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Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Quick Facts/Table of Contents University Information Location Elevation Enrollment Founded Nickname Colors Mascot President VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Faculty Athletic Rep University Website Athletics Website
Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Assistant Coach
2011 Finishes
Big Sky Conference (Men) Big Sky Conference (Women) Mountain Region (Men) Mountain Region (Women) NCAA Championships (Men)
Flagstaff, Ariz. 7,000 feet 25,364 1899 Lumberjacks Blue, Gold, Sage Louie the Lumberjack Dr. John Haeger Dr. Lisa Campos Dr. Tom DeStefano www.nau.edu www.nauathletics.com
Eric Heins (Cincinnati '99) Leah Rosenfeld (Penn State '10)
First Third Third Seventh 14th
Media Relations
Cross Country Contact Matthew Sewell (Carroll '11) Email firstname.lastname@example.com Office Phone (928) 523-1017 Office Fax (928) 523-6793 Cell Phone (406) 559-0091 Assistant AD: Media Relations Steve Shaff (Arizona '92) Assistant Dir.: Media Relations Andrew Tomsky (UC Davis '07) P.O. Box 15400 Mailing Address Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5400
Season Outlook
Men's Women's
Staff Profiles
4 5
Eric Heins Leah Rosenfeld Daniel Darcy, Strength and Conditioning Dr. John D. Haeger, NAU President Dr. Lisa Campos, VP Int. Athletics
Returning Athlete Bios Incoming Athlete Bios
11-14 15-18
Returning Athlete Bios Incoming Athlete Bios
2011 Men's Results 2011 Women's Results
20-26 27-29 30-31 33 32
Men's Team Profiles
Women's Team Profiles 2011 Year in Review Men's History NCAA Finishes
All-Americans Mtn. Region Finishes All-Mtn. Region Individuals Big Sky Finishes
Women's History NCAA Finishes
All-Americans Mtn. Region Finishes All-Mtn. Region Individuals Big Sky Finishes
George Kyte Classic Big Sky Conference
6-7 8 9 42 43
34 34 35 35 36 37 37 38 38 39 40-41 44
About the Cover
Designed by Matthew Sewell of NAU Media Relations. The 2012 media guide covers feature senior Rochelle Kanuho and junior Brian Shrader (front), and sophomores Caroline Hogardh, Alejandro Montano, Lauren Justus, Matt McElroy, and coach Eric Heins (back).
The 2012 Northern Arizona cross country media guide was written and designed by Matthew Sewell with editorial assistance from Steve Shaff, Andrew Tomsky, Stayson Isobe, and Eric Heins. Photography courtesy of Matt Beaty, Eric DeSalvo, Preston Trauscht, Kirby Lee, Randy Miyazaki, Alejandro Montano, Matthew Sewell, and Erik Pedersen.
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Season Outlooks Coming off a Big Sky-record fifth straight team title and seventh-consecutive individual crown, the Lumberjack men look primed to take yet another, having been picked first in the conference coaches' Preseason Poll on Aug. 29. The makeup of that team, however, is almost completely new, thanks to an influx of talented freshmen and transfer athletes. With the departure of five seniors from last year's squad, most notably senior All-American Diego Estrada (who will return for the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons), Coach Eric Heins relied on creativity, solid recruiting, and a bit of good fortune in putting together what should be an equally formidable team in 2012. Coming to NAU most prominently this fall is Flagstaff-native Brian Shrader, who transferred home from the University of Oregon. He will be joined by fellow upperclassmen transfers Matt McElroy (Oklahoma State) and Roman Acosta (Syracuse), as well as with Foot Locker Nationals runner-up and Gatorade National Runner of the Year Futsum Zienasellassie and third-place-finisher Nathan Weitz.
Brian Shrader
With the additions of freshmen Zienasellassie and Weitz, plus Arkansas Gatorade Runner of the Year Will Aenchbacher and San Marcos, Calif. product Brandon Hansen, the Lumberjacks will have valuable depth over the coming seasons.
The battle for NAU's seven spots won't be decided without healthy competition from a slew of returners, however. Sophomores Caleb Hoover and Chris Ganem both traveled to Terre Haute, Ind. last season for the NCAA Championships and are primed to provide experience for the Lumberjacks in 2012. Redshirt sophomores Cody Reed and Bahlbi Gebreyohanns also hope to make an impact, as does redshirt freshman Alejandro Montano. If the 2012 new-look Lumberjacks perform well, they could become only the second team, men or women, in Big Sky Conference history to win six straight team titles (NAU women, 1987-92). The men also have a progression going on the national level that can be continued—dating back to 2006, at least one Lumberjack runner has earned All-America status by placing among the top 40 athletes at the NCAA Championships. The Lumberjacks enter 2012 ranked No. 4 in the Mountain Region, and sit comfortably in the national Top 30 at No. 18. Expect the NAU men, despite the new faces, to firmly uphold the tradition of the program with yet another outstanding season. Caleb Hoover
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Season Outlooks The NAU women are looking to return to their old form in 2012 after two rebuilding years of gradually climbing back up the Big Sky Conference ranks that followed the departure of All-American Veronica Pohl and All-Mountain Region runners Nell Rojas and Astrid Leutert in 2009. The women only lost two seniors to graduation following the 2011-12 season in Haley Lawrence and All-Big Sky and Mountain Region honoree Kortnee Burton. Returning to the Lumberjacks to lead the team is redshirt senior and Flagstaff native Rochelle Kanuho. Kanuho led the team in 2011 in five of her six races, and garnered both All-Big Sky and All-Mountain Region honors in the Lumberjacks' two postseason meets. Kanuho hopes to improve on a 10th-place finish at last year's conference meet and a 16th-place mark at the regional. Also returning is senior Agnes Laurent and sophomores Caroline Hogardh, Lauren Justus, Kylee Kieser and Kerri Lenihan, all of whom saw action in NAU's top seven last season. Hogardh, a native of Sweden, will complement Kanuho nicely as the next best returner from 2011, and will solidly fill the void left by Burton and Lawrence. Laurent, Justus, Kieser, and Lenihan will all hope to improve on last year's efforts and move up through the ranks as well. Rochelle Kanuho
Though Burton and Lawrence departed with five years of experience each, there are a number of newcomers who, like the men, will add depth and will also contend for the last few spots among the Top Seven. Heins added a trio of talented freshmen to the team this year, including fourtime Arizona state cross country champion Rolonda Jumbo. Also coming in are Australian Melanie Townsend and Cottonwood, Ariz. product Emma Schraner. Jumbo and Townsend should contend with the upperclassmen in solidifying the top half of the women's roster, while Schraner provides a challenge for returning sophomores in filling out the final spots. NAU's women haven't won a Big Sky title since 2009, but they improved from fifth in 2010 to third last season and they were picked second out of 11 Big Sky teams in Aug. 29's Preseason Poll. They also hope to make their first NCAA Championships appearance since 2008. With a healthy balance of new and returning talent, 2012 could shape up to be a prosperous one for the Lumberjack women as well.
Caroline Hogardh
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Staff Profiles
Eric Heins
Eric Heins is in his sixth season as the head coach of the cross country teams at Northern Arizona University, and third year as the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country. He has won 11 Big Sky Championships and produced six top-10 national finishes in his first three seasons at NAU. In his five years since returning to Flagstaff, Heins has been named coach of the year by the Big Sky Conference 10 times, including a trio of honors from the 2011-12 seasons thanks to the Lumberjack men's fourth triple crown in school and Big Sky Conference history. Heins was also honored as the Mountain Region Indoor Track and Field Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association in 2010. This past fall, the NAU cross country squads under Heins' tutelage had successful seasons across the board. The Lumberjack women, who saw action from four newcomers in nearly every race, improved on their finishes each week, and established a firm foundation for the next few years. The NAU men's squad made history with their record fifth-consecutive Big Sky Championship, and seventh-consecutive individual title. Diego Estrada earned All-America honors at the NCAA National Championships by finishing seventh overall, while the team finished in the top-15 for the 18th time since 1984.
Director of Track & Field and Cross Country 3rd Year/6th Overall Coaching Honors
USTFCCCA Track Coach of the Year Mountain Region, Indoor 2010
Big Sky Cross Country Coach of the Year 2007 (M&W), 2008 (M), 2009 (M&W) 2010 (M), 2011 (M) Big Sky Indoor T&F Coach of the Year 2010 (M), 2012 (M)
The team's greatness continued into the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons, where Heins led the men's team to Big Sky crowns and conference point records in both, cranking out 215 at the indoor championship held in NAU's own Walkup Skydome, and putting up 221 at the outdoor meet in Bozeman, Mont. Two of Heins' distance athletes captured the meets' respective men's Most Valuable Athlete honors. Junior Diego Estrada earned his by capturing the indoor meet's mile, 3,000-meter, and 5,000-meter wins, and senior Jordan Chipangama earned a gold and two silvers in the 800, 1,500, and 3,000-meter runs to earn his honor at the outdoor championships. The women's track and field teams, under Heins' tutelage, also improved greatly from 2010 moving from fifth to fourth indoors in 2011, and from eighth to third as a team outdoors. Heins guided freshman Caroline Hogardh to Second Team All-America honors in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, where she finished 16th overall to close out the outdoor season. The Lumberjacks thrived in Heins' first full season as Director of Track and Field. Junior Diego Estrada led the group with a pair of top-10 finishes at the indoor and outdoor national meets in the 5,000-meter run. Heins' leadership also produced a collective six Big Sky Conference individual titles, including two from Estrada.
In the fall of 2010, NAU's cross country teams continued their powerful presence as one of the programs in the country. In his fourth season as head coach of cross country, Heins Team Accolades premiere produced a fourth consecutive conference title on the men's side, and coached an injury-depleted Four Team Top 10s women's squad to a respectable fifth-place finish in the same meet. At the national meet, the Lumat NCAA XC Championships berjack men placed ninth behind All-America performances from Estrada and Ahmed Osman. 2007 (M-4th), 2008 (M-6th) For his efforts, Heins earned his seventh coach of the year honor from the Big Sky Conference. 2009 (M-4th), 2010 (M-9th)
Eight Big Sky XC Titles 2007 (M&W), 2008 (M&W), 2009 (M&W), 2010 (M), 2011 (M) Two Big Sky Indoor Championships 2010 (M), 2012 (M) Two Big Sky Outdoor Championships 2012 (M)
Serving as the Interim Director of Track and Field, the 2010 track and field campaign under Heins' direction saw the program collect its first national champion in three seasons, as senior David McNeill won both the indoor and outdoor 5,000-meter run titles. Under the tutelage of Heins, McNeill rewrote the record books at NAU in both the indoor and outdoor 5Ks, as well as giving the program its highest finish (T-8) when he scored 18 points at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, Ark. The 2009 cross country campaign proved to be a historic one for the program as the season culminated with the men's team finishing fourth overall at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. Heins coached junior David McNeill to his third-straight All-American award as he finished runner-up in the race. Junior Jordan Chipangama finished fifth to give the Lumberjacks their first ever duo to finish in the top five at the NCAA Championships. Senior Veronica Pohl, the lone member of the women's team to run in Terre Haute, Ind., landed her second-consecutive All-American award after finishing 38th. The combination of top finishes at the cross country and track and field championships by the men's team during 2009-10, yielded the Lumberjacks a third-place finish in the final standings for the NCAA Division I John McDonnell Program of the Year Award awarded by the USTFCCCA. In 2008-09, the men's cross country team finished sixth at the NCAA Championships, while the women finished 23rd overall in posting their second consecutive top 25 finish. The men's sixthplace finish at the 2008 NCAA Championships marked just the second time in NAU history that the Lumberjacks have posted back-to-back top-six finishes. They were led by McNeill (15th overall) and Pohl (16th overall), who were both named to their respective All-American teams. McNeill
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Staff Profiles was named Mountain Region Male Athlete of the Year, capturing the region title to keep the title in the program for the second straight year. Both the men and women also captured Big Sky Conference championships for the second consecutive season in 2008, as McNeill and Pohl were crowned individual champions. The men placed six runners in the top-10, scoring just 19 points, while the women had three top-ten finishers. The 2009 indoor and outdoor track seasons produced three Big Sky team championships led by a strong distance group. McNeill ran to a runner-up finish at the NCAA Championships in the 5000m, while freshman Ahmed Osman earned All-America honors in the 10,000m. Pohl, Diego Estrada and Nell Rojas also advanced to the NCAA Championships.
Individual Accolades Two Individual NCAA Titles
David McNeill - 2010 Indoor & Outdoor 5,000m
11 Cross Country All-America Honors Diego Estrada - 2010, 2012 Ahmed Osman - 2010 Jordan Chipangama - 2009 Lopez Lomong - 2007 David McNeill - 2007-2009 Ilsa Paulson - 2007 Veronica Pohl - 2008-2009
Heins was hired in September 2007 and in two months time his teams were making history in Terre Haute, Ind. The men's team finished fourth and the women's team took seventh at the 2007 NCAA Cross Country Championships, to mark the first time in the storied history 13 Track & Field All-America Honors of the NAU cross country program that both teams have finished in the top eight nationally. Caroline Hogardh - 2012* (Steeplechase) Heins produced three All-Americans in his rookie year at NAU. Lopez Lomong finished third at the championships, with McNeill taking 10th to garner national honors. On the women's side, Heins coached freshman Ilsa Paulson to All-American status on the merit of her national finish. Nine of Heins' runners were named to the All-Conference team, as well as seven to the 2007 All-Region team. Lomong, who won the Big Sky and Mountain Region titles in 2007, went on to make the United States Olympic team in 2008 in the 1500m and represented his country as the flag bearer in the Opening Ceremonies in Beijing.
Diego Estrada - 2012 (Indoor 3K, 5K) 2011 (Indoor 3K*, 5K; Outdoor 5K) David McNeill - 2010 (Indoor 3K, 5K; Outdoor 5K) 2009 (Outdoor 5K) 2008 (Indoor 3K; Outdoor 5K) Ahmed Osman - 2010 (Outdoor 10,000m) 2009 (Outdoor 10,000m) * - Denotes Second-Team All-America
For returning the men's and women's Big Sky Championships to Flagstaff in 2007, Heins was selected as the Big Sky Cross Country Coach of the Year for both teams, as voted on by the conference's coaches. Back on the track, Heins coached McNeill (1,500m, 5,000m), Ben Ashkettle (steeplechase), and Lesley van Miert (1,500m) to conference championships in the 2008 outdoor season. McNeill and Van Miert would advance to the NCAA Championships, where McNeill would finish fourth (13:42.17) and Van Miert would take ninth (16:20.66) in their respective 5,000m finals. Academically, the cross country teams have received the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award five times under his direction while 20 student-athletes have earned a combined 26 Big Sky All-Academic honors. McNeill was named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America team in 2009 and 2010. His first women's team was given the honor of being named an Academic All-American team, based on their combined grade point average of 3.42 in the fall semester. Heins returned to NAU from Texas Christian University, where he served as an assistant during the 2006-07 season. In his only season with the TCU Frogs, he took both the men's and women's teams to top 10 finishes at the NCAA South Central Regional. In addition, he saw five of his runners honored as Mountain West Conference Scholar-Athletes. From 2001-03, Heins served as an assistant for the Lumberjacks under then-Head Coach Ron Mann. During his first tenure, the men's team finished as high as fourth place at the NCAA Championships, while the women took home a 10th place finish. From there Heins went to Southeast Missouri State, where he spent three years coaching the Redhawks to six different Ohio Valley Conference Championships. Heins, who began his coaching career as an assistant in 2000 at Indiana, ran for Cincinnati from 1995-99, while earning his bachelor's degree in health promotion and education. At the 1997 Indoor Conference USA Championships, he achieved his highest individual accomplishment by placing third in the 3000 meters. He also notched top 10 finishes in both the indoor and outdoor 5,000 meters, as well as the outdoor 10,000 meters. In 2001, Heins earned a master's in kinesiology from Indiana. In November 2007 he competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials in the marathon in New York, N.Y. Other accolades include winning the St. Louis Marathon in 2004 and placing first in his age group, and fifth overall, in the 2000 Marine Corps Marathon. A native of Zanesville, Ohio, Heins now resides in Flagstaff with his wife Kaci. They have one son, Chase, who is four years old.
