Category: Track and Field

Williams Baptist repeats at Lyon College

News Photo
WIlliams Baptist University Sports Information

August 30, 2019

By WILLIAMS BAPTIST SPORTS INFORMATION

BATESVILLE – A year ago the Williams Baptist University men’s cross country team won a meet for the first time in school history. Today, the Eagles repeated that feat at the same course and race. WBU won the Lyon Invitational, hosted by Lyon College in Batesville.

The team won with 36 points. They finished one point ahead of Lyon (37) and 13 points ahead of Crowley’s Ridge College (49). It was head coach Tim Shepard‘s first race as the head Eagle.

“Today was only a 5km race, but I think my guys have gained some confidence. They showed their competitive nature. We are not where we want to be just yet, but if we build on this we can surprise some people,” said Shepard.

The Eagles took home the individual places of fourth, fifth, sixth and ninth. Lucas Goodrich (SO/Dexter, Mo.) led the way with a 5km time of 19:10, followed by Ruben Whitney (FR/Fayetteville) and Jack Wafler (SR/Memphis, Tenn.). Whitney finished in fifth with a time of 19:25, while Wafler ran the race in 20:04, good enough for sixth place. Joey Colvert (SR/Bryant)’s time of 21:10 placed him in ninth place for the race.

Karlis Smith (FR/West Memphis) was the fifth finisher for Williams after coming in 12th place with a time of 22:20. Meanwhile, Isaiah Cook (FR/Hoxie) finished in 14th place with a time of 23:44.

This was the first time Whitney, Smith and Cook represented WBU at the collegiate level.

Williams Baptist wins in Batesville

News Photo
Photo by Williams Baptist University SID

August 30, 3019

By WILLIAMS BAPTIST SPORTS INFORMATION

BATESVILLE – The Williams Baptist University women’s cross country team opened its season in style, coming in first place at the 2019 Lyon College Invitational. The 5km race was the opening meet of the season and was hosted by Lyon in Batesville.

The team placed six runners in the race, including five of the top 10. Emily Weiss (FR/Gosnell) led the team with a time of 24:40. She finished in third place overall. It was her first collegiate race. The team finished with 18 points, 21 points ahead of second place Crowley’s Ridge College.

“We are not where we want to be yet, but I have high expectations for these ladies. I have some newcomers with some grit and some returners that know how to lead. It is just the first meet, but my goal is for them to build on this for the rest of the season,” said Head Coach Tim Shepard.

Kyla Downes (JR/Cleveland, Tenn.) finished fourth overall with a time of  25:42. In seventh place overall and third on the team was Kelcey Cooper (JR/Yoakum, Texas) with a time of 27:52. Meanwhile, Ka’lee Daniel (FR/Mountain Home) ran the race in 28:03, good enough for ninth place overall.

Following them was Rachel McKuin (SO/Blytheville) in 10th place and Amy McMorris (FR/Atoka, Okla.) in 13th place. McKuin ran the race in 28:59 and McMorris in 29:32. 

Hendrix Women take Early Bird Invitational

August 31, 2019

By HENDRIX SPORTS INFORMATION

CLARKSVILLE – Men’s and women’s cross country teams opened up the 2019 season by taking part in Ozarks’ Early Bird Invite at Clarksville Saturday morning.

On the men’s side, the Warriors finished in second place as freshmen Gideon Drake finished in eighth-place individually with a 19:09.3 mark in the 5K (3.11 miles) field.

On the women’s side, Hendrix topped Philander Smith and host Ozarks to win the meet. Senior Mackenzie Gearin finished first and recorded a 14:02.3 mark in the 3K (2 miles) field while sophomore Rachel Allen finished second and recorded a 14:33.0 mark.

MEET INFORMATION
Event: Early Bird Invite
Date(s): Aug. 31
Host: University of the Ozarks | Clarksville
Site: U of O Cross Country Course

WARRIORS’ TIME AND PLACES
Men
– Gideon Drake – 8th place – 19:09.3 
– Michael Miller – 11th place – 19:28.6
– Connor Escajeda – 14th place – 21:00.6
– Ian Campbell – 20th place – 15:52.9

Women
– Mackenzie Gearin – 1st place – 14:02.3
– Rachel Allen – 2nd place – 14:33.0
– Victoria Ortega – 3rd place – 14:51.5
– Tali Ramirez – 7th place – 15:55.1
– Liesl Krone – 10th place – 17:03.4
– Bailey Brya – 12th place – 17:42.7

UP NEXT
The Warriors will return to Conway Sept. 7 to take part in the Central Arkansas Invite across town.

