Arkansas teams dominate at home
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas’ cross country teams were the overwhelming favorites going into the Chile Pepper Festival on Saturday, and they didn’t disappoint.
The Razorbacks ran away from the field at the UA Agri Course to win individual and team honors in both the men’s and women’s races.
Arkansas’ seventh-ranked women’s team was particularly impressive, placing four runners among the top five on the way to scoring 16 points. Arkansas easily outdistanced runner-up Lamar (81) and third place Kansas State (117).
Junior All-American Dominique Scott led the Razorbacks, blistering the 5K course in 16:01 and held off teammate Grace Heymsfield, who finished in 16:06. Shannon Klenke finished fourth in 16:25.7, and Diane Robison was fifth in 16:27.7.
It was the third consecutive Chile Pepper victory for the Razorbacks women’s team.
“It was perfect day for racing, and we ran pretty much a perfect race,” said Scott, who shattered the Chile Pepper women’s record. “We came out of the pack and ran together for most of the race. I felt really strong at the end and finished it up.
“We are all really excited about the way the day went and are ready for the next race.”
Arkansas Coach Lance Harter pointed out that his top four finishers all broke the race’s previous record time.
“We’ve been preparing really hard and we have paid our dues for this as our big home race,” Harter said. “I think the hard work paid off. We came out and ran really well today like we were hoping too.”
The women go to the Wisconsin Adidas Invitational in a couple of weeks where they expect to compete against No. 1 Michigan State in a strong field.
“We are ready to take that next step and see how we match up against some top competition,” Harter said. “I think we are really confident after the way we ran today that we can run with anybody.”
Heymsfield came in as the defending champion and turned in another strong finish. The Elkins native said she has competed in the race 10 consecutive years.
“The first time I ran here I was in seventh grade,” Heymsfield said. “I came out early and ate a taco before the race and that didn’t turn out too well.
“This has been my favorite race over the years. I don’t know what I will be doing next year at this time, but if I am anywhere near Fayetteville I am sure I will come back and run.”
The No. 17 ranked Arkansas men’s team was impressive, too.
All-American Stanley Kebenei led the Razorbacks to the team title, finishing in 23:51.1 and just ahead of former Razorback Kemoy Campbell, who clocked in at 23:53.8. Campbell, who has completed his eligibility, was running unattached.
“My main goal was to run a smart race,” Kebenei said. “I didn’t want to let them get too far in front or go out too far, just stay with the leaders and then run hard at the right time.”
Arkansas’ men’s team scored 51 points as it earned its third consecutive Chile Pepper victory. Lamar finished second with 96 points and North Texas was third with 106.
Gabe Gonzales was the only other Razorbacks runner among the top 10 men, finishing seventh in 24:14.1.