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Staff Profiles
Leah Rosenfeld Leah Rosenfeld enters her first year as a graduate assistant with the Lumberjacks and her second
year of collegiate coaching. The former Penn State student-athlete will help train the men and women distance and middle distance runners. She will also assist in recruiting, coordinate team travel, and will manage the team blog and newsletter. Prior to coming to NAU, Rosenfeld worked with the cross country and track and field teams Syracuse University as a Volunteer Assistant Coach. During the 2011 cross country season both the men's and women's teams won the Northeast Region Championship, punching their tickets to NCAAs where they finished 15th and 17th, respectively. Under the guidance of coaches Chris Fox and Brian Bell, Rosenfeld helped with recruiting and facilitated workouts for specific distance and middle distance groups. She also collaborated with Syracuse's academic coordinators to ensure athletes' compliance with NCAA academic requirements. Rosenfeld, a Ridgefield, Conn. native, participated in cross country and indoor and outdoor track for the Nittany Lions from 2006-2010. She graduated from Penn State in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in communication with a concentration in media studies and kinesiology. Upon graduating in 2010, she pursued her coaching career as an assistant coach at Lodi High in Lodi, California. During her time coaching the Lodi Flames, Leah helped design workAssistant Coach School outs and racing schedules, as well as circuit training and drill routines. She was also influential Graduate Assistant in getting student-athletes recruited to Division I universities. In the 2010 cross country season 1st Year she coached the women's team to their eighth straight League Championship and individual champion in Cassidy Daley. In February 2011, Rosenfeld helped Daley to run at the USA Cross Country Championships and Junior Olympics, where she placed 11th and earning All-American honors. During her time at Penn State, Leah received All-Region honors with a 14th place finish at the Mid-Atlantic Cross Country Regional meet in 2007. Having a breakout sophomore year, Rosenfeld was a point-scorer at the Big Ten Indoor Track and Field Championships in the mile and then ran an NCAA provisional qualifying 4:45.46 at the Alex Wilson Invitational. Around the outdoor track, she scored points for the Nittany Lions at the Big Ten Championships in the 5,000 meters with a regional-qualifying time of 16:45 and nabbed a regional qualifier in the 1500 meters with a personal best time of 4:24.62 in the prelims, placing her on Penn State's Top 10 All-Time 1500 meter record board. She was a member of the 4x1500 meter relay at Penn Relays, setting a school record of 17:57.28. On the cross country course during her junior year, Rosenfeld earned medalist honors at the Iona Meet of Champions at Van Cortland Park in New York City, leading her team to a 1st place finish. During her senior year in 2010, Penn State won its first triple crown in school history, winning the Big Ten Championships in Cross Country, Indoor Track and Field, and Outdoor Track and Field. In addition to running, Leah was heavily involved in the Student-Athlete services at Penn State. She was the Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) representative for the cross country and track and field teams her junior and senior years. She also demonstrated great leadership as the Fundraising Chair for SAAB, managing 800 varsity student-athletes at Penn State. Rosenfeld is currently working toward a master's degree in educational leadership.
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Staff Profiles
Daniel Darcy
Daniel Darcy enters his third year as the NAU assistant strength and conditioning coach after joining the athletics department in August 2010. He works with the soccer, volleyball and men's and women's cross country/distance programs while also assisting with football. Darcy previously worked at Central Connecticut State University from 2008-10 as a graduate assistant. He was responsible for the design and/or implementation of speed, strength, power and agility drills for the football, men's and women's soccer, cross country and track and field teams, as well as the women's lacrosse and women's golf squads. He also worked with the University of Texas in a strength and conditioning internship, assisting with the implementation of the summer program in 2010. Prior to CCSU, Darcy did an internship for two years at Cansius College from 2006-08. He has worked various camps over the years, including the SoccerPlus CT Speed, Strength and Conditioning Camp in 2010 in New Britain, Conn., and the Speed Development Camp in summer of 2009 in Newington, Conn.
Assistant Strength is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and member of the National Strength and Conditioning Coach He and Conditioning Association and the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Asso3rd Year ciation. In June 2012, he added a United States of America Weightlifting Level 1 Sport Performance (USAW-L1SP) certification.
He graduated with a bachelors of science in sports medicine from Canisius College and earned a master's of science in physical education from Central Connecticut State University.
Matthew Sewell
Matthew Sewell is in his second year as a media relations graduate assistant with the Lumberjacks, where he will again serves as the primary media contact for the cross country and track and field programs. In addition to his day-to-day media coverage of his primary sports, he also assists with the coverage of all 15 intercollegiate sports at NAU. During his first year at NAU, the men's cross country and track & field teams enjoyed one of their best collective seasons in program history. The cross country team won a Big Sky Conference record fifth-straight team title, while the men's indoor and outdoor teams both set conference records for most points in one championship meet. It was the fourth time in NAU and Big Sky history that a team swept all three team titles in one season. Sewell also facilitated media efforts covering senior Diego Estrada's All-American honors in cross country and indoor track and field, as well as his qualification for the 10,000 meters at the London Olympics. Sewell joined the Sports Information staff at Northern Arizona after earning a bachelor's degree in communications and public relations with a minor in marketing from Carroll College (Mont.) in 2011. As an undergraduate, he worked for two years as the marketing and promoMedia Relations tions intern for the Fighting Saints and was promoted to assistant sports information director Graduate Assistant his senior year. While at Carroll, his duties included managing all social media outlets, planning in-game activities for basketball and volleyball, and assisting with game management for 2nd Year most Saints sporting events. @NAUSaint In addition to working for Carroll College Athletics, Sewell was also a four-year member of the Fighting Saints men's golf team, assisting them to a second-place finish in the Frontier Conference Championship his senior year, the highest in school history. Sewell, a native of Deer Lodge, Mont., hopes to pursue a career in the PR industry in the future, and he is currently working towards his master's degree in applied communication.
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Men's Team Profiles
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Men's Team Profiles - Returners
Tim Freriks
Academic Notes: 2010 Big Sky All-Academic selection ... Majoring in biology. Personal Bests: 4:12.42@ (Mile), 8:18.76@ (3,000m), 14:18.20 (5,000m), 29:35.80 (10,000m) 2012 Track & Field: Competed only during indoor season and redshirted outdoors ... Had his best showing in the 3,000 meters at the season's first meet, the Lumberjack Invitational, running an altitude-adjusted 8:18.76@ in setting a personal best as well ... Ran a 14:29.00 in the 5,000 meters at the Husky Classic for his season best time ... finished ninth at the Big Sky Championships in the 3,000m, and earned All-Big Sky honors in the 5,000m with a third-place finish. 2011 Cross Country: Was one of only three Lumberjack runners to compete in six meets and served as NAU's postseason #3 runner... Began the season with one of his two top-five finishes, placing second (25:55.9) at the George Kyte Classic ... Best 8K race came at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree, where he ran 24:35.34 and placed 20th ... Earned his second all-conference honor and second top-five of the season at the Big Sky Championships, finishing in fifth place (24:57.77) ... Earned his first bid to the All-Region team, placing 11th (30:52.7) at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships ... Ran in his second NCAA National ChampiJunior onships, placing 94th in a time of 30:45.7.
Cottonwood, Ariz. 2011 Track & Field: In his first trip the NCAA West Preliminary Round Championships, Mingus Union HS finished 37th overall with a time of 30:31.65 ... Doubled up at the Big Sky Outdoor ChamPersonal Bests:
pionships in the 10K and 5,000-meter run, scoring a third place finish in the 25-lap event (30:23.17) and fifth-place showing in the 5K with a personal-best time of 14:18.20 ... Recorded a career-best time in the 1,500-meter run at the Double Dual with a mark of 3:58.34 ... At the 53rd Annual Mt. SAC Relays, scored a career-best 10K time of 29:35.80 ... Scored eight points for the Lumberjacks at the Big Sky Indoor Championships after placing third overall in the 5K and seventh in the 3,000-meter run ... Recorded personal-best 3K time at the Husky Classic with a mark of 8:23.43.
4:12.42 - Mile 8:18.76 - 3,000m 14:18.20 - 5,000m 29:35.80 - 10,000m 2010 Cross Country: Wrapped up sophomore campaign with first-career trip to the NCAA Championships where he finished 144th overall in a time of 31:33.6 … Finished 41st at NCAA Cross Country the NCAA Mountain Region Championships, an improvement of 38 places from 2009, and turned in a career-best 10K time of 31:09.0 … Ran to a sixth-place finish (22:17), and Championship Finishes All-Conference honors, at the Big Sky Championships, giving the sophomore two top-10 fin2010 - 31:33.6 (144th) ishes on the season … Recorded new personal-best 8K time (24:42.7) in first career race at the Pre-Nationals, finishing 75th overall … Placed fourth on the team, and 45th overall at 2011 - 30:45.7 (94th) NCAA the Stanford Invitational in a time of 24:47 … Opened season at the George Kyte Invitational, placing fifth overall in a time of 26:42.8. 2010 Track & Field: Represented the Lumberjacks at both Big Sky Championships in first year on the track … Doubled up in the 10,000-meter run and the 5,000-meter run at the outdoor championships … Recorded a time of 4:06.22 in first career 1500-meter run at the Double Dual … Traveled to the Mt. SAC Relays, recording a career-best 10K mark of 30:30.99 in the Olympic development section … At the Big Sky Indoor Championships, recorded two seventh-place finishes in the 5K (14:42.17@) and 3000-meter run (8:25.10@) to give him his first career Big Sky points … Turned in career-best time in the 5K at the Husky Classic (14:27.91) … Ran two 3Ks at the Mountain T's Invitational (8:23.57@) and Lumberjack Invitational (8:34.38@) to begin the season. 2009 Cross Country: In first season with the Lumberjacks, competed in four races … Finished 79 th overall at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships in a time of 32:46.5 … A member of the Big Sky Cross Country championship team where he took 15th in the race (26:47.5) … Ran to a 38th-place finish (25:07) at the Cowboy Jamboree, collecting his fastest 8K time of the season … Opened NAU career at the Aztec Invite where he finished 11th overall for the Lumberjacks. High School: Graduated from Mingus Union High School in 2009... Lettered four years in cross country and track and field ... Was the captain of both teams for 2009 ... Three-time AllState including 2nd place finishes and an 8th ... Best 5k time while in high school was 15:18 ... Holds school record in the 3,200m with a time of 8:58. Personal: Born on Nov. 23, 1990 ... Son of Jon and Karen Freriks ... Has one sister, Erin ... Considered University of Portland and Arizona State before choosing NAU.
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Men's Team Profiles - Returners
Chris Ganem
Academic Notes: Big Sky All-Academic selection in 2011 ... Majoring in exercise science. 2012 Track & Field: Competed as a freshman in both the indoor and outdoor seasons ... Had the fourth best marks on the team in the 800-meter and Mile runs in the indoor season ... Best indoor showing in the 800m came at the Mtn. T's Invite where he ran 1:53.88@ and took medalist honors ... Finished fourth in the Mile at the Big Sky Championships in 4:07.38@, and also scored in the 800m with another fourth-place finish ... Also ran the 800-meter leg of NAU's Big Sky Champion distance medley squad ... Was third on the team in the 800 and second in the 1,500-meter run during the outdoor season ... Scored in both events at the Big Sky Championships with a seventh-place effort in the 800 and a sixth-place mark in the 1,500. 2011 Cross Country: Opened up his Lumberjack career with a fifth-place finish at the Dave Murray Invitational ... Traveled as NAU's No. 7 runner to the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree, finishing in 26:05.34 (118th) ... Competed at the Big Sky Championships and battled through flu symtoms to finish 45th (27:54.56).
Sophomore Castle Rock, Colo. Castle View
High School: Competed all four years as part of the track and field and cross country teams for the Castle View Sabercats ... Earned three MVP awards during his junior and senior years, one in track and field (2011) and two in cross country (2009, 2010) ... Holds his school records in the 800-meter, the mile, and the 2-mile races, as well as the cross country 5K ... Was also a part of the school-record 4x800-meter relay team and the distance medley squad... Garnered four All-State honors, three for track and field (2008, 2009, 2010) and one for cross country (2009) ... Placed in the top ten at the 4A state meet all four years in the mile run, including a runner-up finish his junior year ...
Personal Bests 1:53.88@ - 800m Personal: Born to Michael and Kimberley Ganem on Oct. 11, 1992 ... Has two younger sis3:48.10 - 1,500m ters, Kaitlynn and Kristina ... Chose NAU for its successful track and field and cross country 4:07.38 - Mile programs.
Bahlbi Gebreyohanns Academic Notes: Plans to major in economics.
2012 Track & Field: Notched the team's fourth-best time in the 3,000 meters (8:19.9@) and fifth-best in the 5,000 meters (14:44.28@) at Big Sky Indoors, where he scored by placing seventh in both events ... Was the team's No. 2 runner in the 5K during the outdoor season after putting up a personal-best 14:20.76 at the San Francisco Distance Carnival ... Placed seventh once again in the 5K at Big Sky Outdoors and took eighth in the 10,000 meters as one of four scoring Lumberjacks in that event. 2011 Cross Country: Competed only once in an injury-shortened season ... Placed fourth at the George Kyte Classic with a time of 26:22.6. 2011 Track & Field: Debuted for the Lumberjacks during the outdoor season ... Doubled up at the Big Sky Outdoor Championships in the 10,000 and 5,000-meter runs ... Clocked a time of 30:52.31 to finish fourth in the 10K and ran a personal-best time of 14:34.36 to place ninth overall in the 5K ... Recorded personal-best mark of 30:10.52 in the 10K at the Mt. SAC Relays in first career attempt at the 25-lap event.
RS-Sophomore 2010 Cross Country: Ran to 135th-place finish in the men's 'blue' race at the NCAA Pre-NaIndianapolis, Ind. tionals (25:17.5) … Launched his Lumberjack career at the Stanford Invitational where he North Central finished fifth on the team, and 56th overall (25:01). Personal Bests 3:56.82 - 1,500m 8:19.9@ - 3,000m 14:20.76 - 5,000m 30:10.52 - 10,000m
High School: Graduated from North Central High School in 2010 … Ran on the cross country and track teams from 2008-09 … Served as the captain in 2008 … A member of the 2008 fourth-place team at the Indiana State Cross Country Championships. Personal: Born to Zeinasellassie Gebreyohanns and Letebrhan Teklehay Manot on July 27, 1990 … Has two younger brothers and one older sister.
