2005-2006 Cross Country Archive

October 7, 2006

LADY STATESMEN FINISH STRONG AT CBU/BROKKS TWI-LIGHT INVITATIONAL

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Delta State women's cross country team finished the Brooks Twi-Light Collegiate Invitational hosted by Christian Brothers University strong on Saturday in Memphis.

Kristin Williams turned in her best performance of the season, an 18:47.57, to finish 27th overall. Natasha Smith placed 72nd with a 20:11.93, while Hayden Wood placed 149th with a 23:01.45. Laura Ashley Wilson, running with a muscle strain, finished 183rd with a 27:10.45.

DSU failed to record a team finish due to an injury to Elizabeth Read.

Harding University claimed the team title with Missouri State second followed by Western Kentucky, Arkansas-Little Rock and Alabama-Hunstville in the top five. A total of 25 teams and 193 runners competed in the event.

DSU will now prepare for the GSC Championships to be held in Huntsville, Ala., on October 21.

September 30, 2006

LADY STATESMEN FINISH 10 TH AT WEST FLORIDA INVITATIONAL

PENSACOLA , Fla. – Two weeks after finishing in the top 10 at the MVSU Classic, the Delta State University women’s cross country team returned to competition Saturday at the University of West Florida Classic placing 10 th out of 11 teams. Florida Southern captured the team championship.

“We ran a little better this week despite some key injuries,” said DSU head coach Joey Hall. “Kristin continues to set the tone for us each week and she really performed well again this week.”

Kristin Williams, a sophomore from Quincy, Ill., finished 13 th with a 23:34. Natasha Smith finished 49 th with a 25:54, while Hayden Wood placed 71 st with a 29:01. Elizabeth Read (32.44) and Ashley Wilson (37.16) finished the race despite being injured during the event.

“Elizabeth and Ashley showed a lot of heart today,” said Hall. “They showed a lot of determination despite some nagging injuries along the way.”

The Lady Statesmen return to action next Saturday at the Lady Buccaneers Invitational hosted by Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn.

The Lady Moccasins of FSC claimed the team championship with Tampa, Northern Kentucky, Alabama-Huntsville and Wingate rounding out the top five.

September 9, 2006

LADY STATESMEN JUMP START SEASON WITH 14 TH PLACE FINISH AT FLEET FEET INVITATIONAL  

HUNTSVILLE , Ala. – The Delta State women’s cross country team jump started the 2006 season competing against some of the top cross country competition in the nation at the Fleet Feet Invitational hosted by the Lady Chargers of the University of Alabama-Huntsville on Saturday. The Lady Statesmen finished 14 th and were led by Kristin Williams and Natasha Smith.

“For the first race of the season, I felt we really performed well,” said head coach Joey Hall. “We had some opportunities to finish a little higher, but overall I was pleased with our effort.”

Kristin Williams finished 12 th with a time of 19:52.7. The sophomore from Quincy, Ill., turned in her fourth career sub-20 minute performance for the green and white. Natahsa Smith, a junior from Vine Grove, Ky., placed 57 th with a 21:55.2. Junior Hayden Wood finished 106 th with a 25:05.5. Kate Ellard, a freshman from Natchez, placed 125 th with a 30:11.7 and Shauna Allen, a freshman from Greenville, rounded out the scoring for the Lady Statesmen with a time of 30:56.7 to place 126th.

The University of Alabama-Birmingham claimed the overall race championship. Alabama-Huntsville placed second followed by Southern Arkansas, Jacksonville State and Evansville in the top five.

The Lady Statesmen will return to action on September 16 at the Delta Devils Classic hosted by Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena. The race will begin at 9:30 a.m.

 

August 16, 2006

DELTA STATE CROSS COUNTRY TO HOLD OPEN TRYOUTS

CLEVELAND – Delta State University Cross Country coach Joey Hall announced on Wednesday that the Lady Statesmen will hold open tryouts for students interested in joining the team. Tryouts will be held at Chadwick-Dickson Athletic Field House on an appointment basis.

