January 3, 2007                    

Tigers add two talented runners into the mix
        

Looking to continue its success in track and cross country, Cowley College recently announced the signing of Jasper (Ark.) High School senior John Purvis and Harrison Philp from Fort Myers, Fla.

Purvis (pictured signing) placed third in the Oklahoma/Arkansas All-Star meet, which brings together the top 25 runners from each state (50 women/50 men). He's been the top runner on a team that's won three straight Arkansas Class AA state titles and has earned All-State honors in each of his four seasons in high school.

"John is a very accomplished runner and he knows what it takes to win,” Cowley assistant track/cross country coach Ryan Turner said. “In watching John finish third at the Oklahoma/Arkansas All-Star meet it was evident that he can run anywhere.  We're just very excited and grateful that Cowley's where he chose to come to school."

Philp was a high school teammate of Cowley freshman Gilbert Manzanares at Ida Baker High School in Fort Myers, Fla.

“Harrison will be a great addition to our middle distance group in track,” Turner said. “He will be a good replacement for (Cowley sophomore) Ferrien Harris.”

Pictured from left are, front row, Jasper cross country team trainer Ernie Yeager; John Purvis' father, Gary Purvis; Purvis and Turner; back row, Jasper School Superintendent Charles Archer, Cowley head cross country and track coach Mark Phillips and Jasper High School Principal Skip Emmett.