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Men's Team Profiles - Returners
Caleb Hoover
Academic Notes: Big Sky All-Academic selection in 2011 ... Majoring in Exercise Science. 2012 Track & Field: Competed in three events for the Lumberjacks in his first indoor season ... Had the team's second-best mark at season's end in the 3,000-meter run after posting a time of 8:17.11@ in a fifth-place effort at Big Sky Indoors ... Also ran his career-best in the 5,000 meters at the same meet, clocking 14:32.09@ and finishing fourth overall as one of five NAU scorers ... Competed in the steeplechase and the 5,000 meters during the outdoor season, and was NAU's No. 2 steeplechaser and No. 3 5K runner ... Narrowly missed going sub-nine minutes in his best outing in the steeplechase, running 9:04.40 at the Mt. SAC Relays ... Surprised everyone by taking the Big Sky title in the 5,000-meters, running a personal best 14:26.88@ to close out a remarkable freshman season.
Sophomore Joplin, Mo. College Heights Christian
2011 Cross Country: Was the only freshman and one of three Lumberjacks to compete in six races on the season ... Emerged as a constant contributor to the squad with a seventh-place finish (26:32.1) in his inaugural race at the George Kyte Classic ... Saw his first national competition at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree and the Wisconsin Adidas Invitational, finishing in 25:25.34 (73rd) and 25:17 (168th), respectively ... Was only four spots from allconference honors at the Big Sky Championships with a 14th-place mark (25:54.24) ... Placed 38th at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships in his first college 10K race (31:38.3) ... Improved upon his regional time and had his finish count towards the team score for just the second time at the NCAA Championships (31:30.1; 177th).
Personal Bests 4:11.19@ - Mile 8:17.11@ - 3,000m High School: Graduated from College Heights Christian High School in 2011 ... Four-year 9:04.40 - Steeplechase all-state honoree in cross country and track & field for the 1600 and 3200-meter runs ... holds 14:26.88@ - 5,000m school records in the 1600m (4:15.07), the 3200m (9:11.98), and 5000m (15:01.97) ... Holds
the Class One Missouri State record in cross country ... Holds the record for longest streak of victories in cross country (11) ... Led his cross country team to state championships four years NCAA Cross Country in a row. Championship Finishes 2011 - 31:30.1 (177th) Personal: Born to Tim Hoover and Sarah Dougherty on July 22, 1992 ... Has four younger brothers: Derek, Johnny, Hagen, and Thomas ... Also considered Oklahoma, Liberty, and Kansas before choosing NAU ... enjoys kayaking, hiking, and backpacking in his free time.
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Men's Team Profiles - Returners
Alejandro Montano
Academic Notes: Contemplating a major in mechanical engineering. 2012 Track & Field: Only competed during the outdoor season, where he was the Lumberjacks' second-best athlete in the 10,000 meters and fourth-best in the 5,000 meters ... Had his best showing in the 5K at the San Francisco Distance Carnival, running 14:27.36 ... Season-best mark of 30:29.11@ in the 10K came at the Big Sky Championships in Bozeman, Mont. ... Scored in both events at Big Sky Outdoors by placing sixth in the 5K and 10K. 2011 Cross Country: Did not compete. High School: Graduated from Catalina High School in 2011 ... Set school records in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs...Ran a time of 4:13 and shattered a 38-year-old 1600-meter record...competed and led his team to a runner-up finish at the 2008 state cross country meet. Personal: Born to Hilda Luz Villalba on May 27, 1992...also considered University of
RS-Freshman Arizona before choosing NAU...enjoys fishing, reading, and hiking in his spare time. Tucson, Ariz. Catalina HS Personal Bests 4:11.47@ - Mile 8:26.26 - 3,000m 14:27.36 - 5,000m
Cody Reed
Academic Notes: Contemplating a major in mechanical engineering. 2012 Track & Field: Saw action during the indoor and outdoor seasons ... Best indoor showing in the 3,000m came at the NAU Invite, where he ran a PB of 8:36.04@ and placed seventh at the meet ... Best and only showing in the Mile came a week later at the NAU Tune-Up, where he ran 4:19.10@ and took ninth ... Reed's shining moment to date came during Big Sky Outdoors ... Earned his first medal and All-Big Sky honor by taking third in the 10,000 meters with a team season best of 30:23.47@ ... Also competed in the steeplechase, where he was able to score with an eighth-place finish (9:15.48@). 2011 Cross Country: Notched a pair of top-15 finishes in his only two races with the Lumberjacks ... Placed 12th (27:10.8) at the George Kyte Classic and followed it with a 13th-place effort (22:10.0) at the Dave Murray Invitational. 2011 Track & Field: Redshirt season. High School: Graduated from San Ramon Valley High School in 2010 … Competed four years under Tim Hunter on the cross country team and also played lacrosse and ran track … Lettered all four years in cross country and was team's captain for two … Won the Roy Kissin Award in 2008 and was named all-league in 2009 … A member of the 2009 undefeated San Ramon Valley team that finished as NCS championships and placed 10th overall at the CaliPersonal Bests fornia State Championships.
RS-Sophomore Danville, Calif. San Ramon Valley HS
4:19.10 - Mile 8:36.04@ - 3,000m Personal: Born to Donna and Richard Reed on June 24, 1991 … Has one younger sister, 9:21.63@ - Steeplechase Lauren … Also considered attending Chico State, San Jose State and Sacramento State before
choosing NAU.
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Men's Team Profiles - Newcomers
Roman Acosta
Academic Notes: Received undergraduate degree from Syracuse University in philosophy and political science ... Currently working toward a master's in public administration (MPA) Before NAU: Competed for the Orange from 2008-2012 in both cross country and track and field ... Best career finish on the cross country course came at the Big East Preview meet in 2010, where he finished seventh with a time of 18:41.5 ... Set three personal bests on the indoor track in 2011, running 4:20.77 in the mile and the Cornell Upstate meet, 8:22.50 in the 3,000m at Columbia, and 14:25.97 in the 5,000m at the Valentine Invite ... Career mark in the 10K (30:43.74) came at the Cornell Big Red meet. High School: Held five school records upon graduation, three in track and field and two in cross country … Named All-WAC Conference and Team MVP his junior year … Named AllSAL Conference his sophomore year … Team captain junior and senior year … Earned the Raider Hustle Award for cross country during his senior year … Received the Most Valuable Senior Freshman Award.
Modesto, Calif. Syracuse/Central Catholic Personal: Born in September 1990 … Son of Mario Acosta and Kathleen Cleek … Has one Personal Bests 4:20.77 - Mile 8:22.50- 3,000m 14:25.97 - 5,000m 30:43.74-10,000m
Will Aenchbacher Academic Notes: Majoring in engineering.
High School: 2012 graduate of Bentonville High School, where he competed in cross country and track & field for the Tigers ... Named Arkansas Gatorade Runner of the Year after the 2011 cross country season ... Won two state titles in his career, including the 2011 7A cross country championship ... Earned All-State honors a total of seven times ... Was a three-time winner at the Arkansas Meet of Champions, including the 3,200 meters at the 2011 meet (9:13.99) ... Placed 13th at the 2011 Nike Cross National South Regional Championships, the highest of any Arkansas athlete. Personal: Born November 15, 1993 to Bob and Julie Aenchbacher in Dallas, Texas ... Has one sister, Hallie ... Was a member of National Honor Society in high school ... Most memorable athletic moment was winning the team title at the 2011 7A state cross country meet after comFreshman ing in as underdogs ... Also considered Tulsa, Oklahoma State, and Arkansas before choosing NAU for the education, team, coach, and the city of Flagstaff ... Has a three-legged dog, and Bentonville, Ark. enjoys ultimate frisbee and geocaching.
Bentonville HS
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Men's Team Profiles - Newcomers
Brandon Hansen Academic Notes: Major is undeclared.
High School: Graduated in 2012 from San Marcos High School ... Won the Avocado East League title in cross country (16.42), the 1,600 meters (4:22.54), and 3,200 meters (9:37.45) during his senior year ... Ran personal bests in the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs at the CIF San Diego Sectional meet, where he placed ninth and seventh, respectively ... Took 13th in Division II at the CIF Cross Country Championships as a senior ... Won the 2011 Dana Hill Invitational. Personal: Born July 4, 1994 to Amy Hansen ... Has three brothers, Michael, Tyler, and Conner ... Likes to draw in his spare time ... Chose NAU for the talented cross country team and great campus ... Also considered CSU-San Marcos before choosing NAU.
Freshman San Marcos, Calif. San Marcos HS
Matt McElroy
Academic Notes: Majoring in communication. Before NAU: Transferred from Oklahoma State ... In 2010, ran twice for the NCAA and Big 12-champion Cowboys as a true freshman, placing 11th at the 8,000-meter Cowboy Jamboree in 24:55.69 and 32nd at the 10,000-meter Midwest Regional Championships in 30:54.68 High School: 2010 graduate of Edison High School ... Runner-up at the 2009 Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships with a time of 15:23 ... Ran the 5,000 meters in 14:29.35 for the third-fastest time in the nation in 2010 ... His 8:56.44 in the 3,200 meters ranks 13th all-time in Orange County history ... Runner-up at the California Interscholastic Federation Division II state cross country meet his senior year ... OCVarsity.com boys cross country athlete of the year as a senior ... Clocked a 14:51 in winning the Orange County Championships, a mark that ranks among the top-10 all-time at the meet ... Set a course record at the Sunset League Preview Meet with a 14:42 ... Team MVP all four years in cross country ... Edison HS Junior athlete of the year as a senior.
Huntington Beach, Calif. Oklahoma State/Edison HS Personal: Born to Jim and Colleen McElroy on March 27, 1992 in Huntington Beach, Calif.
... Has one sister, Melissa ... Hobbies include surfing, snowboarding, and rollerblading ... Also competed on the surf team at Edison High School
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Men's Team Profiles - Newcomers
Brian Shrader
Academic Notes: Majoring in exercise science. Before NAU: Transferred from Oregon after competing for the Ducks from 2010-12 ... Qualified for the NCAA Cross Country National Championships as a freshman in 2010 ... Appeared at the NCAA West Region Championships in 2011. High School: Graduated from Sinagua High School in 2010 after competing under former NAU 10,000-meter record holder Bo Reed ... Was a three-time Arizona Gatorade Athlete of the Year, twice in cross country and once in track & field ... Was a two-time Foot Locker National Championship finalist (11th-2009, 5th-2010) ... Named to the All-America First Team his senior year in cross country ... Claimed medalist honors at the 2009 Foot Locker West Regionals ... Won three consecutive state titles in cross country, and won 10 state championships on the track, during which he set school, city, and region records in the 800, 1,600, and 3,200-meter runs.
Junior Flagstaff, Ariz. Personal: Born to Thomas and Donna Shrader on July 22, 1991 in Flagstaff ... Has two sisters, Oregon/Sinagua HS Jacqueline and Jamie ... Chose NAU because, to him, there isn't a better place in the world to run and train ... Says, "Running in the footsteps of the numerous Olympians and national
Personal Bests championship-caliber teams that have come through Flagstaff is a great inspiration." 3:49.95 - 1,500m 4:03.14 - Mile 7:59.62 - 3,000m
Nathan Weitz Academic Notes: Majoring in forestry.
High School: Was named an All-American after finishing third at Foot Locker Nationals ... Led his team to the Division Two title at Nike Pre-Nationals in 2010 after winning the 5,000-meter run ... Competed in the BUPA Great Ediburgh Cross Country International Challenge in Edinburgh, Scotland as part of Team USA's junior squad in June 2011 ... Won the Washington State 3A Cross Country title as a junior, and finished second his senior year. Personal: Born February 19, 1994 in Spokane, Wash. to Lynn and Linda Weitz ... Has two sisters, Heather and Kendra ... Hobbies include backpacking, hiking, and fishing ... Uncle Steve Surface and father Lynn competed collegiately in cross country and track as well ... Attending NAU for the great forestry program and the storied track & field and cross country programs ... Most memorable life moment was a missions trip to Zambia ... Nathan loves bunnies.
Freshman Spokane, Wash. Shadle Park HS
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Men's Team Profiles - Newcomers
Futsum Zienasellassie Academic Notes: Majoring in psychology.
High School: Named the Gatorade National Boys' Cross Country Runner of the Year after a decorated career at North Central High School ... Won the Nike Cross Nationals Final in a course-record time of 15:02.41 ... Placed runner-up at Foot Locker Nationals his junior and senior years, finishing with a time of 14:52.1 in 2011 ... Broke the tape at the NXN Midwest Regional Championship and the Foot Locker Midwest Regional Championship, along with winning three-straight Indiana state titles in cross country.
Freshman Indianapolis, Ind. North Central HS
Personal: Born December 16, 1992 in Dera, Eritrea to Meleakeselam Zienasellassie ... Has three brothers--Henok, Bahlbi, and Jonas--and four sisters--Germawit, Azeb, Teklewayn, and Jerusalem ... Also considered attending Butler, Purdue, Oklahoma, and Indiana before choosing NAU ... Enjoys playing soccer in his spare time ... Brother Bahlbi also competes in cross country and track and field for NAU.
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Men's Team Profiles - Newcomers
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Women's Team Profiles - Returners
Sarah Baker
Academic Notes: Plans to major in Exercise Science and eventually pursue a doctorate in Physical Therapy. 2012 Track & Field: Had the team's No. 4 time in the 3,000m and No. 5 time in the 5,000m during the indoor season ... Ran 10:20.33@ at the Mtn. T's Invite for her career-best 3K time ... Came in 12th overall in the 5K at Big Sky Indoors with a PB of 18:20.37@ ... Best showing during the outdoor season in the 5K came at the Beach Invitational (18:35.60) ... Ran a season-best 1,500-meter time of 4:56.43 at the Tailwind Invite. 2011 Cross Country: Competed in three races during her inaugural season with the Lumberjacks ... Placed 30th (19:49.0) at the George Kyte Classic to begin her NAU career ... Cracked the Top 20 in her final two races, earning a 20th-place mark at the Dave Murray Invitational (18:28.0) and a 17th-place finish at the Grand Canyon Invitational (19:38.9). High School: Competed in three sports in high school--soccer, cross country, and track & field ... Was team captain all four years in both cross country and track & field ... Named All-ArSophomore ea Athlete of the Year in cross country ... Named MVP of her cross country team four times ... Was MVP and named to the All-Area First Team her senior year ... Set school records in the Bakesfield, Calif. 3-mile, 5K, and 1-mile runs ... Her new record in the 1-mile (5:05) replaced a 33-year-old mark Bakersfield HS of 5:10. Personal Bests 5:10.82 - Mile 10:20.33@ - 3,000m 18:20.37@ - 5,000m
Personal: Born to Rob and Sally Baker on July 15, 1993 ... Has an older brother, Thomas, an older sister, Katy, and a younger sister, Maggie ... Also considered San Jose State, CSU Bakersfield, and Boise State before choosing NAU ... Hobbies include cycling, watching movies, and paddleboarding.
