UW-Green Bay Cross Country

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟗𝟐𝟎.

Keeping the momentum rolling on the men’s side, we’re excited to welcome Zach Verhagen from Neenah High School in Neenah, WI! Zach brings a high school 5k personal best of 15:53. He chose Green Bay because of its outstanding Human Biology program and the homey feel that made it feel like the right fit.

Welcome to Phoenix Country, Zach! 💚

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐚 -> 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐧

Continuing on the men’s side, we’re excited to welcome Parker Spindler from Becker High School in Becker, MN! Parker brings personal bests of 4:32 in the 1600m, 9:42 in the 3200m, and 16:06 in the 5k. He chose Green Bay because of the team’s culture and values, and believes you can’t find a better coaching duo.

Welcome to Phoenix Country, Parker! 💚

𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧.

Beginning on the men’s side, we’re excited to welcome Jameson Koebel from Port Washington High School! Jameson posted a high school 5k personal best of 15:48. He chose Green Bay because it allowed him to stay close to home while offering plenty of great places to run, along with strong academic opportunities for his major.

Welcome to Phoenix Country, Jameson! 💚

Mike Kline Course of Excellence PLEDGE SECURED....

Thank you to the Heinberg Family ✅

"My family and I are so excited to give to the program and man that gave so much to us. From day one I knew Coach Kline was one of the most genuine humans I would ever encounter. Taking a chance on him as a young man profoundly impacted my life in so many positive ways. His passion is infectious, his morals never waver, and his care for others is unmatched. I learned so much from him not only as an athlete but even more so now as an alumni. He continues to pour into me and my family, to the point of even being the one marry my wife and I this past year.

Coach Kline will never be one to take the spotlight, but something like the Course Of Excellence is a small way I and other alumni can repay him for the countless lessons, hours of hard work, and years of dedication to the program. It is so well deserved Coach Kline. I hope others will join me in thanking him for the countless contributions he has made to our lives and to the UWGB Community as a whole." - Payton Heinberg

Who's going to be our next XC Alumni Pledge? https://shorturl.at/wqOpF

Mike Kline Course of Excellence PLEDGE SECURED....

Thank you to the Siltman Family ✅

"Coach Kline and the UWGB Cross Country program played a major role in shaping who I am today. Coach Kline is a man of unwavering principles, who always does things the right way. There are no shortcuts, and there are never excuses. He brings hard work and a commitment to excellence. At the same time, he is incredibly kind and genuinely cares about the people around him. He is always willing to offer encouragement, guidance, and support. These qualities have taught countless student-athletes lessons that extend far beyond running.

I had the privilege of being part of the cross country program during the first few years of our cross country course. During my senior year, our course hosted the Horizon League Cross Country Championships, which is one of my favorite memories from my time at UWGB. There was something special about training and competing on a course we proudly called home. This course has undoubtedly contributed to the team’s continued success. Coach Kline has poured his heart into Phoenix Athletics for decades, leaving a lasting impact on thousands of student-athletes. This recognition is a well-deserved celebration of that legacy." - Riley Siltman

Who's going to be our next XC Alumni Pledge? https://shorturl.at/wqOpF

48 hours left to get the early bird pricing!

Sign up today!!

Mike Kline Course of Excellence PLEDGE SECURED....

Thank you to the Blomsness Family ✅

"When I think about Coach Kline and my time at UWGB, a smile always comes to my face. From the time I first set foot on campus as a freshman, I immediately felt that I was welcomed to Phoenix Country and a part of a small family within the GB Cross Country team.

For a man with so many incredible qualities, I have to say that his integrity is the most impressive. He always does things the right way and he does so even when no one is watching. He doesn’t chase clout or personal gain, but rather operates for the betterment of his team and community always putting others before himself. While the lessons he taught and Zig Ziglar quotes he shared always resonated with me during the cross country season, they are even more impactful now. Great habits and great character are lessons that can always be translated into many walks of life and I am beyond fortunate to still be reaping the benefits of the lessons and memories instilled within me from Coach. Quite frankly, Coach Kline is one of the most genuinely great people I have ever met in my life and I can’t think of another person more deserving of this recognition. I am proud to be a Phoenix and proud of Coach Kline for this recognition and the legacy he has built!" - Erik Blomsness

Who's going to be our next XC Alumni Pledge? https://shorturl.at/wqOpF

Mike Kline Course of Excellence PLEDGE SECURED....

Thank you to the Wachter Family ✅

"Coach Kline was my coach and mentor but above all else has become a lifelong friend. He has dedicated his heart and soul to not only UWGB Athletics but to the entire campus. His presence is felt pretty much anywhere you go on campus. Whether it'd be picking up your books from the bookstore at the beginning of the year to study tables where he made sure academics were always the priority over Athletics. The love he has poured out to this community of Phoenix is unparalleled. To say Coach Kline has made impacts on young men and women's lives is an understatement. Mine being no exception. For as long as I can remember, Coach had dreamt about one day hosting cross country meets of our own on our campus. His dreams finally came true a few years back and now its time to pay tribute to the man who has touched so many people's lives on and off the course." - Evan Wachter

Who's going to be our next XC Alumni Pledge? https://greenbayphoenix.com/sports/2025/1/13/Coach-Mike-Kline-Course-of-Excellence-Giving-Page.aspx

CALLING ALL UWGB XC ALUMNI!

We hope to see you at our free Alumni Social Event on August 1 after the Phoenix 5K. See the link below to RSVP.

Cross Country Alumni Social Set for Saturday, August 1 at 10 AM - University of Wisconsin Green Bay Athletics Phoenix Cross Country Alumni,

Mike Kline Course of Excellence UPDATE....

Wagner Family Pledge Secured ✅

Stephen is a Phoenix XC Alumni and Kassie is our Sr. Associate AD/SWA here at Green Bay!

"I’ve had the pleasure of both running for and working alongside Coach Kline at UW-Green Bay. He is one of those rare people who leaves a mark that never fades. Coach Kline did so much more than give us a platform to compete. He taught us lessons that extended far beyond the course. He showed us the importance of showing up every single day, treating people with respect and bringing the right perspective to whatever life puts in front of you. Those lessons still guide me today. While Coach Kline has never pursued individual recognition or accolades, naming the cross country course after him would be a fitting tribute to a coach who gave far more than he ever had to." - Stephen Wagner

Who's going to be our next XC Alumni Pledge? https://greenbayphoenix.com/sports/2025/1/24/coach-kline-shorewood-transformation.aspx