Cross Country Coach

Head Coach:
Christy Nipper

Congratulations Randi

Randi Ferguson placed 7th overall in the All State Meet in Fayetteville this weekend with a time of 19:46. Her place helped the Arkansas team to a victory over the Oklahoma team, making it only the 2nd time in the 15 year history of the meet that Arkansas has won. The top 25 female runners in Arkansas competed as a team against the top 25 female runners from Oklahoma. Randi’s performance earned her both an individual medal for her 7th place finish in addition to a team medal.

Team finished as the 5A State Runner up

Girls Race-

The Warriors turned in a very strong performance over a hilly and difficult course at the State Championships in Mountain Home.  The team finished in second place and claimed the title of 5A State Runner Up.  Randi Ferguson, a freshman led the Warriors with a first place finish in a time of 20:07.  Her finish earned her a spot on the All State Cross Country Team.  Samantha Osterholm finished in 12th place with a time of 22:38.  Rebekah Ward, team captain, finished 16th with a time of 23:24.  Sara Frankowski, who came back after knee injuries early in the season, placed 18th with a time of 23:44.  Jenna Henrich rounded out the warriors top 5 runners with a 25th place finish and a time of 24:17.  Hannah Norton finished 54th with a time of 28:23.  Anna Parker finished in 62nd place with a time of 31:12.  Brittany Johnston finished 64th with a time of 31:35. 

These girls worked so hard this season and I am very proud of each one of them.  They always give 100% and never complain.  They push each other, encourage each other, and support each other.  They came into the state meet ready to prove that they are one of the dominant teams in Arkansas and I think they did a great job of that.  One of the best quotes of the day we heard from spectators at the state meet was “Who are these Warriors and where did they come from?”

Boys Race-

The Warriors did a much better job than the 8th place finish shows.  Spencer Neblett, team captain, led nearly the entire 5K race.  Spencer was in first place with less than 100 meters to go before crossing the finish line when he collapsed.  In a scary but very inspiring performance, Spencer stumbled, and crawled his way to the finish line. He finished in 58th place.  Grant Fox, senior, finished in 14th place with a time of 18:49.  Austin DeWitt, freshman, turned in a strong performance with a 28th place finish and a time of 19:18.  Walker Stripling placed 43rd with a time of 20:14.  Rounding out the top five was JD Thompson, freshman, placing 66th with a time of 21:02.  Carter Neblett had a great performance finishing 76th with a time of 21:25.  Josh Mullenix finished 81st with a time of 21:45.  Kyle Hendren, pushed his way through Bronchitis to finish 116th with a time of 23:20.

I know the boys are disappointed with how the day turned out but each one of them did their best and I am very proud of them.  Unfortunately we had several of our top runners get sick before and during the race and they were unable to turn in the performances they would have liked to for the team.  Each one of these guys brings something special to the team and I have really enjoyed working with each one of them this year.  I could not be more proud of Spencer and his determination and dedication to cross the finish line for his team.  I know he inspired me, his teammates and everyone else that witnessed his finish.