The Traveler

Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Darren McNeil Junior cross-country runner Scott MacPherson already has two top-three finishes this season.

It's no secret Arkansas has had its fair share of track glory, and that fact definitely didn't stray too far from cross-country runner Scott MacPherson's mind when he chose to join the Razorbacks three years ago.

The 5-foot-9 junior wanted to win, and looking at the banners hanging throughout the Razorback facilities, Arkansas gave him that opportunity.

"I knew if I came here, [Arkansas coach John] McDonnell would make me the best runner I could possibly be, and there would also be the possibility of winning team championships," MacPherson said. "Winning is by far the best reward at the end of all the hard work."

MacPherson wasn't always a runner. He grew up playing lacrosse, but Plano (Texas) High School didn't have a lacrosse team and to get a physical education credit, he decided to follow his dad's footsteps and became a runner. After winning a few races, MacPherson decided running was the sport for him.

His decision has paid off.

At the 2006 NCAA Cross Country Championships, MacPherson placed 48th, earning him his first All-American honors.

"It was a little iffy at first, because I was like the second-to-last person before they made the cut [on being an All-American]," MacPherson said. "It was pretty cool, in hindsight, to have the Razorback tattoo on my arm for making All-American and then sitting back thinking of all the famous runners who have had that All-American Razorback on their arms."

The All-American wasn't done after last season. So far this season, MacPherson has finished third in the Arkansas Duels and first in the Missouri Southern Stampede, perhaps at his favorite course after placing second at the 2006 Stampede.

"The Stampede was a good race, but it's still early in the year and the competition's only going to get better and the races are only going to get harder and faster," MacPherson said. "I think it gave me a lot of confidence for the year. If there's one thing I did probably lack, it was knowing I could do it on the day I needed to."

MacPherson hopes to use that confidence later this season as the Razorbacks hope to overcome a drought in cross country championships.

After winning 11 NCAA titles in 17 years, the Hogs haven't hoisted the trophy since 2000, something MacPherson finds a bit frustrating.

Continued...

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