"We're excited about the upcoming season and I am looking forward to our first race," said Hall. "I would encourage any students interested in running to tryout next week."

Full-time students interested in trying out for the Lady Statesmen Cross Country team should contact coach Hall at (662) 846-4300 no later than August 24. Limited scholarships are still available.

 

November 5, 2005

LADY STATESMEN FINISH FOURTEENTH AT
NCAA SOUTH REGIONAL

TAMPA , Fla. – The Delta State University Lady Statesmen Cross Country team finished fourteenth on Saturday at the NCAA South Regional hosted by Florida Southern College in Tampa. The Lady Statesmen finished with 320 points. Twenty teams and 147 runners competed in Saturday’s regional.

“This was a very tough field and our ladies performed well,” said DSU head coach Doug Pinkerton. “Kristin led the way again for us and I am pleased with our finish.” Pinkerton added, “This team is very young and has performed great all year! I know it will carry over into next season.”

Kristin Williams finished 34 th after crossing the finish line in 24:15. Natasha Smith placed 60 th with a 25:39, while Hayden Wood crossed the line in 26:10 to finish 73 rd. Rose Chepkoech placed 76 th with a 26:13. Megan Sanders was 77 th after recording a 26:19 and Megan Shields rounded out the scoring with a 26:43 to place 84 th.

The Harding University Lady Bisons blistered the FSC Lady Moccasin course to claim the NCAA South Regional title. The University of Tampa finished second followed by Alabama-Huntsville. University of Central Arkansas finished fourth while Florida Southern College rounded out the top five.

The NCAA South Regional wrapped up a very successful season for the underclassmen laden roster. The Lady Statesmen return every runner off this year’s squad including freshman sensation Kristin Williams. The Lady Statesmen will take some time off before beginning the off-season program developed by Coach Pinkerton.

Click here for complete NCAA South Regional Results

November 3, 2005

LADY STATESMEN SET FOR NCAA CROSS COUNTRY REGIONAL AT FSC IN TAMPA, FLA.

CLEVELAND – Coach Doug Pinkerton and the Delta State University Lady Statesmen Cross Country team will compete in the NCAA South Regional this Saturday, November 5 at Florida Southern University in Tampa, Fla.

“This Saturday is huge challenge for our ladies, but I know they are capable of competing with the best runners in the nation,” said Coach Pinkerton. Pinkerton added, “If we can get out to a fast start who knows what could happen.”

The Lady Statesmen are coming off a sixth place finish at the Gulf South Conference Championship in Memphis, Tenn. Every Lady Statesmen runner set a personal best time, while Kristin Williams finished thirteenth overall. The freshman from Quincy, Ill. garnered Second Team All-Gulf South Conference honors for her effort.

The Regional will begin at 9 a.m. at the Lady Moccasins course in Tampa, Fla. Delta State competed in last year’s South Regional in Memphis, Tenn. The Lady Statesmen finished eighth out of 31 teams.

Complete results will be posted to www.GOSTATESMEN.com once the meet has been completed.

 

October 22, 2005

LADY STATESMEN FINISH SIXTH AT GSC CHAMPIONSHIPS; WILLIAMS GARNERS SECOND TEAM ALL-GSC

MEMPHIS , Tenn. – The Gulf South Conference Cross Country Championship is always one of the most challenging and talent-laden events of the racing season. On Saturday, the Lady Statesmen of Delta State University claimed sixth place as every runner for DSU posted a personal best time in the 5K event. A total of sixteen teams and 110 runners competed in the event.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the ladies today,” said DSU head coach Doug Pinkerton. “Everyone on the team ran a personal best time and Kristin Williams broke the 19 minute barrier.” Pinkerton added, “It was a solid finish to this season and now we’ll wait to see what happens in a couple of weeks.”

Kristin Williams placed thirteenth to lead the lady Statesmen with a career best time of 18:59 . The finish was the second fastest 5K mark in school history. The Quincy , Ill. native garnered Second Team All-Gulf South Conference honors for her performance. Amongst freshman, Williams posted the fourth fastest time.

