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
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.”
Ozarks sophomore Richard Souffrant. Photo by OZARKS SPORTS INFORMATION
CLARKSVILLE – The University of the Ozarks men’s soccer team lost seven starters from a year ago, but the 2019 Eagles could be even more dynamic behind a talented and diverse core of incoming players.
The Eagles feature players from six different countries to form a strong nucleus for fourth-year head coach Aaron Brueckner.
After a tough start to the 2018 season, the Eagles rebounded into an American Southwest Conference championship contender, qualifying for the playoffs.
“Last year was a great example in that we had a talented team with a lot of experience, but we started 0-6-1,” said Brueckner. “It took one big win, and then from there we got the results and were one of the top teams in the league. Sometimes you have to go through a difficult period to get to the greatness.”
All-Conference players Logan Valestin, Truman Hensley and Richard Souffrant return in 2019. Valestin, a junior two-year starter at goalkeeper, owned a 1.35 goals against average last season and posted two shutouts. Souffrant, a sophomore midfielder, scored six goals and recorded two assists. Hensley, a sophomore, is one of the top defensive players in the region.
“Logan is really maturing into that leadership role. He is doing a good job of leading by example. We are asking Truman to play a bigger role on the team. Richard had a wonderful year.” Brueckner is pleased with the way his team has come together. “Our biggest mission in the offseason was to be united and the guys have done that. With a young team comes inexperience. I have no doubt they will have each other’s back, but they will be tested at some point and will need to mature as a team. We need to deal with adversity in order to be successful this season.”
The playoff-rich program has advanced to the conference tournament all three years under Breuckner, but he and his staff are not focusing on post-season play. “We want to challenge our guys to go day-to-day with the best training session. We want them focused on the game at hand. We are not worried about the playoffs now. We are worried about getting better every day.”
2018 Tournament: 1st round loss against East Texas Baptist University
Program Playoff Appearances: 16
Coach Brueckner Quote: “Sometimes you have to go through a difficult period to get to the greatness.” 2019 Schedule
August 21 vs Ouachita Baptist University (exhibition) 24 vs Alumni Match (exhibition) ^30 – Nebraska Wesleyan University
September ^1 -Central College 7 vs Williams Baptist University 14 vs Ecclesia College 18 @ Hendrix College 21 @ Rhodes College 26 @ *Sul Ross State University 28 @ *Howard Payne University
October 3 vs *Concordia University Texas 5 vs *Mary Hardin-Baylor 10 @ *Hardin-Simmons University 12 @ *McMurry University 17 vs *LeTourneau University 19 vs %*East Texas Baptist University 24 vs *Louisiana College 26 vs *Belhaven University
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.”
GAME DETAILS University of the Ozarks 0, Fontbonne University 0 Records: University of the Ozarks (0-0-1), Fontbonne University (0-0-1) Friday, Aug. 30, 2019 Memphis, Tenn. | Rhodes Soccer Field
THE BASICS The Eagles opened the 2019 season with a shutout against Fontbonne University Friday in Memphis. The Eagles created seven shots in the second half, but couldn’t find the back of the net. The Eagles’ defense held strong through 110 minutes and limited Fontbonne to four shots on goal. Rebecca Peterson led the Eagles with five shots. Three of her shots were on frame. The Eagles’ defense did not allow a shot in either overtime. The Eagles accounted for two shots in overtime.
SCORING SUMMARY None
KEY STATISTICS Kiara Henry fought off 12 Fontbonne shots, with four saves, to record a shutout.
GAME DETAILS University of the Ozarks 3, Nebraska Wesleyan 3 (OT2) Records: University of the Ozarks (0-0-1), Nebraska Wesleyan (0-0-1) Friday, Aug. 30, 2019 Pella, Iowa | Kuyper Athletic Complex
THE BASICS The Eagles battled back from a 3-1 first half deficit to end the match with a 3-3 tie against Nebraska Wesleylan in their season-opener. Drew Mott struck first as he netted a goal early to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. Mott’s goal came in the 2nd minute. But Nebraska Wesleyan scored back-to-back goals in the 28th minute and then added another just before the half to hold a 3-1 advantage. Mott scored again in the 58th minute to trim the deficit to 3-2. The Eagles final goal came in the 64th minute. After a scoreless first overtime, the Eagles produced four shots in the second overtime. A header by Charleus Ritch and a shot later by Jackson Rogers were just off to keep the match alive. The Eagles ended with a slight 12-11 shots advantage.
SCORING SUMMARY1:33 – Drew Mott (Jackson Rogers assist) 27:08 – Nebraska Wesleyan (TEAM) 27:52 -Nebraska Wesleyan (Royce Austen) 42:19 – Nebraska Wesleyan (Luke Livingston) 57:23 – Drew Mott (assist Charleus Ritch) 63:47 – Ozarks (TEAM) KEY STATISTICS The Eagles battled back from a 3-1 first half deficit to end the match with a 3-3 tie. The Eagles scored first in the match as Drew Mott netted a goal within the first two minutes.
