Harter named regional coach of the year
FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas women’s cross country coach Lance Harter was named the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association’s South Central Region Female Coach of the Year on Friday morning in a press release by the association’s office in Metairie, La.
Harter led his Lady Razorback squad to a decisive victory at the NCAA South Central Regional to remain undefeated this fall following a stunning victory at the SEC Championships in late October. Harter’s Lady Razorbacks are ranked second in the nation heading into the NCAA Championships on Monday in Terre Haute, Ind.
“I’ve said it before, but it is very nice to be recognized by my peers,” Arkansas head coach Lance Harter said. “This award is much more a tribute to the young ladies on the cross country course than it is to me. Without their hard work and dedication, this would not be possible. I am honored that the coaches’ association picked me as the female coach of the year, but there is still work to do at the NCAA Championships.”
The honor is the 11th in Harter’s career and the second time he has taken the award in as many years. Over his 17 years with the Lady Razorback cross country team, Arkansas has won 13 of 17 NCAA regional/district titles and never finished worse than third. His 2006 squad won with a total score of 30 points, 53 better than second-place Baylor and the second largest margin of victory ever at the event. All seven Lady Razorback runners earned South Central Region all-District honors making them the only school in the nation to achieve that accomplishment.
Arkansas’ next challenge comes in the form of the NCAA Championships in Terre Haute, Ind., on Monday afternoon. Arkansas takes its no. 2 ranking in against the likes of cross country powerhouse and defending NCAA Champion #1 Stanford as well as 29 other schools vying for the national championship. For more information about Lady Razorback cross country or about Arkansas women’s athletics, please go to www.ladybacks.com.
