April 15, 2008

DELTA STATE TO HOST CROSS COUNTRY CAMP APRIL 26 AT WYATT GYMNASIUM

• DSU Cross Country Camp Brochure

CLEVELAND - Delta State University head coach Doug Pinkerton will host a Cross Country Camp on Saturday, April 26 at Wyatt Gymnasium. The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will end at 12 p.m.

Campers will receive t-shirts and water bottles. All proceeds benefit the Lady Statesmen Cross Country program. For more information, please call coach Pinkerton at (662) 719-5303 or click here to email him.

March 20, 2008

LADY STATESMEN CROSS COUNTRY INKS SIX TO NATIONAL LETTERS OF INTENT

CLEVELAND - Delta State University Cross Country head coach Doug Pinkerton announced the signings of six student-athletes to NCAA National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. The group includes five freshmen and one senior.

"I'm excited about this recruiting class," added Pinkerton. "They have a wealth of ability and I believe they will help us build upon the successes we had last season."

A complete list of signees is below.

Name	Cls.	School	Hometown
Rachel Gavin	Fr.	Batesville	Batesville, AR
Jessica Upton	Fr.	Arlington	Arlington, TN
Justine Diaz	Fr.	Ridgeland	Ridgeland
Whitney Springer	Fr.	Muhlenberg North	Central City, KY
Anna Smith	Fr.	West Lauderdale	Collinsville
Angie Libby	Sr.	DSU	St. Louis, Mo.

 

November 11, 2008

DELTA STATE'S SMITH FINISHES 86TH AT NCAA SOUTHEAST REGIONAL

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.- Delta State senior Natasha Smith ran her last race wearing the green and white, as she was the only representative in the Division II South Regional Championship this past weekend for DSU at Sharon Johnston Park. The Vine Grove, Kentucky native finished 86th out of 155 participants including 13 schools from the Gulf South Conference.

“Natasha has had a tremendous career here at Delta State,” said Pinkerton. “She has improved every year and will conclude her career as one of the best we have had in this program.”
           
Three GSC schools finished in the top five including Harding’s Janee Jones, who finished first with a time 21:17.4. Laura Woznicki from the University of Tampa finished second in 21:19 while Caitlin Heider of Alabama-Huntsville, Rysper Sirma of Harding and Jessica Forrester of Tampa round out the top-five.

November 1, 2007

DESIRE TO HELP OTHERS DRIVING FORCE BEHIND SMITH’S CAREER
By Matt Jones

Natasha Smith is an unassuming young lady - poised, graceful and full of talent.  For the last four years, she has run Cross Country for the Lady Statesmen.  A competitor to the end, Smith has battled knee and ankle injuries, but never allowed the bumps in the road to slow her progress on the course or in the classroom.  Saturday, she will compete in her final race as a collegiate athlete, the NCAA Cross Country Regionals in Huntsville, Ala., but the ending might just be the beginning of a life’s mission found here in the Mississippi Delta – serving others.

“When I came to DSU four years ago, I was nine hours from home and life was very different,” said Smith.  “I had running and a new set of friends and I was determined to explore what was out there for me at Delta State.”

Natasha and the Lady Statesmen found success early during her freshman year.  The Vine Grove, Ky., native was one of nine newcomers on Doug Pinkerton’s first team at Delta State.  That same year, Smith posted the sixth fastest 6K time in Lady Statesmen history at the NCAA Regionals with a blistering 24:30.

“There were nine of us that year and we had such a special season,” added Smith.  “It just came easy that year.”

The next two years would find Smith and the Lady Statesmen working to exceed the expectations built by their outstanding freshman campaign.  The Lady Statesmen would continue to improve with Smith as one of the driving forces behind that success.

“Natasha can do anything she puts her mind to,” said Doug Pinkerton, Lady Statesmen head coach.  “She is a tremendous athlete and student, but she is an even better person.  In the last four years, I would say she has grown more than any other athlete I have been around.”

Smith has always used running as a way of dealing with life’s little obstacles.  Through it all she has recorded one of the greatest career’s in Lady Statesmen history.  The exercise science major holds two of the top 20 6K times and one of the top 20 5K times in school history.

“There is a saying that has stuck with me for years – I don’t run because I love it, I run because I can’t live without it,” added Smith.  “Coach Pinkerton gave me the option of running in the NCAA Regional and I couldn’t turn it down.  My heart is in it too deep.”

As Smith hangs up her running shoes, she will treasure the lessons she has learned from her coach.  “I have loved running for Doug,” Smith said with a smile.  “While he pushes you to be your best, he never loses sight of the big picture.  He spoils you, because he cares so much.” 