Shayla Freeman
Academic Notes: Plans to major in chemistry for pre-med. 2012 Track & Field: In her first track season with the Lumberjacks, she qualified for Big Sky Indoors with a 5:08.80@ in the mile at the NAU Tune-Up ... Just missed earning team points with a ninth-place finish at the conference meet, but scored with the fifth-place women's DMR squad ... During outdoor season competed in the middle-distance 800 and 1,500-meter runs, where she posted the No. 4 times on the team in both ... Ran a 2:16.51 in the 800 at the Double Dual, and posted a career-best 4:39.24 at the Beach Invite ... Ended her first outdoor conference meet with a 14th-place finish in the 1,500m. 2011 Cross Country: Competed in three meets in her inaugural season with the Lumberjacks ... Finished 33rd at the George Kyte Classic in Flagstaff (20:11.3) ... Ran her best time of the season at the Dave Murray Invitation in Tucson, finishing 27th in a time of 19:09.0 ... Closed out her season at the Grand Canyon Invitational with her first top-15 finish, placing 14th in a time of 19:20.9.
Sophomore Phoenix, Ariz. Greenway HS
High School: Earned First Team All-State honors three times for cross country ('08-'10) ... Was named Black Canyon Region Athlete of the Year three times, once in track and twice in cross country, and was the 2009 Black Canyon Region champion in the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m ... Holds a school record in the 4x800-meter relay and the distance medley relay along with her twin sister, Kayla.
Personal Bests 2:19.59@ - 800m Personal: Born to Jimmy and Janet Cole on September 28, 1992 ... Has four brothers: Jimmy, 4:39.24 - 1,500m Juwan, Javontae, and Jacob; and four sisters: Shatonja, Kayla (twin sister), Gabbie, and Aaliyah ... Hobbies include hiking and reading ... Chose NAU because of her love for Flagstaff, and for 5:08.80@ - Mile
the impression the coaches and players made when being recruited ... Twin sister Kayla also competes on the cross country and track and field teams at NAU.
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Women's Team Profiles - Returners
Caroline Hogardh
Academic Notes: Big Sky All-Academic selection in 2011 ... Majoring in Health Science. 2012 Track & Field: Led the Lumberjacks during the indoor season in the 800 meters and the mile with season-bests at the Big Sky Championships in both events ... Time of 2:11.71@ in the 800m was the third-best in the Big Sky all season, and her mile time of 4:52.41@ was fifth in the conference ... Finished fourth in both the 800m and mile at Big Sky Indoors ... Burst onto the national steeplechase scene during outdoors as part of a sensational freshman year ... Ended the season with the 12th-best time in the country for the 3,000-meter steeplechase (10:05.80@), which she set at the Big Sky Outdoor Championships as part of a silver-medal performance ... Earned Second-Team All America honors at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa with a 16th-place finish and a time of 10:22.82 ... Also led the team in the 1,500 meters (4:23.46@) after a fourth-place finish at Big Sky Outdoors ... Ran a season-best in the 800 meters (2:12.83) at the Beach Invitational in Cerritos, Calif. 2011 Cross Country: Emerged as a solid top-five runner for the Lumberjacks in her first sea-
Sophomore son with NAU ... Competed in five races total on the season, and was the third NAU finisher in Halmstead, Sweden four meets ... Best 5K time came at the Dave Murray Invitational, where she finished 13th in a Vaxjo Katedralskolan time of 18:04.0 ... Finished in the top 40 at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree, posting a
time of 18:19.20 (33rd) ... Competed in her first 6K race at the Wisconsin Adidas Invitational, finishing in 21:41.7 (161st) ... Ran two solid races in her first postseason experiences, placPersonal Bests ing 26th (19:21.04) at the Big Sky Championships and 44th at the NCAA Mountain Region 2:09.6 - 800m Championships (22:29.3)
4:33.14 - 1,500m 4:52.41@ - Mile High School/Club: Won award for best athlete in her club (IFK Halmstead) for five consecu10:05.80@ - Steeple
tive years (2007-2011) ... Holds club records in the 800m, 1500m, and 2000m steeplechase ... Set a district record in the 2000m steeplechase in 2011 ... Graduated from Katedralskolan (Sw: "the cathedral school") in Vaxjo in 2011, along with NAU pole vaulter Lisa Lantz.
Personal: Born November 16, 1992 to Christer and Anna-Carin Hogardh ... Has one younger sister, Johanna ... Chose NAU for the altitude, great training opportunities, beautiful scenery, and great team unity.
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Women's Team Profiles - Returners
Lauren Justus
Academic Notes: Plans to major in pre-physical therapy. 2012 Track & Field: Competed in two meets for the Lumberjacks during the indoor season ... Season best mark in the Mile (5:25.84@) came at the NAU Tune-Up, while her best 3,000m time (10:40.94@) came at the NAU Invite ... Competed in the steeplechase and the 5,000 meters during the outdoor season ... Was NAU's No. 3 steeplechaser with a time of 11:34.15@ that came at the Tailwind Invite ... Best 5,000m time (18:33.12) came in the season's inaugural meet, the Willie Williams Invite. 2011 Cross Country: Started her freshman campaign with a bang, finishing 10th at the George Kyte Classic in a time of 18:11.4 ... Ran in her first national-caliber meets at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree (18:35.62; 45th) and the Wisconsin Adidas Invitational (22:23.5; 249th) ... Was a solid team contributor in both of the women's postseason races, placing 25th (19:19.88) at the Big Sky Championships and 65th (22:56.5) at the NCAA Mountain Region Sophomore Championships.
Glendora, Calif. Glendora HS High School: Named MVP of her cross country and track & field teams ... Was San Gabriel Valley Runner of the Year for four consecutive years ... Placed 5th in the 3-mile at the Wood-
Personal Bests bridge Invitational with a time of 17:04 (PR) 5:25.84@ - Mile 10:40.94@ - 3,000m
Personal: Born to George and Wendy Justus on October 12, 1992 ... Has two older brothers, Matthew and Cory, and one older sister, Sarah ... Also considered University of Nevada-Reno and University of Utah before choosing NAU ... Hobbies include wakeboarding and water-skiing ... Chose NAU because of its competitiveness on a national stage and for her love of NAU's team and coaches.
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Women's Team Profiles - Returners
Rochelle Kanuho
Academic Notes: Majoring in parks and recreation management. 2012 Track & Field: Was the Lumberjacks' top runner in the 5,000 meters and their No. 2 in the 3,000m during the indoor season ... Her time of 16:43.33 in the 5K at the Husky Classic was then a 30-second personal best, and ended up as the Big Sky's fourth-best in 2012 ... Scored in both her events at Big Sky Indoors, taking seventh in the 3,000m and fourth in the 5,000m ... Also ran the mile at the Mtn. T's Invite, where she turned in a third-best team mark of 5:03.69@ ... Was far and away NAU's best runner in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters during the outdoor season ... Set another personal best in the 5K after running a 16:29.59 at the Stanford Invite, ultimately marking a 45-second improvement from the previous season ... Earned a berth in the NCAA West Preliminary meet with a 34:42.36 in the 10K at the Mt. SAC Relays ... Captured a pair of bronze medals in her two events at Big Sky Outdoors ... At West Prelims, finished 34th in the 10K with a time of 36:38.90 in her first of two events ... In her second event she gutted out a ninth-place finish in the 5K in her heat, good enough for 19th overall with a time of 17:01.15. 2011 Cross Country: Led the Lumberjack women's squad in five of her six races ... Compiled four top-10 finishes throughout the season, including an all-conference 10th-place finish at the Big Sky Championships ... Set a personal best for the 5K at the Dave Murray Invitational, finishing in third place and 17:13.0 ... Started the season with a sixth-place mark 917:48.2) at NAU's home meet, the George Kyte Classic ... Placed seventh at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Personal Bests Jamboree in a time of 17:29.21 ... Paced NAU at the Wisconsin Adidas Invitational with a 41st 5:03.69@ - Mile place overall finish (20:52.7) ... Closed out her junior campaign by being named to the All-Re9:55.42 - 3,000m gion team after a 16th-place mark (21:30.9) at the NCAA Mountain Regionals.
RS-Senior Flagstaff, Ariz. Coconino HS
16:29.59 - 5,000m 2011 Track & Field: Continued breakout sophomore campaign with a personal-best mark in 34:42.36 - 10,000m each event she competed in ... Finished the season ranked 31st in the 10,000-meter run after
collecting a PR at the NCAA Preliminary Round Championships (34:57.17) ... Doubled up at the Big Sky Outdoor Championships, finishing third in the 10K (35:38.00) and seventh in the 5K (17:16.71) ... Ran PB in the 1,500m at the New Mexico Tailwind Invite (4:40.80@) ... At the Big Sky Indoor Championships, scored nine points with a fourth-place finish in the 5K and fifth-place showing in the 3,000-meter run with a career-best time of 9:55.42@. 2010 Cross Country: Closed out sensational sophomore season with a 28th-place finish at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships … Turned in a season-best 6K time from the regional meet (21:31.7) … Garnered Big Sky All-Conference honors after finishing fifth to lead the team (16:03.8) at the conference championship meet … Turned in a fifth-place finish in the 'open' race at the NCAA Pre-Nationals in first career 6K event (21:58.2) … After two seasons with the team, made collegiate debut at the Grand Canyon/Southwestern Invite … Blazed past the competition on the 5K course in a time of 18:16.1 to claim the individual title. 2010 Track & Field: In first track season with the Lumberjacks, ran the mile at five indoor meets in Flagstaff … Best mile time came at the NAU Tune Up when she crossed the finish line in 5:52.56@ … In lone outdoor race, ran 20:12.61 in the 5,000m at the Mesa Classic. 2009 Cross Country: Did not compete. 2008-09: Redshirt season. High School: Graduated from Coconino High School in 2008 ... Four year letterer in both cross country and track and field ... Also lettered two years in basketball ... Was the Grand Canyon Regional Track and Field MVP in 2005 and 2006.
Personal: Born on July 4, 1990 ... Daughter of Carlos Jimenez ... Has four brothers, Terrance Kanuho, Julio Jimeniz, Joshua Ratcliff and Jessie Ratcliff ... Also has three sisters, Kristy Kanuho, Vanessa Jimeniz and Samantha Jimenez.
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Women's Team Profiles - Returners
Kylee Kieser
Academic Notes: Plans to major in history for secondary education. 2012 Track & Field: Competed during the indoor in the mile and 3,000 meters ... Only showing in the mile came at the NAU Tune-Up, where she managed a time of 5:39.33@ ... Best 3K time of 10:25.26@ came at the Mtn. T's Invite ... Competed in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter runs in her first outdoor season ... Had the team's No. 5 time in the 5K after running a 17:50.86 at the Beach Invitational ... Scored her first team point at Big Sky Outdoors with an eighthplace finish in the 10K ... Her time of 36:29.87@ was a personal best and was good enough for third on the team. 2011 Cross Country: Solidified the No. 7 spot on the team by season's end in her first year with the Lumberjacks ... Saw her first action at the Dave Murray Invitational in Tucson, where she finished 23rd in a time of 18:32.0 ... Led a group of four NAU runners at the Grand Canyon Invitational, placing 13th overall (19:07.3) ... Ran at the Big Sky Championships, where she notched a solid 28th-place finish and a time of 19:26.94 ... Rounded out her inaugural season with a 67th-place mark (22:58.9) at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships.
Sophomore High School: Won Division II state cross country title her senior year ... Followed that victory Casa Grande, Ariz. up with a track & field state championship in the mile run, and anchored her 4x800-meter Marcos de Niza HS relay team to a state title as well ... Earned All-State and All-Region awards her junior year ... Was the Tempe All-City champion in cross country ... Named an Arizona Dairy Council
Personal Bests All-American her senior year. 5:39.33@ - Mile 10:25.26@ - 3,000m Personal: Born to Kevin and Melanie Kieser on July 2, 1993 ... Has one brother, Kainan ...
Chose NAU for the great coaching and her desire to be a part of a team that grows and improves on and off the track.
Agnes Laurent
Academic Notes: Pursuing cultural studies on a post-baccalaureate level. 2012 Track & Field: Competed in just two meets during an injury-shortened indoor season, but still managed to post the second-best 800-meter time on the women's squad ... Her best mark of 2:13.31 came at the Husky Classic and ended the season as the Big Sky Conference's seventh-best ... Debuted late in the outdoor season, but still managed to post the team's best 800-meter time and No. 3 mark in the 1,500m ... She ran a 2:11.89@ in the 800m at Big Sky Outdoors that was good enough for fourth place ... Her season best 1,500m time of 4:35.17 came at her inaugural outdoor meet, the Beach Invite, where she placed 35th. 2011 Cross Country: Ran in five races for the Lumberjacks in her first cross country season ... Began her year by nearly cracking the top 10 at the Dave Murray Invitational, finishing 11th in a time of 17:50.0 ... Continued her solid season with times of 18:26.93 (41st) in the 5K OSU Cowboy Jamboree and 21:42.1 (164th) in the 6K Wisconsin Adidas Invitational ... Wrapped up her inaugural campaign with the Big Sky Championships (19:34.30; 31st) and the NCAA Mountain Region Championships (23:12.7; 76th).
Senior Pre-NAU: Competed in numerous national meets in Belgium ... Placed 3rd at the Belgian Verviers, Belgium Indoor Championships twice, once in the 800-meter run (2007) and once in the 1,500-meter Institut Superieur d'Architecture run (2011) ... Finished 3rd in the 800m at the Belgian U23 Championships in 2009 ... Took second place in the 800m at the 2006 Belgian Junior Championships.
Personal Bests 2:11.84 - 800m Personal: Born to Christian and Beatrice Laurent on May 4, 1988 ... Has three older siblings: 4:25.24 - 1,500m twins Martin & Astrid, and brother Clement ... Hobbies include cooking and design ... Chose
NAU for the great athletic teams, for the great places to run, and from recommendations from friends who have trained in Flagstaff.
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Women's Team Profiles - Returners
Kerri Lenihan
Academic Notes: Big Sky All-Academic selection in 2011 ... Majoring in biomedical science. 2012 Track & Field: Ran in four meets in her first indoor season with NAU ... Her best and only Mile time of 5:26.58@ came at the NAU Tune-Up ... Ran a personal-best in the 3,000 meters at the Mtn T's Invite with an altitude-adjusted 10:33.15@ ... Made a name for herself as a steeplechaser during the outdoor season after spending the year as its No. 2 racer in the event ... Her best mark of 11:19.02@ came at the Big Sky Championships, where she placed 12th overall. 2011 Cross Country: Showed promise in her first season in a Lumberjacks uniform in the four races in which she competed ... Started her career with a 26th-place finish (19:22.5) at the George Kyte Classic ... Ran a season best 18:26.0 (19th) at the Dave Murray Invitational ... Experienced national caliber meets at the 5K Oklahoma State Jamboree (19:08.48) and the 6K Wisconsin Adidas Invitational (23:21.7), where she closed out her season.
