Six Signees To Join Defending NCAA Champions
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – 2015 brought the University of Arkansas its first women’s team national title, following a tremendous effort by head coach Lance Harter’s track and field team during the indoor season. From distance standouts to pole vault prodigies the Razorback women continued to showcase their talents the next season, capturing team gold once again at the 2016 NCAA Outdoor Championship.
Taking the over the program in 1990 Harter methodically aligned himself with innovative and determined assistant coaches all of whom believed in his vision of building a nationally-respected and recognizable track power.
If one would have observed Arkansas’ 2015 indoor national team and its 2016 outdoor national team while there would be some similar outlets for point-production the development of freshly recruited talent gave the Razorbacks an extra edge in the latter year. Last season several newcomers including six freshman had a hand in the success of the team at the NCAA outdoor meet – a credit to the coaching staff, including Chris Johnson’s and Bryan Compton’s abilities to transition the high school competitors into collegiate contenders.
A new batch of signees will join the defending NCAA outdoor champions for the 2017-18 season in hopes of continuing to build on the foundation laid by their predecessors. The Razorbacks welcome four cross country and track and field aces including Ashton Endsley, Lauren Gregory, Geneva Meintzer and Joy Riplslinger. Missouri native, Carlie Queen was the lone field early signee and will contribute in the vertical jumps.
Welcome To The Track Capital
Ashton Endsley, Distance | Abilene, Texas / Abilene HS
• 1600m: 4:48.18
• 3200m: 10:25.51 (Runner-Up @ 2016 Texas 6A State Championships)
• 2015/2016 NXN Individual South Qualifier- Best Finish 6th
Coach Harter on Ashton:
“Ashton continues the tradition of top prep athletes out of Texas. She’s competed at Nike Nationals and come out as a top-10 performer there. We’ve had a lot success with our recruits out of Texas and we’re excited to see her carry on that legacy.
Lauren Gregory, Distance | Fort Collins, Colo. / Fort Collins HS
• 800m: 2:11.45
• 1600m: 4:48.85
• 3200m: 10:15.34
• 2014 US World Junior XC Team- China
• 2016 NXN (Nike XC Nationals): 3rd place
Coach Harter on Lauren:
“Lauren is nationally known in the prep ranks as a great competitor. She’s had a lot of success at a young age at the national and international level. Lauren has represented the US at some junior championships and she comes from a program that has had great success in producing high level athletes that become exceptional All-Americans in the college ranks.
Geneva Meintzer, Sprints | Humble, Texas / Atasocita HS
• 400m: 54.65
• Fourth at the 2016 Texas 6A State Championship
Coach Johnson on Geneva:
“Geneva is a talent, kind of a hidden gem. She has a lot of room for improvement and we’re looking forward to having her. Texas kids are always strong and I really believe she’s going to be a solid addition to our program.”
Carlie Queen, Jumps | Pleasant Hill, Mo. / Summit Christian Academy
• HJ: 5’9.75
• New Balance Indoor Nationals qualifier
• Three-time high jump state champion
• Finished top-three at the state meet in the pole vault in 2014/2016
Coach Compton on Carlie:
“Right when she walked on campus it felt like she was already a part of the team, she fit in right when she came for her visit, it felt very natural for both of us and she’s going to make an impact as soon as she gets here. We’re really excited to have her.”
Joy Ripslinger, Middle Distance | Davenport, Iowa / Assumption
• 800m: 2:07.51 (2016 IOWA 3A State Champion)
• 1500m: 4:39.03 (2016 IOWA 3A State Champion)
• 1600m: 4:54.11
• 2016 US Junior Finalist 800m
Coach Harter on Joy:
“Joy is another great addition who will bring in some middle distance success for us. She’s won many championships in her home state of Iowa and also has competed at the USATF Junior national meets. We’re excited that Joy will bring that toughness that Iowa athletes always demonstrate.”
For more information on Arkansas track and field including in-meet updates, follow @RazorbackTF on Twitter.
