coach of the year... Over the years, the cross-country and track and field teams were consistently successful in their competitions. The two sports were different in some respects, but they shared one thing in common: a first-class coach. Head Coach Steve Guymon had been Harding's crosscountry and track and field coach for eight years as of 2010. He worked with the teams during both pre-season and in season, training them to be the best athletes-and individuals - they could be. Guymon had an extremely successful coaching career, according to the Gulf South Conference, who awarded Guymon 11 GSC Coach of the Year honors through the years. Guymon helped his athletes excel in not only personal goals but also in team goals. "I'm flattered, but I'm also humbled in the fact that I know I didn't run one step," Guymon said. "I didn't run a race or start a race. When the team does well, as coaches, that makes us look good." In the past, the Bison cross-country team won six out of seven GSC championships and NCAA II South Region championships. With Guymon's guidance, the men's crosscountry team placed top 10 in a national ranking five times. Guymon led the Lady Bisons to five GSC championships, two NCAA South Region titles and four top 10 national finishes. •Overall, his athletes conquered 26 all-American honors. The track and field team also had their share of successes •·· .. '. . . with Guymon, qualifying for srx indoor and seven outdoor national meets. The men's team placed 13th in a national outdoor ranking and 1oth for a national indoor ranking. Under Guymon's leadership, competitive successes on the track turned little-known names into campus celebrities. Seven national championships were accomplished by runners Jacob Rotich in 2004, Przemek Bobrowski in 2006, Julius Kosgei in 2006 and Daniel Kirwa rn 2008 and 2009. Janet Kogo also won three national championships in 2005. "I have been blessed with the team I have," Guymon said. "There are a lot of kids on the team that work so hard for very little.They are out there every day.They work and they try and our team is successful because of the work ethic the athletes have had over the years. I'm very proud of the group." Senior Blake Arnold, an active member of the track and field team since his freshman year, had been under Guymon's leadership since day one and was very enthusiastic about his coach. "Through Coach Guymon's leadership and support, I have really improved my skills," Arnold said. "He has aided me in becoming the athlete and person that I am today." The cross-country and track and field teams' preparation for their upcoming season was well underway. Both the athletes and Guymon were confident that the year would be a success, and judging from past records, the future looked promisingly in their favor. Elumba Ebenja Row 1: R Sirmo, C Ebenjo, L. Willis, M. Elliott, T Holloway Row 2: E. Kosgei, T Chambers, S. Zibulsky, C Doino, K. Grant H. Atkins, G. 1\imtoi. Row 3: A Roley, R Roper. C McAlister, D. Gibson, R Conley, C Rolston. jeff Montgomery track 281
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