Sophomore High School: Ran cross country and track and field all four years for Mountain View High Tucson, Ariz. School before graduating in 2011 ... Was a part of the school record-setting and state champion Mountain View HS 4x800-meter relay squad her sophomore year ... Broke the same record and won the state title
again her junior year, while also setting the record for the fastest time on her home cross country course ... Earned state runner-up honors as a freshman at the state cross country meet ... Personal Bests Helped her cross country team achieve top-10 finishes all four years ... Earned top-five finishes 5:26.58@ - Mile in at least one sport (cross country, track & field) all four years.
10:33.15@ - 3,000m 11:19.02@ - Steeple
Personal: Born to Gayle and Michael Lenihan on June 3, 1993 ... Has a younger sister, Brenna ... Also considered Pepperdine and Arizona ... Chose NAU for the climate, school atmosphere, and the great cross country program ... Hobbies include photography and writing.
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Women's Team Profiles - Returners
Sarah Raber
Academic Notes: Major is undecided. 2012 Track & Field: Once again ran middle distance for the Lumberjacks, clocking the team's No. 4 time in the 800 meters during the indoor season ... Competed in every home meet, including Big Sky Indoors, where she marked a season best of 2:17.28@ en route to a 12th-place finish ... Also ran the Mile at the NAU Invite, finishing in a time of 5:15.30@ ... Competed in five events during the outdoor season ... Best 800m time of 2:18.52 came at the Double Dual, while her career-best 1,500-meter time of 4:42.18@ came at the Tailwind Invite. 2011 Cross Country: Competed in three meets for the Lumberjacks, notching her best finish at the Dave Murray Invitational with a time of 19:06.0 (26th) ... Placed 28th at the George Kyte Classic (19:42.2) and 24th at the Grand Canyon Invitational (20:05.2) to close out her season.
Junior 2011 Track & Field: Specialized in the middle distance events for the Lumberjacks in her Cottonwood, Ariz. inaugural campaign ... Placed ninth overall in the 800-meter run at the Big Sky Outdoor ChamMingus Union HS pionships with a personal-best time of 2:16.79 ... Took 11th overall in the 1,500-meter run in a season-best 4:43.68, and was also a member of the women's 4x400-meter relay at the cham-
Personal Bests pionships ... At the Big Sky Indoor Championships, placed 11th in the 800m and ran the 2:16.79 - 800m 400-meter leg of the distance medley relay that finished sixth overall. 4:42.18@ - 1,500m
2010 Cross Country: Concluded first season finishing 120th overall in a 6K time of 23:41.4 … Completed the Big Sky Championship with a 52nd-place finish (17:49.1) over the 5K course … Improved 6K time by 31 seconds (23:19.3) and finished 71st overall in the 'open' race at the NCAA Pre-Nationals … Completed the 6K course at the Stanford Invitational in a time of 23:50 … Raced to a 62nd-place finish at the Aztec Invite (20:27.2) … Opened NAU career with a 38th-place finish at the George Kyte Classic (20:58.7). High School: Graduated from Mingus Union High School in 2010 … Ran on the track & field team all four years … Collected personal-best marks of 2:21.34 in the 800m and 58.4 in the 400m … Named Grand Canyon Region Most Valuable Female Athlete … Team won the 2010 Grand Canyon Region Championship … Was also a two-time 4AII state champion in the 100-meter breastroke. Personal: Born to Sally and Mike Raber on Sept. 3, 1991 … Has one older sister, Lindsay, and one older brother, Cody.
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Women's Team Profiles - Newcomers
Kenzie Estes
Academic Notes: Plans to major in Marketing. 2012 Track & Field: Competed in four meets during indoor season, including the Big Sky Indoor Championships ... Ran personal bests in the mile, 3,000-meter, and 5,000-meter runs during the season, including a then-best 18:02.14@ in the 5,000m at the conference meet that placed her ninth overall ... Ran in six meets during the regular season outdoors, in addition to the conference championship ... Broke her personal best in the 5,000m again, this time at the Beach Invitational with a time of 17:50.40 ... Placed 11th overall in the 10,000 meters at the Big Sky Outdoor Championships with a time of 38:49.57@. 2011 Cross Country: Redshirt season. High School: Was a 2-year team captain in cross country and 3-year captain in track & field ... Broke the 3200-meter run record at the 2011 Redondo Nike Invitational with a time of RS-Freshman 11:14.35.
Riverside, Calif. Riverside Poly HS Personal: Born to Don and Kelly Estes on February 12, 1993 ... Has one older brother, Chris
... Also considered Sacramento State, Chico State, and Cal Poly SLO before choosing NAU ...
Personal Bests Hobbies include Photography and Cooking. 5:27.70@ - Mile 10:22.92@ - 3,000m 17:50.40 - 5,000m 38:49.57@ - 10,000m
Kayla Freeman
Academic Notes: Plans to major in secondary education and mathematics. 2012 Track & Field: Only competed in one meet during her inaugural indoor season, the Lumberjack Invitational, where she finished seventh in the women's 3,000 meters in a time of 10:45.78@ ... Posted the team's third-best time of the outdoor season in the 5,000 meters with a 17:45.11 at the Beach Invite ... Closed out her freshman year with an 11th-place finish in the 5K at Big Sky Outdoors. 2011 Cross Country: Redshirt season. High School: Was named Greenway Female Athlete of the Year in 2011 ... Named First Team All-State in cross country her junior and senior years ... Placed first and set a personal-best time in the 1600-meter run at the Arizona Meet of Champions in 2011, her second year competing in that meet ... Was the outstanding varsity athlete for both cross country and track & RS-Freshman field in 2010 ... Named the 2011 Regional Athlete of the Year ... Holds school records in the Phoenix, Ariz. 4x800-meter relay and distance medley relay alongside her twin sister, Shayla.
Greenway HS
Personal: Born to Jimmy and Janet Cole on September 28, 1992 ... Has four brothers: Jimmy, Juwan, Javontae, and Jacob; and four sisters: Shatonja, Shayla (twin sister), Gabbie, and Aaliyah ... Hobbies include hiking and reading ... Chose NAU for the beautiful campus and weather, as well as the great coaches and team ... Twin sister Shayla also competes on the cross country and track and field teams for NAU.
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Women's Team Profiles - Newcomers
Rolonda Jumbo Academic Notes: Majoring in criminal justice.
High School: Four-time state champion in cross country and six-time individual state champion on the track ... Led her teams to three Arizona 3A and Division 3 state titles (2009-10, 2012) ... Competed on the 2009 Junior USA Team for the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Championships (NACAC) in Florida ... Competed in the USA National Cross Country Championships four times (2009-12) in the Junior Women's 6K race for Wings of America, an organization that uses sport to encourage American Indian youth to look to the future while embracing a past they can be proud of. Personal: Born January 27, 1994 to Jerrison Jumbo ... Has three older brothers, Ronaldo, Ronald, and Roland ... Hobbies include barrel racing and playing guitar, and she loves analyzing things, reading Jane Austen novels, and running on her toes ... Also considered Lipscomb University and the University of Colorado-Boulder before choosing NAU for the city's beauty, Freshman the campus environment, and the great cross country and track and field teams.
Chinle, Ariz. Chinle HS
Olivia Ornelas
Academic Notes: Majoring in exercise science and kinesiology. High School: Graduated from Vista Ridge High School in 2011 ... Earned a leadership award for cross country her junior and senior years ... Served as team captain for the Vista Ridge Rangers cross country squad ... Qualified for the regional meet all four years ... Most memorable moment was traveling to Eugene, Ore. for Nike Pre-Nationals her senior year with the Vista Ridge girls' and boys' cross country teams.
RS-Freshman Austin, Texas Vista Ridge HS
Personal: Born to Andrew and Laura Ornelas on August 1, 1993 in Espanola, N.M. ... Has an older brother, Zachary, who competes at the University of Michigan in cross country and track & field ... Enjoys long walks, reading, being awesome, biking, and working out ... Chose NAU for the weather, climate, and opportunity to train at altitude ... The most exciting event she remembers was the 2012 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, which she attended with her mom, saying it was thrilling to be able to watch the battle to represent America in the Olympics.
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Women's Team Profiles - Newcomers
Emma Schraner
Academic Notes: Plans to attend law school after studying environmental studes and political science at NAU. High School: Named 2010 Athlete of the Year for the Grand Canyon Region ... Earned AllState honors in cross country all four years of high school ... Qualified or the Great Southwest meet her senior year, and also competed at the Foot Locker Southwest Regional meet ... Her 4x800-meter relay squad won the Arizona Division II state title in 2012, the first in Mingus Union history.
Freshman Cottonwood, Ariz. Mingus Union HS
Personal: Born on May 28, 1994 in Cottonwood, Ariz. ... Parents are Lynne Ordean and Rusty Baldwin ... Enjoys yoga, backpacking, and cooking in her spare time ... Was an active member of National Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council, Invisible Children, and Interact at Mingus Union High School ... Most exciting event she remembers was her first win in a cross country race, during which she went the wrong way at one point and still won.
Melanie Townsend Academic Notes: Majoring in microbiology.
High School: Competed in cross country and track and field at Haileybury College, from which she graduated in 2011 ... Helped her team to a silver medal at the World School Cross Country Championship in 2010 ... She took fifth in the Zatopek Classic's Under-20 Women's 3K race in 2010 ... Was the gold medalist in the U18 1,500-meter run at the 2010 All-Victoria Schools Championships in Australia. Personal: Born February 22, 1993 in Mornington, Victoria, Australia to Nick Townsend ... Has one older sister, Jessica ... Enjoys going to the gym, doing pilates, and going to the beach in her spare time ... Chose NAU for the great training location, the altitude, and the great coaching ... Misses her dog while she is away from home ... Favorite animal is a frog.
Freshman Melbourne, Australia Haileybury College
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
2011 Year in Review
NCAA Championships: Senior Diego Estrada led an upperclass-laden men's squad by finishing in seventh overall, good enough for his second First-Team All America honor. The men finished 14th as a team, upping the number of Top 15 finishes by a Lumberjack men's squad to 18 times since 1984. 2009 All-American Jordan Chipangama fought through a pulled hamstring for the majority of the race to finish in 48th, while junior Tim Freriks and senior Andrew Belus, both appearing in their third championship meet, finished 94th and 181st, respectively. Senior Matt Coloe was fourth on the team in 155th, and true-freshman Caleb Hoover rounded out the scorers for NAU by finishing 177th.
Mountain Region Championships: With both the men's and women's teams competing at the East Bay Golf Course in Provo, Utah, it was a successful day for both Lumberjack teams. Seven Lumberjacks (pictured below) were named to the All-Region team by finishing in the Top 25 in their respective races. All five scorers for the men earned the honor, led by Estrada (fourth overall) and Chipangama (fifth), en route to a third-place team finish. In leading the women to a seventh-place mark, up eight spots from 2010, Rochelle Kanuho (16th) and Kortnee Burton (17th) were also named to the All-Region crew. The other three members of the men's team were Tim Freriks (11th), Matt Coloe (24th), and Andrew Belus (25th).
Big Sky Championships: With the men's team heading into the championship meet riding a four-year win streak and the women looking to vastly improve upon an eighth-place finish from 2010, the Lumberjacks headed into the meet with high hopes. The men won in dominant fashion, placing six of their seven runners in the top fifteen, claiming a men's-record fifth-straight team title and a Big Sky record seventh-straight individual title thanks to medalist Estrada. Chipangama was the runner-up and Freriks finished fifth, while Coloe, Belus, and Hoover finished seventh, 11th, and 14th, respectively. On the women's side, Burton led the charge in third place with Kanuho close behind in 10th. The third-place women's team was completed with scoring efforts by Haley Lawrence (18th), Lauren Justus (25th), and Caroline Hogardh (26th).
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
2011 Year in Review Regular Season: The NAU
men's and women's teams traveled to two major tune-up meets during the regular season: the Wisconsin Adidas Invitational and the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree. At the 74th-annual Cowboy Jamboree, held in Stillwater, Okla., the men had the best showing of NAU's two teams. Estrada claimed medalist honors over the 30 teams competing, leading the men to a third-place team finish. Chipangama, the 2009 champion, was next for the men in 17th. Kanuho and Burton finished seventh and eighth, respectively, in leading the women's team to a fourth-place finish. The Wisconsin Adidas Invite proved to be a good measure of talent against the nation's best for both teams. With 20 of the nation's top 30 teams competing in the men's race and a similar number running the women's race, there was valuable experience to be gained. Estrada led the pack once again, finishing in third place and leading the men to a respectable eighth-place team finish. Chipangama and Freriks were second and third for NAU, coming in 39th and 66th, respectively. Kanuho (41st) and Burton (67th) led a young women's squad to a 28th-place team mark, gaining valuable experience for the five returners in 2012 that also competed.
