FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 – MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACT: Zach Lawson (zlawson@uark.edu)

 

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

Razorbacks voted favorite for SEC title

 

            FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas men’s cross country team was picked to finish first in the Southeastern Conference, according to Thursday’s release of the 2011 SEC preseason coaches’ poll by the league office.

            “We have a lot of work ahead of us but as always, we’re excited to get started,” head coach Chris Bucknam said. “We look forward to testing ourselves all season long because we know the ultimate goals are NCAA and SEC championships and that’s what we’re going to continue to work toward.”

            Arkansas totaled 34 points to win the 2010 team league title, the 18^th SEC cross country victory in program history. The Razorbacks return three All-SEC performers from that team with first teamers Eric Fernandez and Solomon Haile and second-time member Chuol Dey. Bucknam was named the SEC Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2010.

Arkansas went on to win the 2010 NCAA South Central Regional title and finish 10^th at the NCAA Championship. Haile finished 14^th overall at the national meet for the first All-American honor of his career.

            Behind the Razorbacks, Alabama claimed three first-place votes on the men’s side and are second in preseason picks with 20 points. Florida was third with 29 points, Georgia fourth with 34 and Tennessee rounded out the top five with 52 points. Points for the men’s poll were awarded on a 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 basis. The 2011 SEC Cross Country Championship, hosted by the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, will be held Oct. 31.

            Arkansas opens its 2011 season Sept. 2 with the Razorback Invitational, a scheduled dual meet with Missouri Southern at Agri Park. Following the conference meet in Tennessee, the championship season continues Nov. 12 with the NCAA Regional in Waco, Texas, and comes to a close Nov. 21 with the NCAA Championship in Terre Haute, Ind.

            For more information regarding Razorback cross country or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

 

2011 SEC Men’s Cross Country Coaches’ Poll

1. Arkansas (8) – 12
2. Alabama (3) – 20
3. Florida – 29
4. Georgia – 34
5. Tennessee – 52
6. Mississippi State – 60
7. Kentucky – 65
8. Ole Miss – 70
9. Auburn – 75
10. LSU – 91
11. Vanderbilt – 97

 

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