University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Alec Basten Rounds Out List of Returnees for 2021-22 Season
7/30/2021 11:52:00 AM | Men's Cross Country, Men's Track & Field
MINNEAPOLIS - Another Gopher senior has announced their return for one more year, as Alec Basten has shared his intentions to return to the University of Minnesota cross country and track & field program for the 2021-22 season.
Basten rounds out the list of seven total student-athletes who will be making their return to the program for an extra season of competition, a list which includes Bethany Hasz, Megan Hasz, Owen Hoeft, Abby Kohut-Jackson, Val Larson, and Jack Manderscheid. The extra year of eligibility was permitted by the NCAA due to the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I chose to come back because I believe this team is primed for greater success than what we have even seen in recent years in both track and cross country and I am excited to be a part of that success," Basten said. "I especially look forward to competing at a couple of big home meets in front of all those who remotely supported us through everything this last year."
The Green Bay, Wis., native had himself an impressive campaign last season with three First-Team All-America honors, placing runner-up in the 3000-meter steeplechase, fifth in the indoor 3000-meter, and seventh in the indoor 5000-meter.
Basten was also a Big Ten champion in the 3000-meter steeplechase, and was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree in both cross country and track & field.
Minnesota will return to cross country competition on Friday, Sept. 3 when they will hold an intrasquad scrimmage at Lee Bolstad Course.