George Kyte Classic: In the Lumberjacks' annual home season opener, the men and women were able to get a taste of what competition in 2011 would be like. Leading the way for the men was Freriks, who in finishing runner-up gave the men a similar finish as a team after capturing four of the top seven places. Bahlbi Gebreyohanns took fourth, Coloe came in sixth, and Hoover, racing in his first collegiate event, took seventh. Rounding out the scoring for the men's squad was sophomore Cody Reed in 12th. Myles Kloer (20th) and Daniel Filipcik (25th) also competed for the men. In the women's race, Kanuho had her first team-leading effort of her remarkable junior season, finishing fifth overall to lead the third-place women. Justus, also racing in her first collegiate event, came in 10th, and was followed by Lawrence (19th), Lisette Michaels (24th), and Kerri Lenihan (26th) in completeing their team score of 68. Also finishing for the women were Lauren Hill (27th), Sarah Raber (28th), Carissa Gwerder (29th), Sarah Baker (30th), and Shayla Freeman (33rd). 2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
2011 Women's Race-by-Race Results George Kyte Classic (3rd of 6) Sept. 3, 2011 - Flagstaff, Ariz. 6. Rochelle Kanuho 17:48.2 10. Lauren Justus 18:11.4 19. Haley Lawrence 18:44.0 24. Lisette Michaels 19:12.6 26. Kerri Lenihan 19:22.5 27. Lauren Hill 19:36.8 28. Sarah Raber 19:42.2 29. Carissa Gwerder 19:44.1 30. Sarah Baker 19:49.0 33. Shayla Freeman 20:11.3
Dave Murray Invite (2nd of 8) Sept. 16, 2011 - Tucson, Ariz. 3. Rochelle Kanuho 17:13.0 11. Agnes Laurent 17:50.0 13. Caroline Hogardh 18:04.0 14. Haley Lawrence 18:05.0 19. Kerri Lenihan 18:26.0 20. Sarah Baker 18:28.0 23. Kylee Kieser 18:32.0 26. Sarah Raber 19:09.0 33. Lisette Michaels 19:37.0 27. Shayla Freeman 19:09.0
Adidas Wisconsin Invite (28th of 44) Oct. 14, 2011 - Madison, Wisc. 41. Rochelle Kanuho 20:52.7 67. Kortnee Burton 21:08.0 161. Caroline Hogardh 21:41.7 164. Agnes Laurent 21:42.1 189. Haley Lawrence 21:52.6 249. Lauren Justus 22:23.5 290. Kerri Lenihan 23:21.7
Cowboy Jamboree (4th of 20) Oct. 1, 2011 - Clearwater, Okla. 7. Rochelle Kanuho 17:29.21 8. Kortnee Burton 17:32.59 33. Caroline Hogardh 18:19.20 41. Agnes Laurent 18:26.93 46. Haley Lawrence 18:32.48 48. Lauren Justus 18:35.62 76. Kerri Lenihan 19:08.48
GCU Invite (No Team Score) Oct. 8, 2011 - Phoenix, Ariz. 13. Kylee Kieser 19:07.3 14. Shayla Freeman 19:20.9 17. Sarah Baker 19:38.9 24. Sarah Raber 20:05.2
Big Sky Championships (3rd of 9) Oct. 29, 2011 - Pocatello, Idaho 3. Kortnee Burton 17:46.95 10. Rochelle Kanuho 18:23.35 18. Haley Lawrence 18:44.28 25. Lauren Justus 19:19.88 26. Caroline Hogardh 19:21.04 28. Kylee Kieser 19:26.94 31. Agnes Laurent 19:34.30
Mountain Regionals (7th of 19) Nov. 12, 2011 - Provo, Utah 16. Rochelle Kanuho 21:30.9 17. Kortnee Burton 21:31.8 44. Caroline Hogardh 22:29.3 62. Haley Lawrence 22:53.3 65. Lauren Justus 22:56.5 67. Kylee Kieser 22:58.9 76. Agnes Laurent 23:12.7
Denotes All-Big Sky
Denotes All-Mtn. Region
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
2011 Men's Race-by-Race Results George Kyte Classic (2nd of 5) Sept. 3, 2011 - Flagstaff, Ariz. 2. Tim Freriks 25:55.9 4. B. Gebreyohanns 26:22.6 6. Matt Coloe 26:28.6 7. Caleb Hoover 26:32.1 12. Cody Reed 27:10.8 19. Daniel Filipcik 28:29.2 20. Myles Kloer 28:15.0
Dave Murray Invite (3rd of 9) Sept. 16, 2011 - Tucson, Ariz. 4. John Yatsko 21:33.0 5. Chris Ganem 21:37.0 13. Cody Reed 22:10.0 30. Daniel Filipcik 23:03.0 35. Myles Kloer 23:14.0 39. Caleb Potts 23:21.0 81. Ian Cable 25:56.0
Big Sky Championships (1st of 9) Oct. 29, 2011 - Pocatello, Idaho 1. Diego Estrada 24:15.43 2. J. Chipangama 24:38.52 5. Tim Freriks 24:57.77 7. Matt Coloe 25:03.66 11. Andrew Belus 25:18.67 14. Caleb Hoover 25:54.24 45. Chris Ganem 27:54.56 Denotes All-Big Sky
Cowboy Jamboree (3rd of 29) Oct. 1, 2011 - Clearwater, Okla. 1. Diego Estrada 23:34.34 17. J. Chipangama 24:24.82 20. Tim Freriks 24:35.34 41. Matt Coloe 24:59.52 50. John Yatsko 25:08.34 73. Caleb Hoover 25:25.34 118. Chris Ganem 26:05.34
Adidas Wisc. Invite (8th of 39) Oct. 14, 2011 - Madison, Wisc. 3. Diego Estrada 23:27 39. J. Chipangama 24:25 66. Tim Freriks 24:37 99. John Yatsko 24:49 125. Andrew Belus 24:58 162. Matt Coloe 25:15 168. Caleb Hoover 25:17
Mountain Regionals (3rd of 17) Nov. 12, 2011 - Provo, Utah 4. Diego Estrada 30:30.8 5. J. Chipangama 30:33.3 11. Tim Freriks 30:52.7 24. Matt Coloe 31:15.8 25. Andrew Belus 31:16.1 38. Caleb Hoover 31:38.3 43. John Yatsko 31:48.3
NCAA Championships (14th of 31) Nov. 21, 2011 - Terre Haute, Ind. 7. Diego Estrada 29:24.7 48. J. Chipangama 30:21.0 94. Tim Freriks 30:45.7 155. Matt Coloe 31:14.3 177. Caleb Hoover 31:30.1 180. John Yatsko 31:30.9 181. Andrew Belus 31:31.1
Denotes All-Mtn. Region
Denotes All-American
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Men's History - NCAA Championships Year
Team Place Points
2011 2010
14th 9th
374 317
2008 2007
6th 4th
349 190
2006 2003
N/A 3rd
2002 2001
7th 4th
247 193
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
7th 12th 7th N/A 12th 2nd
1991 1990 1988
19th 19th 2nd
368 421 160
1987 1986 1985 1984 1972
8th 10th N/A 17th N/A
1971 1970
Diego Estrada Diego Estrada Ahmed Osman David McNeill Jordan Chipangama David McNeill Lopez Lomong David McNeill Lopez Lomong Henrik Ahnstrom Travis Laird Seth Watkins Andy Weilacher Seth Watkins Travis Laird Henrik Ahnstrom Bruno Mazzotta Juwan Nuvayokua Kevin Koeper Billy Herman Billy Herman Web Shelley Tim Martin Jama Bile Tim Martin Theo Martin John Howell Theo Martin Jama Bile Kim White none Bo Reed Milfred Tewawina Milfred Tewawina Bo Reed Mark Souza Larry Chumley Dave Tocheri Richard Sliney Richard Sliney Richard Sliney
7th 16th 19th 2nd 5th 15th 3rd 7th 4th 10th 21st 36th 43rd 18th 10th 23rd 25th 40th 31st 40th 38th 36th 22nd 20th 30th 32nd 33rd 20th 21st 24th
29:24.7 30:11.0 30:15.0 29:06.5 29:33.1 29:53.0 29:45.5 29:56.8 30:49.8 29:41.6 30:01.3 30:14.0 30:19.9 30:16 29:31 29:59 30:01 30:11 31:00.1 30:19 31:14.2 30:19 31:29 31:23 31:36 31:41 31:44 30:56.6 30:57.9 31:05.6
3rd 8th 25th 25th 27th 9th 10th 21st 6th 12th
29:24 29:41 30:02 31:32.8 30:32.1 29:56.1 29:03* 30:18* 29:47* 28:44*
2003 BSC Champion and NCAA third-place team led by All-Americans Henrik Ahnstrom, Travis Laird, Seth Watkins, and Andy Weilacher
2006-07 All-American Lopez Lomong
2001 NCAA fourth-place men's team led by All-Americans Travis Laird, Henrik Ahnstrom, Bruno Mazzota, and Juwan Nuvayokua.
2007-09 All-American David McNeill
2009 NCAA fourth-place men's team led by Al-Americans David NcNeill and Jordan Chipangama
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Men's History - Mtn. Region Championships Year 2011
2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
Team Team Place Points All-Mtn. Region 3rd 69 Diego Estrada Jordan Chipangama Tim Freriks Matt Coloe Andrew Belus 4th 88 David McNeill Diego Estrada Ahmed Osman 4th 86 David McNeill Ben Ashkettle Jordan Chipangama 2nd 65 David McNeill Ben Ashkettle Morten Bostrom Diego Estrada 3rd 84 Lopez Lomong Jon Cardenas Morten Bostrom 5th 160 Lopez Lomong Jon Cardenas Morten Bostrom 4th 146 Morten Bostrom Seth Watkins 6th 182 Eddie Alaniz Devan Lomoyaoma 2nd 83 Henrik Ahnstrom Andy Weilacher Travis Laird Seth Watkins 1st 74 Nurani Sheikh Travis Laird Seth Watkins Andy Weilacher 2nd 93 Travis Laird Henrik Ahnstrom Juwan Nuvayokva 3rd 128 Kevin Koepper Travis Laird 4th 124 Sean Clendaniel Billy Herman 2nd 60 Billy Herman Steve Ozaduik Chad Walton Sean Clendaniel Kevin Koeper 3rd 105 Alexander Shelly Chad Walton Kevin Koeper
Place 4th 5th 11th 24th 25th 1st 3rd 21st 1st 8th 14th 1st 11th 12th 16th 1st 9th 10th 2nd 16th 25th 15th 17th 18th 22nd 6th 13th 14th 19th 5th 6th 13th 21st 5th 8th 15th 5th 12th 13th 25th 4th 6th 16th 17th 20th 9th 15th 22nd
Time 30:30.8 30:33.3 30:52.7 31:15.8 31:16.1 29:24.1 29:33.0 30:25.7 29:51.6 30:35.9 30:49.5 29:18.3 29:59.1 30:00.9 30:09.1 29:52.1 30:34.2 30:40.8 29:55.7 31:13.6 31:42.7 31:15.6 31:20.9 30:33.4 30:40.2 31:10.5 31:22.2 31:24.5 31:43.4 30:26 30:30 30:41 30:50 31:09.0 31:26.7 31:38.0 31:08.0 31:34.4 31:15.0 31:41.8 31:45.4 31:47.5 32:16.5 32:22.9 32:29.6 31:19.0 31:41.6 32:00.7
2007 BSC Champion and NCAA fourth-place men's team led by All-Americans and future Olympians Lopez Lomong and David McNeill
Year 1996 1995 1994
1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988
1987 1986
1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1978 1976
Team Team Place Points All-District 3rd 94 Tim Martin John Howell Theo Martin 2nd 71 Tim Martin Theo Martin John Howell Jama Bile 2nd 71 Jama Bile Theo Martin John Howell Tim Martin Chad Walton 10th 271 Tim Martin 4th 130 Nate Hammer Brett Bonenberger Matt Schubert 3rd 112 Kim White Brett Bonenberger Chris Bray 2nd 138 Kim White Eric Grubbs 10th 261 none 1st 21 Bo Reed Milford Tewawina Daren Stonerock Cameron Mitchell Scott Pestka 1st 66 Vince Firlotte Cameron Mitchell Milfred Tewawina Tim Moore 1st 51 Bo Reed Chris Caldwell Vince Firlotte Cameron Mitchell Daren Stonerock 3rd 89 Mark Souza Chris Caldwell 2nd 106 Larry Chumley Mark Souza Chris Cardwell 5th 180 Mark Souza Larry Chumley 8th 221 Mark Souza 6th 187 none 5th 147 Fred Mullenbach Mark Lomeland Randy Espinoza 5th 138 Art Menchaca 1st 51 unknown
Place 3rd 11th 13th 4th 8th 10th 14th 6th 9th 16th 19th 21st 21st 13th 15th 17th 1st 9th 16th 2nd 17th
Time 32:36.3 33:10.0 33:19.0 30:07.3 30:33.8 30:38.7 30:49.9 30:33.0 30:38.7 30:52.2 30:54.7 31:01.7 30:56.2 31:21 31:21 31:24 30:26 31:02 31:22 30:50 31:35
1st 2nd 3rd 5th 10th 3rd 7th 12th 17th 4th 7th 12th 13th 15th 1st 8th 2nd 3rd 23rd 17th 18th 25th
30:08 30:26 30:32 30:50 31:14 31:14 31:31 31:47 31:55 30:26.2 30:37.7 30:53.6 31:01.7 31:05.1 29:42.2 30:35.8 29:29.6 29:30.1 30:34.6 31:57.7 31:59.6 31:31.0
16th 17th 23rd 16th
30:17.2 30:17.6 30:30.2 31:24
Last season's 14th-place NCAA Championship squad led by All-American Diego Estrada
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Men's History - Big Sky Championships Year Location Team Champion, Points Individual Champion 2011 Pocatello, Idaho Northern Arizona, 26 Diego Estrada, Northern Arizona, 24:15.5 (6) 2010 Cheney, Wash. Northern Arizona, 27 David McNeill, Northern Arizona, 21:28 (6) 2009 Greeley, Colo. Northern Arizona, 19 David McNeill, Northern Arizona, 24:35.8 (6) 2008 Portland, Ore. Northern Arizona, 19 David McNeill, Northern Arizona, 23:20.0 (6) 2007 Missoula, Mont. Northern Arizona, 22 Lopez Lomong, Northern Arizona, 23:51.2 (6) 2006 Sacramento, Calif. Weber State, 32 Lopez Lomong, Northern Arizona, 23:27.1 (6) 2005 Ogden, Utah Northern Arizona, 43 Jon Cardenas, Northern Arizona, 25:07 (6) 2004 Bozeman, Mont. Northern Arizona, 40 Nate Long, Weber State, 24;15 (4) 2003 Flagstaff, Ariz. Northern Arizona, 25 Travis Laird, Northern Arizona, 25:24 (6) 2002 Pocatello, Idaho Montana State, 41 Casey Jermyn, Montana State, 24:53.6 (6) 2001 Cheney, Wash. Northern Arizona, 25 Henrik Ahnstrom, Northern Arizona, 24:56 (6) 2000 Riverside, Ore. Northern Arizona, 31 Kevin Koeper, Northern Arizona, 24:23.9 (6) 1999 Portland, Ore. Northern Arizona, 39 Jesse Barnes, Montana, 24:20.4 (6) 1998 Missoula, Mont. Northern Arizona, 38 Billy Herman, Northern Arizona, 24:23.4 (6) 1997 Rocklin, Calif. Weber State, 39 Miguel Galeana, Montana State, 25:09 (6) 1996 Riverdale, Utah Northern Arizona, 20 John Howell, Northern Arizona, 24:53.4 (6) 1995 Salt Lake City, Utah Northern Arizona, 30 Tim Martin, Northern Arizona, 30:07.3 (5) 1994 Salt Lake City, Utah Northern Arizona, 32 Chris Jones, Weber State, 30:26.58 (5) 1993 Salt Lake City, Utah Montana State, 34 Thomas Roorda, Boise State, 30:49.8 (5) 1992 Salt Lake City, Utah Northern Arizona, 44 Chris Jones, Weber State, 30:25 (5) 1991 Salt Lake City, Utah Weber State, 34 Kim White, Northern Arizona, 30:26 (5) 1990 Salt Lake City, Utah Weber State, 35 Shannon Butler, Montana State, 29:49 (5) 1989 Salt Lake City, Utah Weber State, 54 Shannon Butler, Montana State, 30:27 (5) 1988 Salt Lake City, Utah Northern Arizona, 15 Bo Reed, Northern Arizona, 30:08 (5) 1987 Salt Lake City, Utah Northern Arizona, 39 Kris Cary, Weber State, 31:14 (5) 1986 Salt Lake City, Utah Northern Arizona, 27 Frank Horn, Montana (30:17.3 (5) 1985 Boise, Idaho Montana, 40 Mark Souza, Northern Arizona, 29:42.2 (5) 1984 American Fork, Utah Northern Arizona, 56 Larry Chumley, Northern Arizona, 29:29.6 (5) 1983 Eden, Utah Nevada, 32 Derrick May, Nevada, 31:13.7 (5) 1982 Salt Lake City, Utah Idaho State, 25 Derrick May, Nevada, 30:15.3 1981 Pocatello, Idaho Idaho State, 49 Steve Bishop, Montana State, 30:47.0 (5) 1980 Eagle, Idaho Nevada, 46 Joaquin Leano, Nevada, 29:24.2 (5) 1979 Midway, Utah Nevada, 39 Jairo Correa, Nevada, 31:08.8 (5) 1978 Kaysville, Utah Northern Arizona, 28 Art Menchaca, Northern Arizona, 31:24.0 (5) 1977 Salt Lake City, Utah Weber State, 29 Jorge Ruiz, Weber State, 30:56.0 (5) 1976 Boise, Idaho Boise State, 30 Dean Erhard, Montana, 24:34.0 (4) 1975 Moscow, Idaho Montana, 46 Dean Erhard, Montana, 25:43.0 (4) 1974 Ogden, Utah Montana, 45 Doug Darko, Montana, 25:28.5 (4) 1973 Missoula, Mont. Boise State-Weber State, 47 Bob Walker, Boise State, 24:57.0 (4) 1972 Flagstaff, Ariz. Montana, 48 Rich Sliney, Northern Arizona, 25:19.0 (4) 1971 Pocatello, Idaho Montana-Northern Arizona, 40 Rich Sliney, Northern Arizona, 25:59.0 (4) 1970 Bozeman, Mont. Montana, 38 Rich Sliney, Northern Arizona, 26:09.0 (4) 1969 Moscow, Idaho Montana, 28 Wade Jacobson, Montana, 20:46.0 (1) 1968 Pocatello, Idaho Idaho State, 36 Wade Jacobson, Montana, 20:02.0 (1) 1967 Missoula, Mont. Montana, 29 Fred Friesz, Montana, 20:06.6 (1) 1966 Bozeman, Mont. Idaho State, 38 Doug Brown, Montana, 19:44.8 (1) 1965 Spokane, Wash. Idaho, 50 Doug Brown, Montana, 20:31.9 (3) 1964 Ogden, UTah Idaho State, 30 Art Scott, Idaho State, 19:26.9 (2) 1963 Moscow, Idaho Idaho, 49 Doug Brown, Montana, 20:24.5 (1) (1) Four Miles; (2) 3.95 Miles; (3) 4.3 Miles; (4) Five Miles; (5) 10,000 Meters; (6) 8,000 Meters 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
Eric Heins, Northern Arizona Eric Heins, Northern Arizona Eric Heins, Northern Arizona Eric Heins, Northern Arizona Eric Heins, Northern Arizona Chick Hislop, Weber State John Hayes, Northern Arizona Brian Janssen, Idaho State Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Dale Kennedy, Montana State Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Chick Hislop, Weber State Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Ron Mann, Northern Arizona
