Written by Gary Griffin
Harding hosted the Bison Stampede last Saturday at Wyldewood Retreat Center. The Harding University men’s and women’s cross-country teams took on teams from Henderson State and Southern Arkansas. All proceeds from the women’s race and men’s race went to the family of Searcy resident Lori Newby, who is battling breast cancer.The Harding men’s team had eight runners in the top 10. Two of the top four women’s cross-country teams tied for first place with 29 points. “It felt great to race for a good cause and for someone else. There was an awesome turnout and I am extremely grateful for everyone that came out to support Lori and her family,” freshman Kris Monroe said.Lora Lovett designed shirts for the teams to wear and most of the people who came to support the races and Newby family were wearing the shirts.”People noticed the team wearing the shirts before the race and everyone started asking about them and wanting them,” coach Steve Guymon said. “This is personal for me. My family is really close to the Newbys. John Newby is my son’s coach and Lori used to run by our house. The Newbys are a huge inspiration to me and to so many people.”Lori Newby could not make it to the races, but many of her friends and family came out to Wyldewood to show their support. “The race went really well, and it was truly a blessing to be a part of something like this,” Senior Frank Bolling said. “This race was also good for all of us to prepare for conference coming up on Nov. 6 that is held in Birmingham.”
