ALL ALONE. Jon Murray, senior, leads the conference race for the first quarter mile. Murray won the conference meet in 25.46, a full 15 seconds ahead of the nearest competition. -Photo by Don T. Strader. TAKING OFF. The team begins its quest for a 15th consecutive District 17 win. Victory was on the horizon for the Bisons as they easily outran their nearest competitors, U.C.A., by nine points . -Photo by Don T. Strader. Maki?g /l //Jree 'The season proved to be one of our best since we all stepped up and fulfilled our potential,' said Davis A ccepting the challenge, the team pulled together to compose a fifteenth consecutive District championship and an eighteenth conference win. The year's outcome was questionable in August because only th ree of the top five previous team members had returned. "It was a rough year," said Ken Edwards. "With each meet our places changed, with the exception of Jon (Murray)." Murray ran consistently at the number one spot for the team. Throughout the year the team placed from first to third in all their meets without their leading runner (Murray}. Throughout their season, University of Central Arkansas presented a threat to the Bisons and a close 12-second loss on October 22 provided a preconference shock "to get it in gear for the big race," said Coach Ted Lloyd. "It was a team effort. The men pushed to be the difference." The run of Edwards, Eric VanMatre and Mark Halbert as a group provided a low 27 points towards the overall score of 39. Murray led the race from its start and completed it as the victor in 25.46, 15 seconds ahead of any competition on the five mile course. Behind Murray was a crew of Henderson State and University of Central Arkansas runners. "When I walked back to the finish line and saw all of those UCA and Henderson runners I felt crushed as I felt victory slip from our group. But then I saw· all the Harding guys and was elated," said Murray. "This win was very special because of how close it was. We saw what needed to be done and did it." Collectively the team captured four of the top ten spots in the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference meet, and seven of the top 15 spots for a nine point victory over UCA. Complications developed which prevented the participation of a full team in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics meet. With four of the top seven runners out of action, the remaining squad entered the race. Against approximately 450 runners, Andrew Guturrie finished 248, Allen Gill 227, Edwards 197, and Murray 67. "It was an enjoyable year and a joy to be on the team," said Murray. -Don Strader Men's Cross Country 25
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