Natasha Smith finished thirtieth with a 19:48 , while Rose Chepkoech posted a 20:30 to place forty-fifth. Hayden Wood came in at 20:49 to finish 58 th, while Megan Sanders finished fifty-fourth with a 20:42 . Megan Shields rounded out the scoring for the Lady Statesmen with a 21:28 (career best) to finish sixty-ninth.

“Every one of our ladies performed better than they ever have before today,” said Pinkerton. “I believe we are on the verge of some great things with this program.” Pinkerton added, “Kristin has been such a bright spot these last few weeks and really stepped it up as a leader for our team.”

Harding University claimed the GSC Women’s crown with 34 points, while Alabama-Huntsville finished second with 85 points. Central Arkansas placed third with 100 points followed by Southern Arkansas (167 points) and North Alabama (187 points).

All sixteen teams at the GSC Championships now await word on the upcoming NCAA Cross Country Regionals.

 

FINAL TEAM STANDINGS

1. Harding – 34
2. Alabama-Huntsville – 85
3. Central Arkansas – 100
4. Southern Arkansas – 167
5. North Alabama – 187
6. Delta State University – 200
7. West Florida – 202
8. Valdosta State – 210
9. West Georgia – 227
10. Ouachita Baptist – 245
11. Arkansas Tech – 258
12. Lincoln Memorial – 265
13. Montevallo – 348
14. Henderson State – 359
15. Christian Brothers – 406

West Alabama - 513

 

October 21, 2005

LADY STATESMEN LOOKING FOR STRONG FINISH AT GSC CHAMPIONSHIPS

CLEVELAND , MISS. -The Gulf South Conference Cross Country Championships once again meet in Memphis , Tenn. , Saturday, October 22 at Plough Park . This marks the seventh time in the last ten years that the meet will take place there. At 10:00 a.m. , 17 women's teams will take their marks for the 5 K championship run.

The top ten runners with the best recorded times go on to be members of the 2005 All-GSC First Team, while those who finish in the bottom half of the top 20 earn their place on the second team. The true freshman with the best time will claim GSC Freshman of the Year honors, while the GSC Coach of the Year award will be selected by the head coaches at a later time.

Three nationally ranked teams lead the way to the conference championship; Harding enters with a No. 9 national ranking, while defending champion Alabama-Huntsville is ranked No. 17. West Florida rounds it out ranked 20^th. Sixteen runners that earned All-GSC honors a year ago return, including nine of 10 first teamers.

The Lady Statesmen enter the 2005 conference finale with high expectations. “Its going to be a tough meet, remarked Head Coach Doug Pinkerton. “Harding and Huntsville will most most likely compete for the top two spots while the third through eighth spots are completely up for grabs," said DSU head coach Doug Pinkerton.

 

October 15, 2005

LADY STATESMEN RUN WELL VERSUS NATION’S ELITE; WILLIAMS SHATTERS SCHOOL RECORD IN THE 6K

FAYETTEVILLE , Ark. – Coach Doug Pinkerton knew his Lady Statesmen Cross Country team faced an uphill battle at the annual Chili Pepper Festival 6K race hosted by the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The race field had over 36 teams and some of the top teams in NCAA Division I. On Saturday morning the Lady Statesmen proved they rank among some of the best the GSC and NCAA DII has to offer.

Delta State finished 27 th overall, but claimed a higher finish than NCAA DI UA-Pine Bluff, University of Houston , Southeastern Louisiana and University of South Alabama . Amongst NCAA Division II competition, Delta State finished third behind ACU and ATU. 

“I was not concerned about where we finished this weekend,” said DSU head coach Doug Pinkerton. “I wanted our ladies to see that they can run with some of the best teams in all of collegiate cross country.” Pinkerton added, “Kristin Williams set the pace for us early and in the process shattered the school record in the 6K.” “Hopefully we will be able to carry over some of the confidence we gained today into the final few weeks of the season. If we can, watch out!”