Big Sky Men's Coach of the Year 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978
Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Tom Raunig, Montana State Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Chick Hislop, Weber State Chick Hislop, Weber State Chick Hislop, Weber State Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Bill Leach, Montana Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Jack Cook, Nevada Jerry Quiller, Idaho State Jerry Quiller, Idaho State Jack Cook, Nevada Jack Cook, Nevada Leo Haberlack, Northern Arizona
1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Chick Hislop, Weber State Ed Jacoby, Boise State Harley Lewis, Montana Harley Lewis, Montana Ed Jacoby, Boise State Harley Lewis, Montana Leo Haberlack, Northern Arizona Harley Lewis, Montana Harley Lewis, Montana Bob Beeten, Idaho State Harley Lewis, Montana Dubby Holt, Idaho State Doug MacFarland, Idaho Dubby Holt, Idaho State Doug MacFarland, Idaho
Women's History - NCAA Championships Year
1991 NCAA third-place women's team featuring All-Americans Kristi Klinnert (l) and Tracy Jarman (r)
1985-86 All-American Angela Chalmers
Team Place Points
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
23rd 7th 12th 15th
654 357 388 407
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
12th 11th 17th 10th 9th 3rd
367 381 423 261 267 184
1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985
14th 13th 14th 11th -
318 293 291 226 -
Veronica Pohl Veronica Pohl Ilsa Paulson none Johanna Nilsson none Ida Nilsson Johanna Nilsson Ida Nilsson Johanna Nilsson Ida Nilsson none Kendra Versendaal Emily Allison Amy Swier Rikke Pedersen none none none Tracy Jarman Tracy Jarman Kristi Klinnert none Larah Treadwell Maurie Wood none Angela Chalmers Angela Chalmers
38th 16th 30th 1st 9th 10th 8th 12th 12th 21st 33rd 10th 9th 22nd 21st 26th 21st 25th 1st 8th
20:43.5 20:24.3 20:56.1 -19:34 -20:05.5 20:07.0 19:57.7 20:01.8 20:58 -17:14.6 17:37.4 16:59 17:54 ---17:54.1 17:17.2 17:19.4 -17:13.1 17:13 -16:55.5 16:38
2007-08 All-Mtn. Region Astrid Leutert
The 2003 women won the Big Sky title, placed fourth at Mtn. Regionals, and took 15th at NCAAs behind All-Americans Ida and Johanna Nilsson
2005 NCAA Champion and 2002-03, 05 All-American Johanna Nilsson, and her sister, 2001-03 All-American Ida Nilsson
The 2008 women's team won the Big Sky, took second at Mountain Regionals, and placed 23rd at NCAAs behind All-American Veronica Pohl (second from right)
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Women's History - Mtn. Region Championships Year 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
Team Team Place Points All-Region 7th 204 Rochelle Kanuho Kortnee Burton 15th 347 none 7th 176 Veronica Pohl Kortnee Burton 3rd 92 Veronica Pohl Astrid Leutert Nell Rojas 2nd 81 Ilsa Paulson Lesley Van Miert Amanda Griggs Astrid Leutert 6th 137 Nicole Gueldemeister Katja Rosenplaenter Amanda Griggs 3rd 93 Johanna Nilsson Nicole Gueldemeister Katja Rosenplaenter 6th 196 Ida Nilsson 4th 111 Ida Nilsson Johanna Nilsson Erika Edwards 3rd 90 Ida Nilsson Johanna Nilsson Erika Edwards 3rd 81 Ida Nilsson Susan Rutherford Jinny Hanifan Erika Edwards 6th 163 Susan Rutherford 3rd 116 Amy Swier Kendra Versendall 3rd 95 Emily Allison Amy Swier Rikke Pedersen 5th 141 Amy Swier Janet Nelson 4th 118 Rikke Pedersen Sarah Thornber 7th 197 Sarah Thonber Katie Dawson 4th 181 Rikke Pedersen 8th 205 Christy Michaels Jeni Cushman
Place 16th 17th 8th 23rd 3rd 7th 15th 3rd 11th 14th 25th 6th 14th 25th 1st 9th 18th 2nd 2nd 6th 23rd 2nd 6th 16th 4th 6th 14th 22nd 11th 10th 11th 5th 9th 14th 2nd 12th 10th 15th 13th 23rd 8th 7th 19th
Time 21:30.9 21:31.8 -21:09.0 21:39.1 20:25.3 20:50.3 21:00.4 20:34.8 21:13.8 21:20.5 21:44.1 21:04.7 21:20.6 21:44.4 20:39.5 21:30.9 22:02.8 20:25.1 20:47.8 21:17.0 22:04.9 20:32 20:45 21:39 21:26.2 21:37.2 22:19.3 22:41.2 21:37.6 17:24.3 17:29.5 18:02.0 18:07.2 18:25.0 17:16.5 17:53.8 18:53.8 19:00.2 17:38.7 17:58.9 17:43.9 17:16.6 17:46.3
The 2007 BSC Championship team also placed four of their five scoring runners on the All-Mtn. Region team: Ilsa Paulson (3rd), Lesley Van Miert (11th), Amanda Griggs (14th), and Astrid Leutert (25th)
Year 1992
1989 1988 1987
1986 1985 1984 1983 1982
Team Team Place Points All-Region 1st 48 Tracy Jarman Kristi Klinnert Calley Nelson Larah Treadwell Christy Michaels Jeni Cushman 1st 50 Kristi Klinnert Tracy Jarman Larah Treadwell Calley Nelson Christy Michaels 2nd 57 Kristi Klinnert Tracy Jarman Larah Treadwell Calley Nelson Christy Michaels 2nd 60 Larah Treadwell Maurie Wood Kristi Klinner Nikki Toms 1st 77 Martha Wood Brenda Payton Beth Ellickson Patrice Hageman 1st 48 Nikki Toms Mauri Wood Brenda Payton Jamie Bisplinghoff Beth Ellickson Caron Reycraft Patrice Hageman 2nd 87 Angela Chalmers Laura McCracken Martha Wood Jamie Bisplinghoff 3rd 98 Angela Chalmers Ronda Sterkenberg 5th 116 Laura McCracken Lisa Anetsberger Ann Ratto 6th 160 Angela Chalmers Rhonda Sterkenberg 8th 189 Angela Chalmers
Place 6th 7th 8th 10th 17th 19th 2nd 6th 7th 13th 22nd 3rd 5th 10th 18th 21st 3rd 5th 6th 16th 6th 8th 17th 18th 6th 7th 9th 12th 14th 21st 25th 1st 14th 17th 22nd 2nd 6th 17th 18th 19th 5th 9th 10th
Time 17:19 17:27 17:28 17:30 17:56 17:56 17:15 17:24 17:31 17:53 18:09 17:18 17:33 17:43 17:58 18:01 17:09 17:23 17:24 17:57 17:34.5 17:46.9 18:13.2 18:15.1 17:41 17:44 17:44 18:02 18:15 18:33 18:39 16:33 17:43 17:46 17:50 16:53.7 17:32.4 17:06.1 17:08.9 17:09.2 18:05.7 18:31.5 17:29.9
The 2005 women's team captured the Big Sky Championship, placed third at Mountain Regionals, and took 12th overall at NCAAs behind Johanna Nilsson, who gave NAU its second ever cross country national title.
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Women's History - Big Sky Championships Year Location Team Champion, Points Individual Champion 2011 Pocatello, Idaho Weber State, 40 Amber Henry, Weber State, 17:30.50 2010 Cheney, Wash. Montana, 49 Erica Wendt-Richardson, Idaho State, 15:46.55 2009 Greeley, Colo. Northern Arizona, 28 Veronica Pohl, Northern Arizona, 19:04.7 2008 Portland, Ore. Northern Arizona, 31 Veronica Pohl, Northern Arizona, 17:03.1 2007 Missoula, Mont. Northern Arizona, 33 Sarah Long, Weber State, 17:13.9 2006 Sacramento, Calif. Weber State, 39 Nicole Gueldemister, Northern Arizona, 17:14.6 2005 Ogden, Utah Northern Arizona, 27 Johanna Nilsson, Northern Arizona, 17:28.7 2004 Bozeman, Mont. Northern Arizona, 30 Ida Nilsson, Northern Arizona, 16:46 2003 Flagstaff, Ariz. Northern Arizona, 29 Ida Nilsson, Northern Arizona, 18:16.1 2002 Pocatello, Idaho Northern Arizona, 18 Ida Nilsson, Northern Arizona, 17:29.0 2001 Cheney, Wash. Northern Arizona, 19 Ida Nilsson, Northern Arizona, 17:29.0 2000 Riverside, Ore. Weber State, 38 Sabrina Monro, Montana, 17:07.7 1999 Portland, Ore. Northern Arizona, 36 Sabrina Monro, Montana, 17:07.7 1998 Missoula, Mont. Northern Arizona, 29 Rikke Pedersen, Northern Arizona, 17:33.31 1997 Rocklin, Calif. Weber State, 38 Amy Swier, Northern Arizona, 17:28 1996 Riverdale, Utah Northern Arizona, 30 Summer Schenck, Weber State, 17:26.48 1995 Salt Lake City, Utah Montana State, 40 Niamh Beirne, Boise State, 17:36.6 1994 Salt Lake City, Utah Montana State, 52 Rikke Pedersen, Northern Arizona, 17:44.0 1993 Salt Lake City, Utah Weber State, 47 Angie Mathison, Idaho, 17:11.5 1992 Salt Lake City, Utah Northern Arizona, 21 Jennifer Cleary, Montana State, 17:12.0 1991 Salt Lake City, Utah Northern Arizona, 22 Kristi Klinnert, Northern Arizona, 17:15.0 1990 Salt Lake City, Utah Northern Arizona, 27 Kristi Klinnert, Northern Arizona, 17:15.0 1989 Salt Lake City, Utah Northern Arizona, 25 Larah Treadwell, Northern Arizona, 17:09.0 1988 Salt Lake City, Utah Northern Arizona, 32 Patty Young, Nevada, 17:29.4 1987* Pocatello, Idaho Northern Arizona, 19 Nikki Toms, Northern Arizona, 18:02.0 1986* Moscow, Idaho Montana State, 55 Loreen McRae, Montana, 18:18.0 1985* Bozeman, Mont. Montana State, 48 Annette Hand, Montana State, 17:36.6 1984* Ogden, Utah Montana, 53 Annette Hand, Montana State, 18:05.3 1983* Missoula, Mont. Montana, 37 Patsy Sharples, Idaho, 17:41.1 1982* Portland, Ore. Idaho, 26 Patsy Sharples, Idaho, 18:15.7 Race Distance - 5,000 meters *-Mountain West Conference
2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
Big Sky Women's Coach of the Year
Jim Blaisdell, Weber State Courtney Babcock, Montana Eric Heins, Northern Arizona Scott Abbott, Sacramento State Eric Heins, Northern Arizona Jim Blaisdell, Weber State John Hayes, Northern Arizona John Hayes, Northern Arizonae Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Ron Mann, Northern Arizona
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
Jim Blaisdell, Weber State Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Jim Blaisdell, Weber State Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Dale Kennedy, Montana State Dale Kennedy, Montana State Jim Blaisdell, Weber State Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Ron Mann, Northern Arizona Ron Mann, Northern Arizona
1989 Ron Mann, Northern Arizona 1988 Ron Mann, Northern Arizona 1987* Ron Mann, Northern Arizona 1986* Dale Kennedy, Montana State 1985* Dale Kennedy, Montana State 1984* Dick Koontz, Montana 1983* Dick Koontz, Montana 1982* Roger Norris, Idaho *-Mountain West Conference
Men's Big Sky Team Championships
Men's Big Sky Individual Champions
Women's Big Sky Team Championships
Women's Big Sky Individual Champions
Northern Arizona 22 Montana 8 Weber State 7 Idaho State 5 Nevada 3 Boise State 2 Idaho 2 Montana State 2
Northern Arizona 21 Montana 11 Montana State 5 Weber State 5 Nevada 4 Boise State 2 Idaho 1
Northern Arizona 17 Weber State 5 Montana State 4 Montana 3 Idaho 1
Northern Arizona 15 Idaho 3 Montana 3 Montana State 3 Weber State 3 Boise State 1 Nevada 1 Idaho State 1
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
George Kyte Classic
2012 marked the 32nd running of the annual George Kyte Classic at Flagstaff's Buffalo Park. The meet is named for the late Dr. George Kyte (pictured left), Professor Emeritus of History at NAU. Dr. Kyte was a longtime supporter of NAU Athletics, track and field and cross country in particular. The event was run with Dr. Kyte in attendance until 2004. MEN Year Team Champion (Pts) Individual Champion 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985
Northern Arizona (20) Arizona State (26) Northern Arizona (31) Northern Arizona (24) Northern Arizona (37 Northern Arizona (28) Arizona (40) Arizona State (35) Northern Arizona (15) Northern Arizona (15) Northern Arizona (32) Northern Arizona (18) Northern Arizona (16) Southern Utah (21) Northern Arizona (35) Northern Arizona (44) Northern Arizona (26) Northern Arizona (30) Northern Arizona (15) Not Available Not Available Northern Arizona (25) Northern Arizona (18) Not Available Northern Arizona (30) New Mexico (50) New Mexico (50) Arizona (23)
Brian Shrader (25:03.5) Darius Terry (25:38.8) Henry Lalei (26:14.1) Diego Estrada (24:57.6) Craig Curley (25:38.9) Jared Scott (25:23.4) Travis Laird (25:43.2) Jeff Wiess (25:34.7) Travis Laird (25:17.2) Travis Laird (24:17.2) Henrik Ahnstrom (25:15.67) Juwan Nuvayokua (25:57.55) Juwan Nuvayokua (26:10) Jody Benson (25:17.18) Chad Wlaton (25:00.8) Paul Kemei (24:00) Bo Reed (24:18) Driss Dacha (23:38) Theo Martin (24:18) Driss Dacha (24:44) Not Available Jim Klien (24:53) Jim Klien (24:23) Not Available Jim Klien (23:53.6) Not Available Mark Roberts (24:14) Jeff Cannada (24:57)
Junior Brian Shrader was the 2012 George Kyte champion
WOMEN Year Team Champion (Pts) Individual Champion 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
Southern Utah (24) Arizona (32) Arizona (29) Northern Arizona (35) Northern Arizona (21) Northern Arizona (23) Arizona (42) Ft. Lewis College (40) Northern Arizona (17) Northern Arizona (15) Northern Arizona (26) Northern Arizona (25) Northern Arizona (15) Northern Arizona (26) Northern Arizona (21) Northern Arizona (17) Northern Arizona (15) Northern Arizona (27) Northern Arizona (24) Not Available Not Available Northern Arizona (15)
1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985
Northern Arizona (19) Not Available Northern Arizona (20) New Mexico (41) New Mexico (23) New Mexico (24)
Shelby Houlihan (16:52.4) Stephanie Pezzullo (17:05.6) Elvin Kibet (17:24.1) Veronica Pohl (17:16.7) Nell Rojas (18:26.5) Ilsa Paulson (16:51.1) Jennifer Toomey (17:24.4) Jenna Wrieden (17:56.8) Erika Edwards (18:42.1) Erika Edwards (18:31.6) Ida Nilsson (18:37.01) Susie Rutherford (18:42.48) Amy Swier (19:11) Amy Swier (18:34.08) Amy Swier (18:30:64) Amy Swier (17:55) Rikke Pedersen (18:37) Tracy Jarman (18:34) M. Buric-Adam (18:51) Kristi Klinnert (17:51) Not Available Three-Way Tie (16:51) Kristi Klinnert Tracy Jarman Calley Nelson Larah Treadwell (17:24) Not Available Maurie Wood (16:35.1) Angela Chalmers (16:04) Carole Roybal (17:11.3) Dawn Gale (17:04)
Sophomore Kylee Kieser was NAU's top finisher (15th) in 2012
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
George Kyte Classic - Past NAU Champions
Travis Laird 2003, 2004, 2006 Champion
Henrik Ahnstrom 2002 Champion
Ilsa Paulson 2007 Champion
Nell Rojas 2008 Champion
Veronica Pohl 2009 Champion
Ida Nilsson 2002 Champion
Diego Estrada 2009 Champion
Juwan Nuvayokua 2000, 2001 Champion
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Staff Profiles - administration
Dr. John D. Haeger
President, NAU 12th Year John D. Haeger leads Northern Arizona University in its commitment to undergraduate education—a commitment enhanced by the university's ongoing efforts in research, graduate education and distance learning. Dr. Haeger has been NAU president since November 2001 after joining the university to serve as NAU provost in June 2000. During his term as president, Dr. Haeger has guided the university to new heights in student enrollment in Flagstaff and across the state, answering the call from the Governor's Office and the state Legislature to make higher education accessible and affordable to all Arizona citizens. He also has ushered the university into its largest building boom since the 22-year term of former NAU President J. Lawrence Walkup. As the nation grapples with an increasing need for scientists, health professionals, engineers and technical experts, Dr. Haeger is re-emphasizing the university's efforts to attract and retain qualified teachers who will draw students into these fields. Further, he has fully endorsed a national effort to increase institutional accountability, explaining that Northern Arizona University must perform on a level that demonstrates its significance to students and to society. Among other university achievements under his leadership:
