FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2011 – MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACT: Zach Lawson (zlawson@uark.edu)

 

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

Razorbacks ranked 15^th in preseason poll

 

            FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas men’s cross country team will open the 2011 season as the No. 15 team in the country with Tuesday’s release of the preseason coaches’ poll by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

            For the upcoming season, the Razorbacks return 2010 All-American Solomon Haile, and 2010 All-SEC performers Eric Fernandez and Chuol Dey. The team’s roster will also feature 2011 track and field All-Americans Duncan Phillips and Rick Elliott. Arkansas welcomes newcomers Anthony Lieghio and Patrick Rono to the cross country fold.

            In other preseason releases, the Razorbacks are the predicted favorites in the Southeastern Conference team race and the top-ranked team in the South Central region. Arkansas is the defending SEC and NCAA South Central Region champion. At the 2010 NCAA Championship, the team finished 10^th and collected two All-Americans with Haile and Dorian Ulrey.

            Arkansas is the top-rated SEC team in the preseason national poll. Florida, the only other SEC team mentioned, will begin the season ranked 26^th in the country. Two-time defending national champion Oklahoma State sits in the top spot to begin the year with 10 of 12 first-place votes.

            Head coach Chris Bucknam and the Razorbacks begin their season Friday evening with a scheduled dual meet with Missouri Southern at Agri Park. The season opener is slated for a 6:30 p.m. (CT) start. For more information regarding Razorback cross country or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

 

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