In her senior year, Smith has taken on the challenge of growing out of her shell.  “I wanted to experience some new things this year, so I competed in the Miss Beautiful Pageant and ran for Homecoming queen.  I had never done anything like that before and I have gained so much respect for those that compete regularly.”

Much like in her running career, Smith found success in these new ventures.  The striking Bluegrass beauty was voted in as a Senior Maid on the Homecoming Court and took home “Beauty” honors at the Most Beautiful Pageant. 

Pinkerton has played a role in her new found successes as well.  “Doug wants you to succeed at everything you do and he has been so supportive of me these last four years.”

Last Saturday, Smith gave coach Pinkerton a special treat when she asked him to escort her at Homecoming.  “My parents couldn’t be here, so I asked the only other person I would have wanted to escort me.  He was shocked and honored at first, but I am the one that was really honored.” 
 
While Saturday’s race will be her last in the green-and-white, Smith will soon turn the page her collegiate career.  In May, Smith will complete degree requirements on her bachelor’s in exercise science.  This summer she plans on interning in Maryland and after that focusing on a tour with the Peace Corps.

“They say you are defined by what you do for others and I have always wanted to make an impact in someone else’s life,” Smith quipped.  “I want to make a difference and Peace Corps will give me that opportunity. I’m looking forward to the challenge and I know I’m prepared.”        

October 20, 2007

LADY STATESMEN FINISH 12 TH AT GSC CHAMPIONSHIPS; LADY BISONS CLAIM TEAM TITLE

• GSC Championships Results

HOOVER, Ala. – The Delta State University women’s cross country team finished 12th overall at the Gulf South Conference Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Veteran’s Park. The Lady Statesmen accumulated 348 total points. Harding University and the Lady Bisons edged Alabama-Huntsville by one point, 31-32, for the team title.

“We felt like we could have performed a little better today, but our girls ran as hard as they could,” said head coach Doug Pinkerton. “We have two weeks to prepare for NCAA Regionals and I know we’ll be ready in Huntsville, Ala.”

Senior Natasha Smith paced the Lady Statesmen with a 28 th place finish in her final GSC Championship appearance. The Vine Grove, Ky., native crossed the line in 20:56.64 to lead Delta State.

“Natasha has had a tremendous career here at Delta State,” said Pinkerton. “She has improved every year and will conclude her career as one of the best we have had in this program.”

Britni Adcox, a senior from Covington, La., crossed the line in 23:18.76 to finish 76 th overall. Mary Katherine Dempsey finished 79 th after posting a 23:33.01. Chasey Niebrugge was a mere six seconds behind Dempsey to place 80 th with a 23:40.26.

Brittany Eikner came in 85 th with a 24:30.83, while Hayden Wood finished 88 th with a 25:25.21. Elizabeth Read rounded out the scoring for the Lady Statesmen with a 28:06.07 to place 98 th.

Harding nipped Alabama-Huntsville in the closest finish in GSC history, 31-32.  The Lady Bisons and UAH were the only squads to finish in double-digits in the 15-team event.

West Florida placed third (121), followed by Southern Arkansas (144) and North Alabama (154).  Rounding out the Top 10 included No. 6 Arkansas Tech (161), followed by Ouachita Baptist (164), West Georgia (190), Montevallo (204) and Henderson State (308). 

Completing the team results was No. 11 Valdosta State (328), followed by Delta State (348), Christian Brothers (365), Arkansas-Monticello (395) and West Alabama (397).

Harding and Alabama-Huntsville combined to place eight runners in the All-GSC First Team Top 10.  HU’s Janee Jones turned in the top time for the second straight year, earning GSC Individual Medalist honors with a time of 18:08.

October 13, 2007

LADY STATESMEN FINISH THIRD AT MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE INVITATIONAL; GSC CHAMPIONSHIPS ONE WEEK AWAY

• Final Mississippi College-Watson Ford 6K Invitational Results  

JACKSON – The Lady Statesmen of Delta State University turned in another outstanding performance at the Watson Ford 6K Invitational hosted by Mississippi College with a third place finish. Mississippi College captured the team title.

“We ran well today against some outstanding teams,” said head coach Doug Pinkerton. “MC scores this event a little differently than other by ranking Division I and non-DI schools separately. There were some outstanding runners here and we held our own.”

Natasha Smith, a senior from Vine Grove, Ky., finished first among non-DI competitors with a 24:26.08. Her finish was good for 12 th among all runners.

“Natasha was blazing a very tough course today,” added Pinkerton. “She ran toe-for-toe with some of the south’s top teams today.”

