August 30, 2019
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.