Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
UA women going for 6th title in row
FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas women’s cross country team is a heavy favorite going into today’s SEC Championships in Auburn, Ala.
“We don’t have to re-invent the wheel,” Razorbacks Coach Lance Harter said. “We just have to do what we’ve been doing.”
Arkansas, ranked No. 5 nationally, is going for its sixth consecutive SEC title and 19th overall.
“Across the board I think we always had high expectations,” Harter said. “So far the kids are living up to them.”
The Razorbacks come into the SEC meet at Indian Pines Golf Course off an Oct. 13 victory at the pre-national meet in Madison, Wis., where they won with 51 points. Oregon was second with 71.
“We have a lot of confidence right now,” Harter said. “I think it’s a situation where we have an opportunity to capitalize on the momentum we’ve created.
“The training has gone absolutely perfect. It’s one of those unique years where everything has lined up just right. So now it’s a matter of going in and taking care of business.”
Freshman Katrina Robinson has emerged as Arkansas’ top runner. She took first place at the Chile Pepper Invitational in Fayetteville and was second at the pre-national meet.
“I think everybody’s been surprised by Katrina,” Harter said. “She’s just head over heels better than I think anybody anticipated. Her aggressiveness as a racer is unique. So we’re real proud of her.”
Arkansas has four runners who finished in the top 24 at last year’s SEC Championships with sophomores Taylor Werner (second), Lauren Gregory (eighth), junior Sydney Brown (16th) and sophomore Maddy Reed (24th).
Sophomores Carina Viljoen and Abby Gray also will run for the Razorbacks.
Georgia is ranked No. 24 in the coaches poll and Ole Miss is No. 26.
“We always have respect for the rest of the SEC,” Harter said. “Each team is trying to win it, but I definitely know we have a target on our back.”