Ozarks looking to Repeat History

August 30, 2019

By OZARKS SPORTS INFORMATION

Michael Harris leads the Eagles into the 2019 season.
Photo by Ozarks Sports Information

CLARKSVILLE – The men’s cross country team made history last season and hope for more succes in 2019. 

The program had its first-ever NCAA III national qualifier. Junior Nathan Rankin qualified for nationals after receiving an at-large bid following his performance at the NCAA III regional race. 

Rankin, who’s fastest 8K time of the season was 25:28.5, is one of a number of standout runners on the team.

Senior Michael Harris is a two-time All-Conference runner and senior Jonathon Wood has made his mark on the program.

A large junior class fuels even higher expectations for the program, according to head coach Heidi Pinkerton. 

“The men’s team is looking strong and they are ready to accomplish big goals this season. We want to win conference and finish among the top-10 at Regionals. We are hoping both Nathan and Michael qualify for Nationals. Jacob and Kenny are strong freshman who can help us achieve our goals. The guys are pushing each other in training.”

Head Coach Video Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRz4bTHtSFY

Returners: Dakota Fritts (Jr.), Michael Harris (Sr.), Jaeden Miller (Jr.), Nathan Rankin (Jr.), Edwin Rivera (Jr.), Jonathon Wood (Sr.), Aaron Capehart (Sr.), Misael Perez (So.), Petron Brown (So.)                                                                             

Newcomers: Kenny Fernandez (Fr.), Jacob Mills (Fr.), Francisco Pina (Fr.), Keeshon Towles (Fr.)

Fastest 8K time in 2018: Nathan Rankin (25:28.5)

Individual Championships in 2018: Michael Harris (Arkansas D-III Championship), Michael Harris (U of O Invitational)

Highest Team Finish in 2018: 1st (Arkansas D-III Championships) and 1st (U of O Invitational)

Coach Pinkerton Quote:
“We want to win conference and finish among the top-10 at Regionals.”

2018 Post-Season: NCAA III Nationals, NCAA III Regionals, American Southwest Conference Championships

2018 National Qualifier: Nathan Rankin (So.)

2018 NCAA III Regional Finish: 19 of 33

2018 ASC Championship Finish: 4th of 12

2018 NCAA III Regional Participants: Nathan Rankin, Michael Harris, Juan Sanchez, Dakota Fritts, Luis Garcia, Jaeden Miller, Edwin Rivera

2018 Conference Awards: Nathan Rankin (All-Conference First Team), Michael Harris (All-Conference First Team)

2018 National Awards: Nathan Rankin (All-Region), Michael Harris (All-Region)

2018 ASC Runner of the Week: Nathan Rankin (twice)

2019 Schedule
August
31 Early Bird Eagles Opener (Arkansas D-III Championships)

SEPTEMBER
14 University of the Ozarks Invitational
21 at Rhodes College Invitational @ Memphis, Tenn.

OCTOBER
5 at NCAA III Pre-Nationals @ Louisville, Ky.
19 at Little Rock Invitational @ Little Rock

NOVEMBER
2 at ASC Championships @ Abilene, Texas 
16 at NCAA III Regionals @ Memphis, Tenn. 
23 at NCAA III Nationals @ Louisville, Ky.

Ozarks Women looking to make Strides

August 30, 2019

By OZARKS SPORTS INFORMATION

CLARKSVILLE – The women’s cross country team at the University of Ozarks continues to make strides as a program and aims for sustained success in 2019.

The 2018 team won one home race and finished second in the other. Head Coach Heidi Pinkerton brought in a crop of four talented freshmen to add to the current team. 

Overall, Pinkeron is excited to see how the season will play out. “I am excited to see what we will accomplish this season. We don’t have one girl that is minutes ahead of everyone else. We have a young group. We have a good pack. I think if they work together, they can do some bigger things than last year. The girls are on board and want to improve. They are doing the small things and are holding one another accountable.” Silvia Chavez returns for her sophomore campaign. “I think Silvia will do some great things for the team. Sydney will be  right there with Silvia.”

Head Coach Video Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eUMfwxh_k8&t=8s

Returners: Areli Moreno (Sr.), Silvia Chavez (So.)                                                                      

Newcomers: Andrea Garcia (Fr.), Leslie Hernandez (Jr.), Sydney Pyle (Fr.), Anya Sifuentes (Fr.), Stephanie Trevino (Fr.)

