[ All Stars Runners excelled, earned top honors T he '89 men's and women's track and cross country teams had much to be proud of. Their overall accomplishments: both team and individual, were outstanding and in some cases set new standards by which Harding tracksters and cross country runners will be measured. To women's track team was able to achieve something that had never been done at Harding both teamwise and individually. For starters, they captured their first AIC crown. "The womens' program really came of age this year and performed outstandingly," said Coach Ted Lloyd, who coached both the men's and women's track and cross country teams. "Not only that, but Harding had its first two All-American women tracksters in the program's history." By leaping an incredible distance of 18'6" in the long jump, Letha Stewart became one of two Lady Bisons to make indoor All-American in 1989. The other woman was Cheryl Bednosky. Bednosky rewrote the record books at the indoor nationals. With her 1500 meter time of 4:47.40, her 800 meter time of 2:21.29, and a time of 10:49.90 in the 3000 meter run she broke three school records and qualified as an All-American. The amazing thing is that she broke all three of these records in the same day. Some other outstanding times obtained by the AIC champs were in the 400 meter relay as Margaret Eoff, Stewart, Tina Bearden and Kelsie Hutchinson ran a 49.58. Eoff ran a 1:01.14 400 meter dash and Eoff Stewart, Beardon and Hutchinson team a 4:15.78 1600 meter relay. Other All-AIC members included Melynda Cordry and Tracy Parks. The men's track team "Per7 6 Endless Activities formed well but lacked depth," according to coach Lloyd. Though the AIC crown was not obtained by the men, some individual accomplishments were definitely noteworthy. Harding had three indoor All-Americans and three outdoor All-Americans. Olester Bernard's shot put distance of 54'2" and Te Howard's high jump of 6'10" V2" helped them to achieve All-American status both indoor and outdoors. Bernard placed third at the indoor nationals and fourth at the outdoor meet. Howard took second at the indoor nationals and fourth at the outdoors. Teammates Jon Murray and Jimmy Sloan also made All-American status. Murray ran a 32:06.55 at the outdoor nationals, placing him third, and Jimmy Sloan pole vaulted an astounding 16'2", placing him fourth at the indoor nationals. Both the men's and women's cross country teams brought home an AIC championship in '89. The men defended their title with the help of Jon Murray, Mark Halbert, Allen Gill, and Tony Davis who all made the All-AIC team. The women won the AIC with the help of six All-AIC runners. Cordry, Eoff, Hutchinson, Chandra Latimer, Carrie White and Jennifer Cole. But, Cordy separated herself from the pack as she went on to place seventh at the national meet. That was the highest place finish for any Harding cross country runner, male or female, in the school's history. Her solid finish made her the first female cross country AllAmerican in the school's history. The track and cross country squads put up quality numbers and brought home the AIC crowns for Harding. - Darren Bonham
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