MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY Men's Tradition Continues Keeping tradition intact was among the un* written responsibilities of the 1982 men's cross country team. For them, tradition meant capturing a 12th straight Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference title, and that's exactly what a talented and experienced group of runners accomplished. Along the way 13 young men on the squad found out something about themselves and each other, as different individuals took turns in coming through with a big performance when the team needed it. Some talented freshmen and transfers blended in with a strong contingent of lettermen to form a sol id nucleus for the successful season, with depth a major asset. " In cross country you're only as good as your last finisher, " was a favorite saying of AIC Coach of the Year red Lloyd, a repeat from last year. And at times there was Very lit· tie difference in the Bison runners, as when Tomy Sitton, AI Bates and larry Wayne all tied for first place at the Southwestern Col· lege Invitational October 23, with a 26:09 time for 8000 meters. Other big finishers for the team this year were Joe O'Conor, a four·time AII·AIC performer; sophomore letterman Ken Berry, and seniors Jeff Westover and Mitch Mceohn. Mceohn, the only black on the squad and a sharp dresser off the track, was a four·year letterman and barely missed AII·AIC honors this year, finishing 13th. But the surprises of the season were newcomers AI Bates and larry Wayne. Bates, 146/Men's Cross Country a highly-touted freshman with healthy credentials from Nashville, Tenn., paced the Bisons during most of the season, finishing second overall in the Ouachita Invitational September 11, the Bison Booster Invitational September 17, and the Arkansas College Invitational October 8. Wayne, nicknamed "Country" by his teammates, hailed from Fairhope, Ala., a small farming town. A transfer from Jefferson State Junior College, where he earned two letters, Wayne proved his running ability with consistent finishes in the top two or three, and dur· ing the last three meets of the season, finished first for Harding. Also in the top five for the Bisons were steady performers Tomy Sitton and Mitch Mceohn, who will be sorely missed next year. likeable Joe O'Conor, the u.s. Air Force veteran from New York, was slowed during the early meets with a leg ailment, but returned to his all·conference form during the last few meets. Ken Berry and Jeff Westover also picked up the slack when called upon, and both had outstanding seasons to help anchor the Blsons' winning effort. In fact, the team size necessitated a second squad, designated the "B" team. Although various athletes rotated between the two teams during the course of the year, towards the end of the season the rotation was fairly settled. Three promising freshmen - John Jackson, a 15 meter specialist from Mansfield, - Darrell L Truiu
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