Leadership

Cristian Abdala is a student at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he is pursuing a degree in Finance. He combines a strong academic focus with a passion for endurance athletics, discipline, and long-term goal setting.

As a marathon runner, Cristian has completed multiple full marathons and brings real-world training experience to the Warhawk Marathon Club. Through consistent training and structured preparation, he has significantly improved his performance, including a top-tier finish at the Madison Marathon. His experience has shaped the club’s emphasis on smart training, gradual mileage progression, and accountability.

Cristian founded the Warhawk Marathon Club to create a space for students who want to train for half and full marathons with structure and purpose. He believes marathon training teaches valuable skills that extend beyond running—discipline, resilience, planning, and perseverance—all of which align closely with his academic interests in finance and performance-driven environments.

As President, Cristian leads weekly training efforts, supports club organization and planning, and promotes a team culture focused on consistency, community, and personal growth. He is committed to helping students of all experience levels pursue ambitious goals while representing UW–Whitewater with pride.

Jackson Royer is a Communications and Spanish major at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He has a strong interest in endurance athletics, performance optimization, and long-term personal development. He approaches both academics and training with a driven mindset.  

Jackson is a marathoner in pursuit of another in the spring of 2026. He is also aimed at his first Ironman 70.3 in summer 2026. He has been an athlete for years, playing soccer, surfing, and running. Through consistent training, intentional pacing, and a focus on long-term progression, he has built a strong foundation in endurance performance. His approach emphasizes sustainability, patience, and intelligent workload management.

Jackson is a firm believer in a Japanese concept called the Misogi effect—a transformative, yearly challenge designed to push individuals far outside their comfort zone through extreme physical or mental hardship, fostering profound personal growth and resilience. This challenge (marathon) influences every single day of the year, bringing extreme discipline to one’s daily routine 

Jackson is the Vice President of the Warhawk Marathon Club, where he contributes to training structure, accountability, and team culture. His goal is to give whitewater a club for driven and disciplined individuals, and is committed to bringing UW-Whitewater a pocket full of avid runners.