FRISCO, Texas – Legendary coach Bob Cole along two-time conference champion Tom Nolan represented the Ragin’ Cajuns as the Southland Conference, as part of its year-long 50th Anniversary commemoration, announced its All-Time Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Honor Roll on Tuesday.

The announcement comes prior to the Southland’s 50th Men’s and 29th Women’s Cross Country Championships, to be held Friday in Lake Charles.

"The Southland Conference has a rich tradition in cross country throughout our history, and we’re pleased to recognize such an illustrious honor roll of great student-athletes and coaches," league commissioner Tom Burnett said.

Cole, the most prolific coach in school history, was one of eight men’s coaches recognized for their contributions to the sport. Cole, who coached at Louisiana from 1963-84, guided the Ragin’ Cajuns to Southland Conference cross country titles in 1971, 1972 and 1974. Under Coles’s guidance, the 1971 Ragin’ Cajuns advanced to the NCAA Championships, finishing 30th overall in the country.

Nolan, who starred under Cole, finished as a two-time Southland Conference champion for the Ragin’ Cajuns, claiming individual titles in 1973 and 1974. He led the Ragin’ Cajuns to the 1971 NCAA Championship Meet.

The honor roll includes 65 elite student-athletes, 45 men and 20 women, that have impacted the sport since the league began sponsorship of the sports in 1964 (men) and 1985 (women). All Southland meet champions are recognized on the honor roll.

Southland Conference 50th Anniversary:

All-time Cross Country Honor Roll – Men’s Team
Tom Nolan, Louisiana
1973 and 1974 Champion; Led Cajuns team to 1971 NCAA Championship Meet

ALL-TIME CROSS COUNTRY COACHES
Bob Cole, Louisiana
Led Ragin’ Cajuns program to three Southland men’s championships in 1971, 1972 and 1974; Led team to 1971 NCAA Championship Meet, finishing 30th among the nation’s best teams.