The UW Oshkosh men’s cross country team sent three individual qualifiers to the NCAA Division III Championship on Saturday, Nov. 22, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Seniors Cameron Cullen, Paul Proteau and Trent Chadwick represented the Titans in what was a successful trip.
The trio earned a trip to the nationals after Cullen placed ninth with a time of 24:52 and Proteau finished 13th with a 25:05 mark, marking their second All-Region award for both of them. Chadwick earned his first All-Region honor with a time of 25:34, placing him 27th.
At nationals, Cullen ran a 24:26.8, averaging a 4:56 mile pace, and finished 20th overall, becoming the first All-American for Oshkosh since 2019.
Cullen was overwhelmed with emotion in the final moments of the race.
“As I crossed that finish line, I put my fingers up to the sky and pointed up as a sign that I was able to accomplish this goal of All-America through God and for God,” Cullen said. “I was overcome with joy as a goal I had spent the last four years and thousands of miles (around 10,000) chasing was finally attained.”
He added that he was especially grateful for the teammates, coaches and family members who pushed and supported him throughout his journey.
Cullen called the race the proudest moment of his Titan career.
“Showing up and having the best race of my life in the biggest race of my life was awesome,” Cullen said. “Taking 20th place and becoming the 44th Cross Country All-American in Oshkosh history is super cool, and I am honored to put my name in the history books.”
Head coach Eamon McKenna praised Cullen for his commitment and resilience, especially after a health setback last season.
“Cameron has a very serious and disciplined demeanor and approach to pretty much everything he does in life,” McKenna said. “He is ultra-competitive, and that is easily observed as a runner, as a student or even just playing games or having discussions with the team.”
Proteau finished the championship at 25:44.9, placing him 163rd overall with a 5:11 mile pace. He completed his career with two career All-Region performances, an All-WIAC Honorable Mention award and two national championship appearances.
The Titans saw Proteau as a highly touted runner in a promising recruiting class because of his scoring abilities. He put together the experience, wisdom and patience he gained to have his best season.
McKenna said Proteau’s journey this season was about rediscovering the joy he had lost after qualifying for nationals as a sophomore in 2023.
“Paul’s intensity and need to feel something while running always helped him push to new heights,” McKenna said. “This year was emblematic of his love for the grind and the sport.”
Chadwick finished his last race as a senior with a time of 25:45.3, putting him two spots behind Proteau with an overall placement of 165th and a 5:11 mile pace at nationals, after achieving his first All-Region honors at the North Regional Championship.
Chadwick wasn’t expected to be a varsity runner early in his career, but he continued to work hard and moved his way up the ranks among the Titans.
“Making the NCAA championship means a lot to me,” Chadwick said. “Thinking back to my high school self … someone who didn’t even know if he wanted to run in college … and seeing all that doubt disappear made qualifying feel surreal.”
“Trent’s toughness and intensity in chasing something special set him up to reach nationals as an individual, a wild achievement based on his starting point,” McKenna said.
Chadwick will remember his time in Oshkosh fondly.
“I think that Oshkosh is the best place I could have gone to get the growth I have gotten,” Chadwick said “I will remember the connections I have made and the people I have made an impact for and the people who have made an impact on me. It was really eye-opening going into nationals this year with all the support I have gotten and all the people I talk to on the weekly and them reaching out, stating that they are proud and look up to me.”
In reflecting on the trio’s careers, McKenna said the seniors have left a lasting mark on the program.
“I am very proud of all three of these guys for setting strong examples for our team, and even when they weren’t perfect … each of them has a redemption story based on resilience .…,” McKenna said. “It was a special honor to see these three men achieve things and earn accolades they never had before during their senior year, and it was so rewarding to see them conclude their UWO cross-country careers at the national championships.”
