BY LOGAN MCCOURTNEY –
As school begins, along with volleyball and football, cross country will get started at schools around the county. Mena Cross Country Coach Randy Peters is looking forward to the upcoming season, “We have lost some runners, but we have a lot coming back this next year. We will have more athletes out running than we have in a long time at Mena.” While solid runners like Clint Buck have graduated, Coach Peters believes that the future for Bearcat Cross Country is bright. “Our most experienced varsity runner will be Robert McIntyre, which he competed well last year and had the opportunity to go to Australia to run. He will be a big piece. On the girls side, Alex Harper is an 8th grader and she is up and coming. She is a great runner and I think she won every meet except for one last year.”
Last year, Mena and Acorn hosted the Mena-Acorn Lions Club Cross Country Invitational for the first time. “Coach Wilsey and I both thought it was successful last year and we wanted to make it a regular race and so we are bringing it back this year.” Mena competed well at the race last year, finishing 2nd overall. This year several schools have been invited to come run including Mt. Ida, DeQueen, Booneville, Caddo Hills, and several others. In addition to the Invitational, Mena will use the Lions Club as a practice course throughout the fall. The first race of the season for Mena is September 9th at Magazine. In addition to the race at the Lions Club, Mena will also compete twice at Acorn, making it easier for supporters to cheer on the Bearcats and Ladycats.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
More Stories
Polk County Sheriff’s Log
Jingle Bell Rock 2023
Polk County Pulse – September 27, 2023