Photo via Scout archives
Bradley athletics are on the rise, but the team with the most success over the last five years is a team which does not get the attention it deserves. The Bradley track program has established itself as one of the top programs in the Midwest. This is thanks to senior Dan Gagne.
Last year, Gagne had a breakout outdoor season last year in the outdoor season when he qualified for the NCAA National Meet in the 1500m run. He earned his trip to Eugene, Oregon after finishing fourth in the West region.
“My goal was always just to make the regional meet,” Gagne said. “I never thought I could actually make it to nationals.”
Actually running in the national meet was an experience unlike any other, according to Gagne.
“The crowds were packed; you don’t really get that at local meets,” Gagne said. “The track is so historic, and it is every runner’s dream to run there.”
Gagne was the first Bradley runner in 42 years to qualify for the meet and finished 15th that earned him a second-team All-American status.
Gagne, a Milwaukee native, said he never thought he would have nationals on his radar when he first started at Bradley. He said he decided to attend to Bradley because other runners from the Milwaukee area had already committed to join the Braves.
“A teammate from high school, [Steffen Ulrich], was coming here as well,” Gagne said. “And a friend from a rival high school, [Taylor FloydMews], was coming here as well.”
Gagne said he believed the three of them would provide Bradley with potential to make the team successful.
“They were both really good runners, and we knew we could make Bradley a really good
program,” Gagne said.
Gagne was right, as the Braves have accomplished many new feats in the last five years. These include winning three consecutive Missouri Valley Conference Championships and qualifying their first ever runner to the NCAA Cross Country National Meet.
“This whole program is getting to levels no one thought it would five years ago,” Gagne said.
Reflecting on his time with the program, Gagne said he has enjoyed himself.
“I’m glad I came here,” Gagne said. “I mean, I stayed five years.”
Gagne stayed for five years because he is pursuing his MBA after finishing his accounting degree last year. He said he would like to run after he finishes at Bradley, understanding the challenges that lie ahead.
“I want to run professionally, but it is so hard to make it,” Gagne said. “If I drop a couple more
seconds, I think I might have a chance. I think I will get a job but always keep my options
open.”
With just a few months left in a Bradley uniform, Gagne said he has a lot to accomplish
still.
“I want to be a first-team All-American,” Gagne said. “If I stay healthy, I think I can do it.”