Kristin Williams has made an immediate and impressive impact in her first season as a Lady Statesman. On Saturday, Williams shattered the Delta State University record in the 6K. The Quincy , Illinois native crossed the line in 23:17 (107 th) besting the previous record of 23:57 by 40 seconds. “Kristin ran a blazing 5:44 over the first mile,” said Pinkerton. “It really helped her set the pace for the rest of the race.” Pinkerton added, “She has already made a mark on the 5K record book and I only expect better things for her.”

Over 297 runners competed in the Chili Pepper Festival. Five of the NCAA Division I teams in competition were also ranked in the nation’s top-25 cross country polls. Rose Chepkoech, a freshman from Nairobi , Kenya , finished with a 25:31 (186 th), while Megan Sanders, a sophomore from Normal , Illi., posted a solid 26:06 (200 th). Hayden Wood, a sophomore from Marion , Ark. , recorded a 26:08 (202 nd), while fellow sophomore Megan Shields finished 215 th with a 27:02.

The Lady Statesmen would have finished a number of spots higher had Natasha Smith been able to complete the race. The Vine Grove, Ky. native suffered from an illness during the race and was forced to shut it down. “Natasha is going to be fine,” added Pinkerton. “She got sick during the race and we just didn’t want to take any chances with her.” Pinkerton concluded, “Our ladies really performed well overall. They ran against some of the top competition in the country. A number of the ladies in the race today have Olympic experience and I believe it will pay some big dividends for us later in the season.”

The Lady Statesmen will ride in the Gulf South Conference Championships next Saturday, October 22 on a big high. Competition is set to begin at 9 a.m. in Memphis , Tenn. The GSC Championships are being hosted by Christian Brothers University .

 

Chili Pepper 6K Final Team Standings
Fayetteville , Ark. – October 15, 2005

1. Oklahoma State University
2. University of Arkansas
3. Baylor University
4. Wichita State University
5. University of Nebraska
6. University of California
7. Texas Tech University
8. University of Wyoming
9. Georgia Tech University
10. Stephen F. Austin University
11. Abilene Christian University (D2)
12. University of Alabama
13. University of Tulsa
14. University of Richmond
15. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
16. University of Memphis
17. Louisiana State University
18. University of Texas at El-Paso
19. University of Texas at Arlington
20. University of Utah
21. University of Missouri at Kansas City
22. University of Miami
23. University of New Mexico
24. University of North Texas
25. Birmingham Southern University
26. Arkansas Tech University (D2)
27. Delta State University (D2)
28. Southwestern Oklahoma State University (D2)
29. University of Louisiana at Monroe
30. East Central ( Okla. ) University (D2)
31. University of South Alabama
32. Baker University (D2)
33. Evangel University (D3)
34. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
35. Southeastern Oklahoma State University (D2)
36. University of Houston

 

October 1, 2005

LADY STATESMEN CLAIM 12 TH PLACE AT PRESTIGOUS RHODES INVITATIONAL

MEMPHIS , TENN. – Coach Doug Pinkerton and the Delta State University Lady Statesmen Cross Country team faced formidable competition this past Saturday and rose to the challenge finishing in twelfth place. Over 177 runners and 22 teams competed in the event.

“This meet was one of the best we have been apart of this season,” stated DSU Head Coach Doug Pinkerton. “Our ladies ran well and we posted some of the best times of the year! The only bad thing is that our competition did too!” Pinkerton added, “The quality and depth of talent at this meet will go a long way in helping us prepare for the GSC Championships.”

The Lady Statesmen finished twelfth overall, but claimed the fifth best position for a NCAA DII school. Delta State accumulated 345 points.

DSU’s Krisitin Williams claimed top spot with a 31 st place finish. The freshman from Quincy, Ill. posted a 19:50, shaving five seconds off her top time. She has already recorded two of the top 15 5K times in school history this season. Natasha Smith, a sophomore from Vine Grove, Ky., finished in 50 th place with a 20:18.

“The ladies really ran hard and some of our performances really show it,” added Pinkerton. “Megan really ran well and Krisitin seems to improve with every race.”

