The story of John Cline, UNC’s last men’s cross country All-American

Posted Jul 12, 2013
John Cline knew this feeling well, and embraced it. I’m not sure drinking two liters of Mountain Dew is a good idea for your nerves before any race, but Cline did it for every race of his life, including the biggest one – the NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country Championship in 1997. In the heart of November, the best collegiate runners from across the country and a handful from around the world flocked to Furman University. (Cardboard Gerald)

Related: Track & Field

Carolina Olympic Sports Weekly: September 14-20 - Rivalry Wins and Ranked Matchups
It was another busy week across North Carolina Olympic sports, highlighted by a rivalry win for women’s soccer, ranked matchups across several programs, and the...
Mon Sep 21, 2026

Two Tar Heels Named ACC Cross Country Performers Of The Week
Ciara O'Shea and Caden Leonard have earned conference honors, named the ACC Women's Performer and Freshman of the Week, respectively, on Tuesday afternoon. O'Shea earned...
Tue Sep 15, 2026

Ciara O'Shea Earns USTFCCCA National Athlete-Of-The-Week Honors
Ciara O'Shea has been named women's National Athlete of the Week by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. O'Shea earned the...
Mon Sep 14, 2026

UNC Cross Country Sweeps Virginia Invitational To Open Season, Ciara O'Shea Claims Individual Win
The North Carolina cross country program opened the season in dominant fashion with both the women's and men's teams securing a first-place finish at the...
Fri Sep 11, 2026