Rogers High's Bender twins sign with Evangel
Andrew and Tyler Bender were all about staying together for their college experience.
They made that official signing national letters of intent to run track and cross country with Evangel University in a ceremony Tuesday afternoon in the commons area at Rogers High School.
The twin brothers said Evangel located in Springfield, Mo., only a couple of hours north of Rogers, felt like home when they made an unofficial visit to campus.
Rogers High boys track and cross country coach Carlton Efurd said both brothers have made solid progress each year, but their strength could lie on the track more than in cross country. But both earned all-state honors this season in cross country.
However, Tyler Bender won the Class 6A-7A state indoor track title in the 800 meters, but he got some help from his brother, who ended up fourth.
"He won it from the slow heat, I thought that was incredible," Efurd said. "Andrew and Tyler were running together, so they pushed each other. I thought Andrew was going to end up being second."
However, Tyler has been trying to work back from a hip injury suffered a couple of weeks ago. Efurd's hopeful he will be ready for the 7A-West Conference meet coming up later this week.
-- Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB
Sports on 04/25/2018