Jan. 14, 2005

Charlotte, N.C. - Chase Eckard, one of North Carolina's top distance runners, will begin his collegiate career next fall as a Charlotte 49er.

Eckard, a Charlotte-area native who attended South Caldwell High School, is the 23rd-fastest returnee in the nation in the 1,600-meter run. Chase won the 1,600 outdoor state championship last spring at the North Carolina 4A state meet in a time of 4:15.52.

"Chase has had an outstanding career at South Caldwell. He and Coach Childers have really worked well together. This spring I am sure they will continue his success," said Brad Herbster, Charlotte's cross country/distance coach. "Chase has that rare blend of strength and speed ... coupled with his competitive nature, he is tough to beat."

Last winter, Eckard competed at the prestigious Nike Indoor Classic and finished 14th overall with a time of 4:21 in a full mile. In the spring, he continued his success by racing well in the 1,600, winning the state title and placing 24th in the mile at the 14th annual Adidas Outdoor Track & Field Championships. He was the seventh-fastest non-senior at the national competition.

Chase finished 11th overall in the 4A state cross country meet this fall, earning first team All-Charlotte Observer and All-Piedmont honors along the way. He was a unanimous selection as the Caldwell County Boys Runner of the Year, winning his second consecutive Northwestern 4-A championship.

Eckard's time of 4:21.02 ranks as the eighth-best time in North Carolina state history for the 1,600-meter run, according to NCPrepTrack.com.

"Chase can have the opportunity to come onto the team in the fall and race in the top five," said Herbster. "We are extremely pleased to have him join the team."

Eckard will be joining a young Charlotte cross country team. The team finished second in its final Conference USA Championship appearance this fall, and four of the six scorers were either freshmen or sophomores.