Razorbacks Start Season Strong at Cowboy Preview
STILLWATER, Okla. – Arkansas women’s cross country opened their season with two victories at the Cowboy Preview hosted by Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
Set up as a dual meet, the Razorbacks were pitted against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Tulsa in head to head competition.
Arkansas sophomore Kelsey Schrader led the way for the new pack of Razorbacks on the 3,000 meter course pacing the group of nine to claim four top ten spots. Schrader who finished 19th at last year’s SEC Championship also competed on behalf of the USA this past spring at the 2015 World Juniors Cross Country Championships.
“Kelsey had a very good cross country season last year and then we redshirted her indoors and outdoors in track, which probably stymied her a little bit, but we sacrificed track and field so she could represent the United States at the World Cross Country Championships for juniors,” said head coach Lance Harter. “We had her run today because she hasn’t had the opportunity to compete in six months. Her memory serves her well and she’s going to be definitely a factor in my top five.”
Represented mostly by newcomers the Razorbacks put forth a strong showing against all three competitors with their top five finishers crossing the line fifth, sixth, seventh, ninth and 11th overall. The performances by the young group were good enough to put Arkansas ahead of both Oklahoma and Tulsa but fell short in their match-up with Oklahoma State.
“I’m really pleased considering the group that got to compete and represent Arkansas typically are not in our seven and represented themselves in fine fashion,” said Harter. “We are really pleased with our freshman and we got a chance to be exposed to a nationally respected program in Oklahoma State.”
Next on the schedule for the Razorbacks is the UC Riverside Invitational in Riverside, Calif. on Sept. 12. It will be the team’s first race on a 5,000 meter course this season.
2015 Arkansas Cross Country Schedule
Tuesday, Sept. 1, Cowboy Preview | Stillwater, Okla. – 2nd of 4
Saturday, Sept. 12, UC Riverside Invitational | Riverside, Calif.
Saturday, Sept. 19, Missouri Southern Stampede | Joplin, Mo.
Saturday, Oct. 3, Chile Pepper Festival | Fayetteville, Ark.
Friday, Oct. 16, Wisconsin adidas Invitational | Madison, Wis.
Friday, Oct. 30, SEC Championships | College Station, Texas
Friday, Nov. 13, NCAA South Central Regional | College Station, Texas
Saturday, Nov. 21, NCAA Championships | Louisville, Ky.
For more information on Arkansas track and field including in-meet updates, follow @RazorbackTF on Twitter.