Fastest 5K time in 2018: 19:16.5 (Hannah Smith at Little Rock Invitational)

Individual Championships in 2018: Hannah Smith (Arkansas D-III Championships)

Highest Team Finish in 2018: 1st (Arkansas D-III Championships)

Coach Pinkerton Quote:“I think if they work together, they can do some bigger things than last year.” 

2018 Post-Season: NCAA III Regionals, American Southwest Conference Championships

2018 NCAA III Regional Finish: Individual

2018 ASC Championship Finish: 8th of 12

2018 NCAA III Regional Participants: Hannah Smith, Silvia Chavez, Chauzney Hooks

2018 Conference Awards: Hannah Smith (All-Conference First Team)

2018 Schedule
August
31 Early Bird Eagles Opener (Arkansas D-III Championships)

SEPTEMBER
14 University of the Ozarks Invitational
21 at Rhodes College Invitational @ Memphis, Tenn.

OCTOBER
5 at Chile Pepper Festival @ Fayetteville
19 at Little Rock Invitational @ Little Rock

NOVEMBER
2 at ASC Championships @ Abilene, Texas 
16 at NCAA III Regionals @ Memphis, Tenn. 
23 at NCAA III Nationals @ Louisville, Ky.

Lyon takes second in Home Meet

August 30, 2019

By LYON COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

BATESVILLE – The Lyon College men’s and women’s cross country teams got their respective 2019 seasons off to a strong start as the Scots placed in the top two individually in both the men’s and women’s divisions at the 2019 Lyon College Invitational on Friday evening. Freshmen Cade Davis and Haeley Pines took home first-place honors for the men’s and women’s team, respectively.

In her first collegiate race, Pines cruised to the finish line of the women’s 5k race with the best time at 23:07. Teammate, Alex Nagle, finished just behind Pines in second at 23:27. Daisy Connor and Amber McClurg both finished within the top 10 as well. Connor placed sixth with a time of 26:54, while McClurg ended in eighth at 27:58.

In the men’s 5k division, Davis and Chris Lemp finished in first and second for the Scots, respectively, in the first collegiate race for both runners. Davis coasted his way around the course and finished with a time of 17:57, while Lemp posted a time of 18:17. Addison Causey placed eighth with a time of 20:21. Wyatt Frerichs crossed the finish line in 11th for the Scots with a time of 22:08. Patrick Mitchell (24:13), Payton Dunn (26:00) and Zachary Nohr (29:04) also competed for the Scots.

As a whole, the men’s team placed second in the event. Williams Baptist edged the Scots by a single point, while Crowley’s Ridge College came in third.

The Scots will return to action on Sept. 7 at the UCA Cross Country Challenge in Conway.

UAFS Cross Country Teams enter Season with High Hopes

August 31, 2019

By UAFS SPORTS INFORMATION

FORT SMITH – Mason Rhodes, the head coach of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith men’s and women’s cross country teams, has plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the 2019 season; 14 of them to be exact.

“We’ve added 11 freshmen and three transfers to our squads,” said Rhodes. “We wanted to grow both the size and scope of talent on our teams, which is exactly what we’ve done. I’m excited about this year’s recruiting class.”

Now in his second year of leading the Lion’s programs, Rhodes said he was looking for a particular quality in this year’s class of recruits.

“I wanted kids who aren’t afraid to challenge themselves in the classroom and on the course,” said Rhodes. “Our student-athletes are fierce competitors, but they’re also focused on earning a degree. What they learn in this program and at this university will allow them to be successful in the professional world.”

This new class of recruits joins a talented group of returners on both squads.

“On the women’s side, we’re looking for big things from senior Kandace Young,” said Rhodes. “She broke our school record last year by running an 18:36 at the 5k distance. Her goal this year is to drop that even lower. We only have three returners on our men’s side: Will Phillips, Oliver Perez and James Glidewell. All three are coming off a very strong showing in the spring and are focused on ending their running careers on a high note.”

The experience of the returning Lions will be especially important with the university’s switch to the Lone Star Conference.

“The Lone Star is very similar to the Heartland Conference in regards to cross country,” said Rhodes. “Although we didn’t show as well as we wanted in 2018, I think we’ll be competitive this year. We have a strong core of returners. With the addition of our new talent, we may surprise some people as to how good we can be.”

The UAFS Lions will start the season by hosting the UAFS Invitational Sept. 7 at the site of the former First Tee of Fort Smith, 6100 Golf Course Loop. This will be only the second time UAFS has hosted a cross country meet.

