The University of Wisconsin didn’t need to look far to find its next distance-running coach, selecting one of its own all-time greats to steer the powerhouse program into the future.
On Thursday, Wisconsin Athletics announced the appointment of Chris Solinsky as the new Director of Track & Field and Cross Country, following an extensive national search.
Solinsky, a Badger Hall of Famer, returns to the helm of a program he helped put on the global map as an athlete. He succeeds the legendary Mick Byrne, who is set to step down at the conclusion of the 2026 outdoor season. Byrne leaves big shoes to fill as the winningest coach in Big Ten men’s cross country history with 14 conference titles. However, if anyone possesses the championship pedigree to take the baton, it’s Solinsky.
“Chris understands the culture, expectations, and commitment essential to succeeding as a Badger,” said Wisconsin Interim Director of Athletics Marcus Sedberry. “His coaching journey, along with his experience as a student-athlete, has helped shape him into a championship-calibre leader who is gifted in recruiting, developing talent, building culture and competing at the highest levels.”
To distance running fans, Solinsky needs no introduction. He is forever etched into athletics lore as the first non-African athlete to break the 27-minute barrier in the 10,000 metres, famously clocking a stunning 26:59.60 American record in 2010 at the Payton Jordan Invitational. During his collegiate days in Madison, he captured five NCAA titles and 14 All-American nods, leading the Badgers to team national titles in cross country (2005) and indoor track (2007).
Since hanging up his racing spikes, Solinsky has quietly built one of the most formidable coaching resumes in the NCAA.
He most recently spent three seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Oregon (2023–2025), where he helped guide the Ducks to three Big Ten cross country titles and the 2025 NCAA Women’s Indoor Track Championship. Prior to his stint in Eugene, Solinsky spent five seasons with the Florida Gators (2018–2022), contributing to four SEC titles and five national championships.
Solinsky’s mid-distance and distance acumen has been evident in the individual athletes he has moulded. At Oregon, he coached Matthew Erickson to the 2025 NCAA indoor 800m title. At Florida, he was instrumental in the rise of NCAA powerhouse Parker Valby, guiding her to national runner-up finishes in cross country and the outdoor 5,000m back in 2022. His coaching stops also include William & Mary and a volunteer stint with the Portland Pilots. Most recently, he served as the Executive Director of the W Club at Wisconsin.
For Solinsky, the appointment is the culmination of a lifelong ambition.
“I want to thank Dr. Marcus Sedberry and the rest of the search committee for entrusting me with the future of this amazing program,” Solinsky said. “It has long been a dream of mine to be right here in this moment. Wisconsin and this program mean a great deal to me and I do not take lightly the responsibility I have to take the baton into the future.”
Solinsky also expressed gratitude to his family for their unwavering support throughout the transient lifestyle of collegiate coaching.
“I am thankful to my wife, Amy, for being the heavy lifter and the rock of our family. I would not be able to do what I do without her! I am thankful for our kids, Ayla, Archer, and Easton and their willingness to adapt through this journey of ours. I appreciate all the coaches and student-athletes I have worked with along the way that have shaped me as a coach and person, and I cannot wait to get started!! Go Badgers, On, Wisconsin!”
With Solinsky back at the track where his legendary status was forged, Wisconsin looks poised to maintain its status as a premier destination for elite collegiate athletics.