Mary Katherine Dempsey finished 15 th with a 27:22.26. Britni Adcox was 16 th with a 27:27.92, while Chasey Niebrugge came in 17 th with a 27:35.30.

Brittany Eikner was 25 th with a 28:20.86, while Hayden Wood closed out the scoring for DSU with a 29:17.64 to finish 31 st.

Mississippi College claimed the team title with 30 points followed by McMurray University (43) and Delta State (70). Spring Hill College and West Alabama rounded out the top five.

The Lady Statesmen will travel to Hoover, Ala., for the Gulf South Conference Championships next Saturday at Veteran’s Park. The meet is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

September 30, 2007

Natasha Smith guides Lady Statesmen to 12th place finish at Rhodes Invitational 5K

• Rhodes College Invitational Results

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Senior Natasha Smith proved once again why she is the unquestioned leader of the Delta State cross country team by guiding the Lady Statesmen to a 12th place finish at the Rhodes College Invitational 5K Saturday. The meet took place at Shelby Farms.

With over 150 runners and some of the top cross country teams in the nation competing in the event, Smith, a senior from Vine Grove, Ky., placed 19th with a time of 20:29. It was the third-straight top 20 finish for Smith. Smith also topped her season-best time by more than two minutes.

"Natasha ran well today and we continue to improve our times each week," said DSU head coach Doug Pinkerton. "Our times, as a whole, were much better today, and with three weeks until the GSC Championships, I believe we are starting to make our stride."

Mary Katherine Dempsey was the next Lady Statesmen to cross the finish line with a 22:36. The senior came in 70th with her best performance as a Lady Statesmen in a 5K event.

Senior Brittani Adcox was right behind her with a career-best 22:42 to place 73rd. Not to be out-done, Chasey Niebrugge claimed 79th place with a career-best 23:10, while Brittany Eikner came in 86th with a 23:46, an outstanding 1:50 better than her previous high.

Hayden Wood also turned in a season-best 24:52 to place 96th. The senior bested her previous 5K total by more than four minutes.

Birmingham Southern claimed the team title with 79 points followed by Rhodes College (87), University of Memphis (96), Southern Arkansas University (115), and Greenville College (138) rounding out the top five. The Lady Statesmen finished 12th out of 20 teams.

"This meet was one of the best we have competed at this year," added Pinkerton. "Our ladies had the chance today to run against some of the best in the region and we performed very well."

Delta State returns to the course on October 13 in Jackson at the Mississippi College Invitational. Meet time is scheduled for 9 a.m.

September 24, 2007

LADY STATESMEN COMPETE IN MISSISSIPPI STATE LADY BULLDOG INVITATIONAL; SMITH FINISHES 13TH
By J.T. Webb, Cross Country Contact

STARKVILLE - Coach Doug Pinkerton and the Delta State cross country team traveled to Starkville on Sept. 22 to compete in the Mississippi State University CC Invitational. It was the second meet of the year for Pinkerton's Lady Statesmen. No team results were reported.

Senior Natasha Smith once again paced the Lady Statesmen with a 13th place finish, finishing with a time of 17:17.51.

Senior Mary Katherine Dempsey came in 21st place with a time of 18:59. Britni Adcox (19:22.70) came in 22nd, followed by Chasey Niebrugge (19:31.41) in 23rd and Brittney Eikner placed 25th with a 19:54.49. Hayden Wood rounded out the times for the Lady Statesmen with a 21:05.17 to place 29th.

“We ran pretty well against some top class competition today”, said Pinkerton. “We need to continue improving and the results will follow.”

The next meet for the Lady Statesmen will be Saturday, Sept. 29 at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn.

September 7, 2007

LADY STATESMEN FINISH FIFTH AT 24TH ANNUAL USM GOLDEN EAGLES INVITATIONAL

HATTIESBURG - The start of the 2007 cross country season got under way with a bang on Friday, as the Lady Statesmen of Delta State University finished tied for fifth at the 24th annual USM Golden Eagles Invitational. DSU tied with Spring Hill College after recording 159 points.

"We turned in a great performance today for our first time out of the gate," said DSU head coach Doug Pinkerton. "Natasha and Mary Kathryn performed well and set the bar high for the rest of our team."

Tulane University defended its title with a meet-low 16 points. Southern Miss tallied 86 points to finish second followed by Jackson State (89) and Mississippi College (98). Spring Hill and DSU rounded out the top five.

The 14 team meet is regarded as one of the premier events in the southeast.

