MacPherson leads Hogs with All-America performance

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Senior Scott MacPherson was the lead runner for Arkansas Razorback men’s cross country at the NCAA Championships, held at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course in Terre Haute, Ind. on Monday.

Arkansas finished 28th in the team race. Oregon won the team title with 93 points, Iona was second with 147 points and Stanford rounded out the top three with 227 points.

MacPherson earned a 32nd-place finish with a 10,000-meter time of 30:06.8. He earned the second All-America honor of his career with his top 40 finish. MacPherson was a cross country All-American in 2006.

"Obviously, we are disappointed with the finish," head coach Chris Bucknam said. "Scott MacPherson was our shining moment today. He ran a great race, was smart and made moves at the right times. He has been our go-to guy all season and I’m so proud of him. We are going to pick ourselves up and start training for track season."

Freshman Eric Fernandez was Arkansas’ second runner. In his NCAA Championships debut, he clocked a 10K time of 31:17.1. Senior Alex McClary was the Hogs’ third runner in 170th place with a time of 31:26.6.

Senior Andy McClary was the fourth Hog to cross the line in 183rd place. He clocked a 10K time of 31:31.8. Sophomore Duncan Phillips was the fifth Arkansas scorer in 185th place with his time of 31:33.8.

Also competing for Arkansas were sophomores Lane Boyer (200th; 31:48.4) and Michael Chinchar (219th; 32:07.3).

For complete results from the 2008 NCAA Championships, visit NCAA.com or GoSycamores.com.

Arkansas men’s cross country has completed its 2008 season. Razorback men’s track and field will open the 2009 season with the hosting of the Arkansas Invitational, January 9, at the Randal Tyson Track Center. For more information about Arkansas Athletics, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.