FMU Announces Two Men's Cross Country Additions

Francis Marion University cross country coach Mark Bluman has announced the signing of two Palmetto State runners for the 2012 season: Guy McCarter of Ladson and Conner McGraw of Goose Creek.

McCarter, 5-10, is a product of Stratford High School, where he ran for coaches Shane Sutherland and Dave Renneisen.

He placed 21st in a time of 16:33 at the 2011 AAAA state championship cross country meet as the Knights finished second in the team standings.  He finished seventh in the 3,200-meters (time of 9:55.60) and fifth in the 4x800-meter relay at the 2012 AAAA state championship track and field meet.

He owns personal-best times of 2:06 for 800-meters, 4:35 for 1,600-meters, and 9:48 for 3,200-meters.  He also helped Stratford’s 4x1,600-meter relay team post a time of 18:17, the second fastest in state history.

“Guy is coming in to the program at the right time,” said Bluman.  “He had a strong senior year both in cross country and track, and he’s got a lot of momentum going and will look to keep it pushing forward for us this fall.”

McGraw, 5-8, is also a graduate of Stratford.  He placed 32nd with a season-best time of 16:52 at the 2011 state cross country meet.  On the track, he possesses personal-best times of 2:19 in the 800-meters, 4:59 in the 1,600-meters, and 4:48 in the mile.

“Conner is one of those athletes that often gets overshadowed. He was the fifth man for the AAAA state runner-up this year in cross country.  You don’t often get too much attention as the fifth man, but you cannot have a successful team without a strong runner there.  I’m pretty sure he won’t be overshadowed this fall.”