COLUMBIA, Mo. — The No. 6 nationally ranked Razorbacks start their cross country season with the Missouri XC Opener over a 6,000m distance on the Gans Creek course this Friday, competing on the same venue that will later host the SEC Championships.
Teams competing in the meet include host Missouri, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt.
“We’re going to take the whole team up this weekend, which will give everybody an opportunity to see the course,” said men’s head coach Chris Bucknam, in his 14th season at Arkansas. “I think that’s important. The SEC Championships is a big meet on our schedule, so we appreciate the opportunity in being invited to compete there.”
While a crew of 16 will make the trip, only a portion will compete over the 6k men’s course, which includes a pair of 3k loops, with a start time of 8:30 a.m. Live results will be available through this link: https://pttiming.com/event.php?mid=527.
“We will not run a full squad,” said Bucknam. “We will take nearly everyone up there, but for a few of our guys it’s too early for them to race. They’ll work out on the course as it gives us an opportunity to check it out for October.”
The 2021 Razorback squad returns 14 members from last year while adding four newcomers. A pair of All-America runners leading the team include Amon Kemboi, 11th in the NCAA Championships, and Gilbert Boit, who placed 40th.
Other members of the Arkansas team which earned a fourth-place trophy in the NCAA Championships include Jacob McLeod, Emmanuel Cheboson, and Ryan Murphy.
“We’ve got a great mixture of veterans and young people,” noted Bucknam. “Already watching them interact it’s a good vibe. So, we’re looking forward to seeing what that group can do.”
A third All-America from last season is Luke Meade, who suffered an ankle injury during the summer while rock climbing which will prevent him from competing this season.
“That was a blow to us,” said Bucknam. “We will try to fill in around him and try to accomplish the same goals as always.
“Luke was recreating during the summer and got hurt. He’s out for the season, if not for the indoor and outdoor season too. I feel bad for him, Luke was a great addition to our team last season after transferring from Furman. He did a phenomenal job for us.”
Returning Razorbacks who raced in the conference meet and contributed to a SEC team title include Andrew Kibet, Myles Richter, and Josh Shearer. They are joined by Luke George, Sam Hall, Carter Persyn, Tommy Romanow, and Jayce Turner.
Newcomers to the Arkansas program making the trek to Missouri include Reuben Reina, Elias Schreml, Ben Shearer, and Jack Williams.
Arkansas head coaches Chris Bucknam and Lance Harter on the 2021 season.