“We’re partnering with the Fort Smith School District to build a running course at that site,” said Rhodes. “It will serve both the university and school districts. The UAFS meets will begin that morning with the women’s competition at 8 a.m. Our men will compete immediately afterwards and be followed by both high school and junior high races. If you love cross country, this is the meet for you.”

A complete UAFS cross country schedule and roster is available at uafslions.com. 

UAPB Cross Country impresses in First Meet

August 30, 2019

By UAPB SPORTS INFORMATION

Clinton, Miss. – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff men’s and women’s cross country teams competed at the Mississippi College Opener on Friday evening at the Choctaw Trails.

The men’s squad had an impressive showing capturing first place overall, despite the humid conditions in their first race of the season. The Golden Lions conquered the challenging 5K with a strong returning unit from the 2018 team.

UAPB men’s earned a total of 48 points in the meet with their top five runners finished in the top 25.  Sophomore Toshin Agbede led the way for UAPB finishing third overall with a time of 16:29.58.  Senior Laurel Heath placed sixth with a time of 16:48.07, followed by Romario Marshall placing 20th with a time of 17:38.44, twin brother Akeem Marshall placed 22nd with a time of 17:45.82, and senior D’Andre Mighty rounding out the top 25 with a time of 17:52.9. 

Agbede was also named MVP of the cross country meet.  

On the women’s side, the Lady Lions finished seventh overall as a team with a total of 171 points in the 4K.  Senior Camiya Knight crossed the finish line for UAPB placing 25th overall with a time of 17:48.15 followed by senior Ciara Thuston in 34th with a time of 18:17.42.

UAPB will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 7, as they travel to Conway to compete in the UCA Cross Country Challenge.

Little Rock opens Cross Country Season in Memphis

August 31, 2019

By LITTLE ROCK SPORTS INFORMATION

LITTLE ROCK – Little Rock will begin the 2019 cross country season under the lights when the Trojans head to the City Auto Memphis Twilight Classic. The women’s race will begin at 9:20 p.m. while the men’s race is expected to start at 10 p.m.

Three Things to Know

  1. Someone Bring the Coffee
    While most cross country races are in the mornings (and the teams usually train in the morning), this race will have a much different feel with such a late start. The women start at 9:20 p.m. and the men at 10 p.m. – nearly 12 hours later than a normal cross country race starts.
  2. Coaching Debuts for Little Rock’s Team
    Saturday’s meet will not only mark the start of the 2019 season for both the men’s and women’s programs but all will mark the debut of two new coaches on the Little Rock coaching staff. Meg Joiner, a former track athlete from Oakland University, is starting her first year working with the women’s distance runners at Little Rock while Alan Webb, Olympian and American record holder in the mile, is working with the men’s distance runners.
  3. Experience Returns
    Little Rock’s men’s team returns three runners that scored in last year’s Memphis Twilight Classic – Ricardo Banks, Emilio Medina and Carter Reynolds – for the Trojans. Banks was second on the team with a 22:13.80 time while Medina ran 22:45.55 and Reynolds clocked 22:49.99 to finish third and fourth, respectively. Meanwhile on the women’s side, Hunter Pual (19:14.83) and Vianney Sanchez (19:41.34) were the second and third-placing runners for the Trojans, respectively. Both sides lost their top finisher from last year’s race.

For the latest information on Little Rock Cross Country, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockTFXC on Facebook and Twitter.

No. 8 Arkansas Women set for Hurricane Invitational

By JEFF SMITH/Arkansas Sports Information

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The No. 8 Arkansas women’s cross country team will travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma this weekend, opening its 2019 season at the Hurricane Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 31.

The season opener will feature the Razorbacks taking on three regional foes including Oklahoma, No. 19 Oklahoma State, and host Tulsa. Arkansas will toe the line for the two-mile race at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Mohawk Soccer Complex. The meet will be scored as a normal team format and not as a dual meet.

The Razorbacks head into the new year ranked No. 1 in the South Central region, and No. 8 in the country, announced by the USTFCCCA earlier this week. A Southeastern Conference poll of the leagues head coaches was released Monday, projected Arkansas to win a seventh-straight title at the 2019 SEC Championships.

The 2018 season concluded with Arkansas capturing an SEC Championship, a first-place finish at the NCAA South Central Regional, and a 14th-place finish at the NCAA Championships.

The Razorbacks return five All-SEC performers in Taylor Werner, Carina Viljoen, Lauren Gregory, Maddy Reed, and 2018 SEC Freshman of the Year Katrina Robinson

For more information on Arkansas track and field, including in-meet updates, follow @RazorbackTF on Twitter.