Wisconsin’s Bob Liking Sets the Pace as Big Ten Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Year

Bob Liking isn’t just running; he’s rewriting the record books. The Wisconsin senior was unanimously named the 2024 Big Ten Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Year, a nod from conference head coaches that cements his place among cross country royalty. It’s his first postseason honor, but with a career like his, you have to wonder why it took this long.

Liking is the 17th Badger to earn the title and just the eighth athlete in Big Ten history to snag it with a unanimous vote. He’s not just fast; he’s legendary. Case in point: his performance at the 2024 NCAA DI Cross Country Championships. Clocking in at 29:09.2 in the grueling 10K, he placed 16th overall, standing as the only Big Ten runner to crack the top 20. More importantly, his effort powered Wisconsin to a fourth-place team finish—their best showing since 2012.

But let’s rewind to where it all started: the 2024 Big Ten Cross Country Championships. Liking didn’t just win; he dominated. He crossed the 8K finish line in a blazing 22:47.3, smashing the championships record and securing his fourth individual title. This feat puts him in the same league as cross country legends Craig Virgin (Illinois), Bob Kennedy (Indiana), and Kevin Sullivan (Michigan)—the only other runners in Big Ten history to win four individual championships. Talk about rare air.

Wisconsin also claimed its seventh-straight team championship, thanks in no small part to Liking’s leadership and jaw-dropping performances. When asked about his record-breaking run, Liking probably just smiled—because when you’re this good, you let your legs do the talking.

Recognition Beyond the Big Ten

The accolades didn’t stop there. The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) named Liking the Great Lakes Region Athlete of the Year, an honor he last won in 2022. If consistency is key, Liking has the lock picked. He also earned First Team All-Big Ten honors, All-Region recognition, and his fourth All-America title. That’s not just a good season; that’s a mic drop.

Born and raised in St. Charles, Illinois, Liking’s journey from high school standout to college phenom has been nothing short of inspiring. He’s a testament to what happens when talent, hard work, and a touch of Midwest grit combine. Whether he’s pacing his team to victory or carving his name into cross country history, Liking is the kind of athlete who elevates everyone around him.

Legacy in the Making

For Wisconsin fans, Liking’s career isn’t just a chapter in the program’s storied history—it’s a highlight reel. With every title and every record, he’s reminded us why cross country is as much about heart as it is about speed. And while this might be his first Big Ten postseason honor, it likely won’t be his last. As Liking prepares to lace up for whatever comes next, one thing’s for sure: he’s left a legacy that will be hard to beat.