"There were some great teams competing here today," added Pinkerton. "Tulane is one of the top programs in Conference USA and our ladies performed well against some great NCAA Division I competition."

Natasha Smith, a 5-6 senior from Vine Grove, Ky., finished ninth overall to pace the Lady Statesmen with a time of 22:02.43.

Mary Kathryn Dempsey, a newcomer to the program this season, placed 30th overall with a 24:12.88.

Two-sport stars Chasey Niebrugge and Britni Adcox, both All-GSC performers on the softball field, crossed the finish line next for the Lady Statesmen. Niebrugge finished 37th with a 24:56.81, while Adcox was 40th with a 25:01.37.

Another two-sport standout Brittany Eikner placed 49th with a 25:36.07, while Elizabeth Read finished 64th with a 27:35.55. Hayden Wood closed out the performers for the Lady Statesmen finishing in 28:55.76 to place 71st.

The Lady Statesmen return to action September 22 at Mississippi State University in Starkville.

Click here for complete results.

September 5, 2007

LADY STATESMEN TO OPEN SEASON FRIDAY AT SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

CLEVELAND - Coach Doug Pinkerton and the 2007 edition of the Lady Statesmen cross country team will open the season Friday in Hattiesburg at the 27th annual University of Southern Mississippi Invitational.

"We're excited to have the opportunity to run against someone other than ourselves," said Pinkerton. "We have some talented ladies on this team and I expect us to compete well this weekend."

Natasha Smith, a three-year letter winner and former NCAA Regional participant, returns to guide the Lady Statesmen. The Vine Grove, Ky., native has been a mainstay for the Lady Statesmen program over the past three seasons and expectations are riding high for her senior season.

"Natasha is a talented and capable runner," Pinkerton said. "She can lead this team to new heights this season."

Joining Smith this season will be another fourth-year senior Hayden Wood. Wood, a native of Marion, Ark., has lettered three-straight seasons for Delta State. Each year Wood's times have improved and this season should prove fruitful for the senior.

The 27th annual USM Invitational will begin at 4 p.m. in Hattiesburg. Complete race results will be available at the conclusion of the race.

June 11, 2007

Lady Statesmen schedule set for 2007

CLEVELAND - Delta State University head coach Doug Pinkerton released the 2007 Lady Statesmen Cross Country schedule on Monday with four regular season meets planned for the new year.

"Our schedule is a tough one," said Pinkerton. "I tried to plan a schedule that will challenege our ladies and prepare them for the drive into postseason competition."

DSU will open the season on Southern Mississippi on September 7. The Lady Statesmen will also make regular season stops at Hendrix College (9.22), Rhodes College (9.29), and Mississippi College (10.13). The Lady Statesmen will also compete in the Gulf South Conference Championships on October 20 in Pensacola, Fla.

Click here for the complete 2007 schedule.

April 11, 2007

Pinkerton set to return as head coach of Lady Statesmen Cross Country program

CLEVELAND – Delta State University Interim Director of Athletics Ronnie Mayers announced Tuesday that Doug Pinkerton will return as head coach of the Lady Statesmen Cross Country program effective immediately.  The Winona native previously served as head coach from 2003-2006. 

“We’re extremely excited to have Coach Pinkerton return as head coach,” stated Mayers.  “I believe Coach Pinkerton has the desire, knowledge and determination to lead the Lady Statesmen to new heights very soon.”

During Pinkerton’s first term as head coach of the Lady Statesmen, Delta State University reached all-time highs in cross country success.  In 2005, the Lady Statesmen were ranked for the first time in the program’s history in the NCAA Regional rankings.  He also recruited two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection and DSU record holder Kristin Williams.  Pinkerton’s squads finished in the top 10 in the GSC championships all three years he was head coach.  

“To say that I am excited about the opportunity to come back as head coach would be an understatement,” said Pinkerton.  “We have a tremendous challenge and opportunity sitting in front of us, but it will take hard work, dedication and a little time.”

Pinkerton’s ties with the Delta State University Department of Athletics run deep.  From 1997-98, Pinkerton served as a graduate assistant coach on legendary-former women’s basketball coach Lloyd Clark’s staff.  He has also served as a member of the Delta State University Athletic Committee, and Board member of Delta State University Aquatics.

Pinkerton will continue as the Director of Recreation and Wellness Activities at Delta State University, a position he has held since 1998.  He will also serve as an instructor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. 

The Winona native is a 1993 graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Physical Education (Teaching/Coaching Education).  He would later receive his master’s degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Delta State University in 1998.  He is married to the former Lisa Stigall of Anguilla.  The couple has two children, Zach (12) and Hallee (7). 

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