Eric Fernandez earns league accolade

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Razorback Eric Fernandez, a member of the men’s cross country team, has been named the Southeastern Conference’s Freshman of the Week, it was announced by the league office on Tuesday.

Fernandez competed in his first collegiate 8K at the Stanford Invitational on Saturday and finished 18th in the 234-man field. He clocked an 8K personal best of 25:00. He was the third freshman overall to cross the finish line, Arkansas’ first freshman to cross the line and the Razorbacks’ third runner overall.

Fernandez was one of three Arkansas runners to finish in the top 20 and one of four Arkansas runners to finish in the top 35. No. 22 UA finished third in the 28-team field, scoring 103 points. No. 11 Stanford won the team title and No. 19 California finished second.

To open the season, Fernandez was the top UA freshmen finisher in fourth place with a time of 20:03.2 at the Arkansas Dual on Sept. 5. He was also the Hogs’ second finisher overall and the second freshman finisher overall.

Making his Razorback debut at the Arkansas Dual, he was just six seconds off the race-winning time. He was part of Arkansas’ perfect 15-point score and victory over Oklahoma (51) and Missouri Southern (64).

Next up for Razorback men’s cross country will be the Chile Pepper Festival, Sat., Oct. 18. For more information, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.