Rose Chepkoech placed 72 nd overall with a 20:46. The freshman from Nairobi, Kenya recorded her second straight sub-21:00 performance. Sophomore Hayden Wood posted a time of 21:29 to finish 97 th. It was the second best time of the year (5k) for the Marion, Ark. native. Sophomore Megan Sanders rounded out the scoring for DSU. The Normal, Ill. native finished 111 th with a 21:51. It was her best 5K performance of the year.

The Lady Statesmen return to action on Saturday, October 8 at the Chili Pepper Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark. Over 40 teams are expected to compete from all levels of the NCAA.

Final Team Standings:

1. Harding 56
2. Alabama-Huntsville 94
3. Southern Mississippi 95
4. Memphis 124
5. Central Arkansas 172
6. Vanderbilt 195
7. Jacksonville State 220
8. Southern Arkansas 232
9. Birmingham Southern 251
10. Rhodes 262
11. Hendrix 295
12. Delta State 345
13. Austin Peay State 358
14. Ouachita Baptist 394
15. Arkansas Tech 400
16. Union 430
17. Sewanee 452
18. Greenville 456
19. Bevill State 502
20. Belhaven 590
21. Christian Brothers 594
22. UA-Pine Bluff 597

 

 

September 24, 2005

LADY STATESMEN CAPTURE SECOND AT UALR INVITATIONAL IN LITTLE ROCK, ARK.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Delta State University Lady Statesmen Cross Country team continued their march towards a berth in the NCAA regionals with a second place showing at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Invitational on Saturday. The Lady Statesmen finished with 120 points behind Central Arkansas's 65 points.

"Despite some poor conditions I thought we ran fairly well today," said DSU head coach Doug Pinkerton. "We have to make some adjustments, but overall it was a solid meet for us."

Freshman Kristin Williams led the Lady Statesmen with a 13th place finish (19:55.37). Rose Chepkoech came in 19th with a 20:31.34. Natasha Smith placed 24th with a time 20:45.55, while Megan Sanders came in 40th with a time of 21:56.96. Hayden Wood posted a 22:14.68 to finish 43rd, while Megan Shields rounded out the scoring for DSU with a 22:17.11 good for 44th overall.

The Lady Statesmen return to action this Saturday, October 1 at the Rhodes College Invitational in Memphis, Tenn. The race is set to begin at 10:30 a.m.

September 10, 2005

LADY STATESMEN PLACE SEVENTH AT ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE CHARGER INVITATIONAL

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Delta State University Lady Statesmen Cross Country team placed seventh in the University of Alabama-Huntsville Charger Invitational Saturday at the Huntsville Country Club. All six Lady Statesmen placed in the top-65 runners.

“We are still getting our legs under us,” stated DSU Head Coach Doug Pinkerton. “Our performance wasn’t bad and I believe our ladies learned a lot out there today.”

Freshman Kristin Williams was the top finisher for the Lady Statesmen. The Illinois native finished 26th with a 21:04. Rose Chepkoech placed 35 th with a solid 21:48. Natasha Smith came in 48 th with a 22:14, while fellow teammates Hayden Wood ( 22:23) and Megan Shields ( 22:27) came in 50 th and 51 st respectively. Megan Sanders rounded out the scoring for DSU with a 61 st place finish in 23:15.

A total of 15 teams and 104 runners competed in the event.

Team Results
1. UAH 42
2. West Florida 69
3. Carson Newman 122
4. UNA 125
5. Jacksonville State 144
6. Clayton State 148
7. Delta State 198
8. Univ. of the South 211
9. Bevill State 237
10. Alabama State 250
11. Lincoln Memorial 251
12. Montevallo 288
13. Gadsden State 332
14. Alabama A&M 392
15. West Alabama 426

 

September 6, 2005

LADY STATESMEN CROSS COUNTRY HAS SOLID DEBUT

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Delta State University Lady Statesmen Cross Country had a solid debut Saturday at the Southern Arkansas University Lady Mulerider Invitational. Delta State finished third with 83 points out of eight teams at the 5K race.

“For the first meet I thought we ran fairly well,” stated DSU head coach Doug Pinkerton. “We have a number of areas to work on before our meet next weekend at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.”

