Mudville Invite

After eight inches of rain during the week parts of the University of Arkansas cross country course looked more suitable for mud volleyball than running. A large section just beyond the start line as well as another 50 meter path just after the two mile mark made for some interesting running technique. However, the meet was outstanding as usual with several nationally ranked teams in attendance. A total of 37 teams and 267 runners toed the starting line. Our young group was very focused all week and knew this was their last opportunity to build some momentum and confidence before the conference championships in two weeks.

They got out well, ran very well in the middle of the race, and finished the best we have all year. It took less than ideal conditions and a mud bath for me to really find out how tough this team can be. This race is part of a town festival, but that only seemed to heighten our focus and fuel our mission which as a coach is all you can ask...especially with such a young group.

Freshman Amanda Mergaert finished 37th overall in 22:07 which is one of the fastest times we've ever had a first year runner achieve. It was especially impressive considering she was ill and in bed all day Tuesday and Wednesday. The rest of our team all stepped up and ran their best races of the season as well. We finished a respectable 13th and will now focus our whole energy on the conference championships in two weeks!!