John McDonnell Earns 61st Regional Award

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas cross country coach John McDonnell added another award to his impressive resume on Friday as he was named the South Central Region Coach of the Year by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

The honor marks the 61st regional award for McDonnell. McDonnell has been named National Coach of the Year 12 times in indoor track, 11 times in outdoor track and seven times in cross country for a total of 30 awards. He has been Conference Coach of the Year a remarkable 45 times, and Region Coach of the Year 61 times.

McDonnell and the Razorbacks have won 17-consecutive NCAA South Central titles since 1990 and 28 of 29 South Central Championships awarded since 1978 (The loss came in 1989). Arkansas harriers have won 18 individual NCAA South Central Regional titles. The last came in 2004 from Josphat Boit who clocked a time of 29:43 to win the event.

The Razorbacks will be making their 32nd appearance at the NCAA Cross Country Championships when the Hogs take to the course on Monday. The Cardinal and White have captured an NCAA-record 11 National Championships including three-straight in 1998-2000. Michigan State ranks second with eight while UTEP has won seven. Oregon (4), Stanford (4) and Villanova (4) round out the top five. Arkansas has also earned five second-place finishes, four third-place showings and three fifth-place outings.

Joining No. 3 Arkansas on the NCAA Championship course will be 31 additional schools. UA is one of three SEC teams competing in Terre Haute. No. 15 Alabama and 18th-ranked Florida will also be making the trip.