FAYETTEVILLE -- Chris Bucknam's 17-year run as the University of Arkansas men's track and field and cross country coach will soon reach the finish line.

Bucknam, 69, announced Wednesday he will retire at the conclusion of the Razorbacks' cross country season. Arkansas is scheduled to host the NCAA South Region Championships at Agri Park on Nov. 14. The NCAA Championships are scheduled for Nov. 22 at Missouri.

Doug Case, a long-time Arkansas assistant, will replace Bucknam as the Razorbacks' head coach. Case, 63, will become only the third person to lead the Arkansas program since John McDonnell was hired to replace Ed Renfrow in 1978 and turned the Razorbacks into a national powerhouse.

"These life decisions and transitions are always tough," Bucknam said in a statement. "This certainly

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