: What are your emotions like now that you’re a senior?
A: It’s a mix of pride and nostalgia. Being a senior, there’s a sense of accomplishment in knowing how far I’ve come, but there’s also the realization that this is the last year I’ll compete as a Warhawk.
Q: You are just one of a great chunk of seniors on this cross country team. How can you all use your experience and leadership to guide the Warhawks to success this season?
A: As seniors, we’ve been through it all — the highs, the lows, the tough races, and the moments of victory. That experience gives us the ability to stay calm under pressure and to lead by example. We can help the younger guys navigate the mental and physical challenges of the season, ensuring that everyone feels confident and focused. I think our leadership will be key in fostering a strong team culture and maintaining that winning mentality.
Q: Which senior athletes have helped you the most in your Warhawk career?
A: I’ve learned a lot from several seniors, especially those who were upperclassmen when I first joined in 2021. They showed me the importance of dedication and resilience, both in training and in races. I’d say some of the captains and those who really embraced the team culture have had the biggest impact on my approach to racing and teamwork.
Q: What are some of your favorite moments as a Warhawk?
A: There have been so many great moments, but a few that stand out are the close races where our team came together to secure a victory. Those moments where everyone’s hard work paid off and we felt like we achieved something greater as a team are unforgettable. Traveling for meets, spending time with teammates, and those post-race celebrations have all been highlights.
Q: What improvements have you made since joining the Warhawks in 2021?
A: I’ve gotten better as a runner and a person. I’ve made significant strides both physically and mentally. My race times have improved as I’ve built more endurance and speed. Mentally, I’ve become much stronger at handling the pressures of competition and staying focused on my goals. I’ve also developed better race strategies, thanks to the guidance from coaches and teammates.
Q: Do you have any personal goals for the rest of the 2024 season?
A: For the rest of this season, I want to continue pushing myself and helping the team finish as strong as possible. On a personal level, I aim to set new personal bests in my races and help the team make it to nationals. More importantly, I want to make the most of every moment left and leave a legacy that future Warhawks can be proud of.
Allen and the Warhawks continue their season in Rock Island, Illinois, at the Augustana Interregional Oct. 19 before returning home to compete in the Warhawk Open Oct. 25.