Delta State‘s Natasha Smith claimed tenth place and the top spot for the Lady Statesmen. Smith crossed the line in 20:00 . Freshman Kristin Williams placed thirteenth with a 20:28 , while Rose Chepkoech finished fifteenth with a 20:46 . Hayden Wood claimed 22 nd place with a 21:14 , while Megan Shields crossed the line at 21:19 for 23 rd. Megan Sanders rounded out the scoring for Lady Statesmen. Sanders finished 27 th with a time of 21:50 . A total of 52 runners competed in this weekend’s SAU Invitational.

The University of Arkansas-Little Rock won the event with 19 points. SAU came in second with 40 points. Fellow GSC foe Henderson State claimed fifth place with 153 points.

Team Results

1. UALR – 19
2. SAU – 40
3. DSU – 83
4. Grambling – 125
5. HSU – 153
6. UT-Tyler – 166
7. East Texas Baptist – 181
8. Letournea – No score

 

August 31, 2005

LADY STATESMEN CROSS COUNTRY READY TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

CLEVELAND – After a solid finish to the 2004 season, Coach Doug Pinkerton knew expectations would be riding high for the 2005 Lady Statesmen Cross Country campaign. Delta State University returns four runners off a team that finished fifth in the Gulf South Conference and made a strong showing the NCAA South Regional in Memphis , Tenn.

“We had a great year last season, but that was last season,” stated DSU head coach Doug Pinkerton. “We have a solid nucleus coming back, but we also have a number of questions to answer before the start of the season.”

The Lady Statesmen will feature four key members off last season’s record setting club. The Lady Statesmen bettered preseason expectations by finishing in the top five at the GSC Championships and claimed two meet titles at the University of West Florida and Mississippi College. “We return Hayden Wood, Natasha Smith, Megan Sanders and Megan Shields off last season’s squad,” added Pinkerton. “All four of these young ladies have worked very hard in the off-season and are ready to take on leadership roles this year.”

Pinkerton and his staff added a pair of highly touted freshmen to the mix with Rose Chepkoech and Kristin Williams joining the program. Chepkoech is a Nairobi , Kenya native and could easily become one of the best in the program’s history. Williams, a Quincy , Ill. Native, brings impressive prep credentials and an insatiable work ethic to the squad this season. “I believe Rose and Kristin will make a big impact immediately,” said Coach Pinkerton.

The 2005 Cross Country schedule is also a daunting one according to Pinkerton. “This season I wanted us to run in a more challenging environment and with more teams,” said DSU’s head coach. “I looked for races with solid DII participation and for events that offer us a chance to improve each week. We believe we have done just that.” The season opens September 3 at the Southern Arkansas University Invitational in Magnolia, Ark. Overall the Lady Statesmen will compete in five regular season meets with the GSC Championship coming on October 22 in Memphis , Tenn. The NCAA South Regional will be held on the weekend of November 5 and it will be hosted by Florida Southern College in Tampa , Fla.

For more information on Lady Statesmen Cross Country, log on to www.gostatesmen.com or call Coach Pinkerton at (662) 846-4569 . You can also e-mail Coach Pinkerton at dpinkrtn@deltastate.edu.

 

June 24, 2005

LADY STATESMEN RELEASE 2005 SCHEDULE

CLEVELAND – Delta State University Head Coach Doug Pinkerton announced the 2005 Lady Statesmen Cross Country schedule on Friday at Chadwick-Dickson Field House. The schedule features five regular season meets along with the Gulf South Conference Championship Meet.

“Last season we set some very lofty goals and for the most part reached them,” stated Coach Pinkerton. “This season we set a schedule that would be challenging and at the same time allow our ladies the opportunity to prepare for the NCAA’s.”

Delta State will open the season on September 3 at the Southern Arkansas University Mulerider Invitational in Magnolia, Ark. This season the Lady Statesmen will not host a home meet, but Coach Pinkerton does not believe it will deter the Lady Statesmen at all. “I was originally concerned about not having a home meet, but it worked last year and I believe the opportunity to run against great competition will only help us,” stated Pinkerton.

For a complete schedule, click here.