lege of Business. Dr. Haeger also is a charter signatory of the American College & University • Tuition guarantee. NAU President John Presidents Climate Commitment, created as an Haeger instituted a pilot "block tuition" pro- avenue for university leaders to define and adposal that would guarantee first- time, full-time dress the challenges of climate change. freshmen and transfer students the same tuition rate for eight semesters, bringing predictability • Opening a door to China. Dr. Haeger, who serves on the American Association of State to the cost of higher education. College and Universities' Committee on Inter• 'Finish in Four' guarantee. NAU promises national Education, has signed agreements with to provide students the advisement help and several Chinese universities that will enhance courses necessary to obtain their degree within the international flavor of NAU's campus as well as offer Chinese students a degree from NAU four years. and their home university. • Expansion of nursing and the health professions. The university has placed special em- Dr. Haeger is a member of the Arizona Board phasis on graduating more students in nursing of Education, the Governor's P-20 Council, and developing or expanding programs in the the board of governors of the Translational health professions, including occupational ther- Genomics Research Institute, known as TGen, the Arizona Commerce Authority, the steering apy, athletic training and physicians assistant. committee of the American Presidents' Climate • Commitment to research. With a goal to Commitment, and a member of both the Greatunderpin the university's distinctive research er Phoenix Leadership and the Flagstaff 40. He profile, President Haeger has instituted NAU's also is former chair of the United Way of Northfirst office of Vice President for Research. In ern Arizona board, serves as commissioner for Yuma, ground has been broken on a 12,225- the Western Interstate Commission for Higher square-foot building that will provide collabo- Education, and is past chair of the Council of rative research opportunities in environmental Presidents of the Big Sky Conference. disciplines and will accommodate expansion of four-year degree programs in engineering and He has worked at all levels of higher education—professor, chair, dean, vice president, and nursing. provost. • High Country Conference Center. Dr. Haeger initiated a joint partnership among NAU, Dr. Haeger earned his bachelor's, master's and the city of Flagstaff, the Arizona Board of Re- doctoral degrees from Loyola University in Chigents, Sodexo Conferencing and Drury Hotels cago. He was a professor and chair of the histoto build a 42,000-square-foot conference center ry department at Central Michigan University and an adjoining hotel and parking structure. as well as the dean of the College of Arts and The complex will be a financial, cultural and Sciences. He later worked as associate dean and educational asset to the university and Flagstaff then interim dean and finally dean of the Colcommunities. Consultants have estimated the lege of Graduate Studies/Office of Research economic benefit to northern Arizona to be and Sponsored Programs at the same institution. about $7 million annually. • Largest gift in university history. The College of Business Administration was able to acquire the largest gift in university history, a $25 million donation from prominent business leader William Franke. The college was renamed The W.A. Franke College of Business. • Arizona Cardinals partnership. The National Football League's Arizona Cardinals agreed to continue to operate their training camp at the Flagstaff campus. About $2 million is added to the northern Arizona economy as a result of the Cardinals training camp. • 'Going green.' The university is home to the greenest building in Arizona and one of the three greenest in the world after receiving a "Platinum" rating for its Applied Research and Development building shortly after the university earned "Gold" ratings for buildings that house Engineering and The W.A. Franke Col-
He also served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Towson University in Maryland. He had substantial years in the classroom before his administrative career and published several books and numerous articles on topics related to the history of economic change in the United States and how it affects individuals and institutions. His 1982 book, The Investment Frontier: New York Businessmen and the American West, won a national award from Choice magazine, and his 1991 book, John Jacob Astor: Business and Finance in the Early Republic, argued for Astor's role as the first modern American venture capitalist. Dr. Haeger has said he still defines himself by his teaching and research on economic development. "In a way, I am now living the story that I used to teach and write about," he said.
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
Staff Profiles - Administration
Dr. Lisa Campos
VP for Intercollegiate Athletics 1st Year Lisa Campos was named the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Northern Arizona University on March 30, 2012. Campos took over the leadership of the Lumberjack Athletics department after serving as the Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Texas at El Paso since August of 2006. With her hiring at NAU, Campos, 35, became one of 26 females and the youngest in the country to lead a Division I program, including 13 head athletic administrators at the Football Championship Subdivision level. Campos served as the sport administrator for the Miner men's and women's cross country, women's soccer, women's volleyball, women's basketball, and men's and women's track and field programs at UTEP. Campos also was the primary administrator for compliance, CHAMPS/Life Skills, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and cheerleading. She was the advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and served as the liaison to the Intercollegiate Athletic Council, Office of Student Life, Miner Village, and the UTEP Police Department.
Dr. Campos previously served as the Assistant Dean of Students at UTEP from 200103. Campos coordinated and administered the university's student discipline system, interpreted the University of Texas System Regents' Rules and Regulations governing the student academic honesty and conduct code, and provided information to the university community on discipline policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
In her tenure at UTEP, she also had oversight of the women's golf, rifle, and softball programs, served as championship director for numerous conference championships, and co-hosted a weekly television show, Miner Sports Weekly. Dr. Campos also assisted with athletic facility enhancements and co-directed the planning and design of the $2.6 million Helen of Troy Softball ComShe served as a mentor to an undergraduplex, which opened in September 2005. ate student participating in the NASPA MiIn 2006, Campos served as the NCAA li- nority Undergraduate Fellows Program and aison for the Self Study Report for NCAA served on a variety of campus committees Certification and continued to oversee all including the UTEP President's Advisory gender, minority equity, and student wel- Committee on Women, Student Affairs Staff fare strategic plans. She was responsible for Development Committee, Faculty Senate Title IX staff education and staff diversity Student Conduct Committee, and the Unitraining. In 2005, she created the Athletics versity Health Awareness Committee. Diversity Graduate Assistantship Program and served on the UTEP Women's Resource In the community, Campos was a member of the Girl Scouts of the Rio Grande board Advisory Board. and the Junior League of El Paso. She was promoted to the Senior Associate position after serving as the Associate Ath- Dr. Campos holds a doctorate degree in Edletic Director and Senior Woman Adminis- ucational Leadership from the University of trator since August of 2003. She also served Texas at El Paso. She graduated from Coltwo years as the Assistant Dean of Students orado State University where she earned a within the UTEP Division of Student Af- bachelor's of science degree in Business Administration and a master's of science degree fairs. in Student Affairs in Higher Education. Dr. Campos had the opportunity to serve on a number of NCAA Committees, includ- A native of Las Animas, Colo., Campos is ing the NCAA Division I Championships/ married to Darren D'Attilio. Competition Cabinet, the NCAA Rifle Committee, and chaired the NCAA Women's Soccer Committee. She was a member of the Conference USA Joint Group and served on the Senior Woman Administrator administrative group. In 2005-2006, when UTEP joined Conference USA, she served on the Conference USA Strategic Planning Committee and assisted in the development of the realigned Conference USA's vision, core values, mission, and strategic objectives. She also represented UTEP on conference committees, including the budget subcommittee, legislative committee, championships selection committee, and various sport committees. Campos with her husband, Darren D'Attilio, at the Flagstaff Sports Foundation dinner this past summer
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
Big Sky Conference season in the Big Sky, giving the conference five members with at least 40 years of continuous membership. Eastern Washington University joined the Big Sky Conference in 1987, followed by Portland State University and Sacramento State in 1996. The Big Sky became a nine-team league in 2006 with the addition of the University of Northern Colorado.
Founded: 1963 Women's Sports Added: 1988 Member Schools: Eastern Washington, Idaho State, Montana, Montana State, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, North Dakota, Portland State, Sacramento, State, Southern Utah Sponsored Sports: Football, Soccer (W), Volleyball, Basketball (M/W), Golf (W), Cross Country (M/W), Tennis (M/W), Indoor Track & Field (M/W), Outdoor Track & Field (M/W) Mailing Address 2491 Washington Blvd., Ste. 201 Ogden, Utah 84402 Office Phone: (801) 392-1978 Fax: (801) 392-5568 Website: www.bigskyconf.com Commissioner: Doug Fullerton
A new era in the Big Sky Conference begins in 2012-13 as the league enters its 50th year of athletic competition, and its 25th sponsoring women's collegiate athletics. The Division I Big Sky Conference welcomes the University of North Dakota and Southern Utah University into the fold as full members. Cal Poly and UC Davis join the league as affiliate members in football, where the league competes at the Championship Subdivision level (formerly I-AA). The additions of North Dakota and Southern Utah give the stable Big Sky 11 full institutions and 13 football members. The current lineup includes four of the six charter members: Idaho State University, The University of Montana, Montana State University and Weber State. Northern Arizona enters its 43rd School Eastern Washington Idaho State Montana Montana State Northern Arizona Northern Colorado North Dakota Portland State Sacramento State Southern Utah Weber State
Mascot Eagles Bengals Grizzlies Bobcats Lumberjacks Bears -Vikings Hornets Thunderbirds Wildcats
The league has become one of the strongest Division I conferences in the West and is a national leader in the Football Championship Subdivision. Six times, Big Sky teams have won the Division I National Championship, including Eastern Washington in 2010. A Big Sky team has played for the national championship in three of the past four seasons. The Big Sky Conference was established in 1963 by six charter members – Idaho, Idaho State, Gonzaga, Montana, Montana State and Weber State. Those six schools formed the foundation of the Big Sky before the league expanded in 1970 by adding Boise State and Northern Arizona. Gonzaga left the Sky in 1979 and was replaced by Nevada, which gave the league eight members. The conference grew to nine schools in 1987 with the addition of Eastern Washington.
On Feb 25, 1963, the name Big Sky was adopted by the six presidents of the charter members as the name of the new conference. The name Big Sky originated in a novel written by the late A.B. (Bud) Guthrie of Great Falls, Mont., in 1947 entitled "The Big Sky." Jack Hollowell, a former Montana advertising director, promoted the Big Sky theme for the Treasure State. While on a track and field trip from Pocatello, Idaho, to Missoula, Mont., legendary Dubby Holt of Idaho State saw a "Welcome to Big Sky Country" sign as his team entered Montana. Holt, and his athletes thought "Big Sky" would be a perfect name for the new conference. Harry Missildine of the Spokane Spokesman-Review called for the newly formed league to be named the Big Sky Conference in his column dated Feb. 20, 1963. The Big Sky sponsors championships in 15 sports, including men's and women's cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, basketball and tennis. In addition, there are also championships in football, and women's volleyball, golf and soccer. This upcoming spring, the Big Sky will sponsor a softball championship for the first time. In 1988-89, the Big Sky Conference first began sponsoring women's sports. The former Mountain West Conference existed from 1982-88, sponsoring championships for women's sports at the same institutions the Big Sky had men's programs. The Big Sky merged with the Mountain West in 1988, forming one league for both men and women.
The 1990s saw change in the makeup of the league, beginning in 1992 when Nevada departed and put the Big Sky back at eight teams. In 1996 Boise State and Idaho left and at the same time the conference added Portland State, Sacramento State and Cal State Northridge. The Big Sky maintained nine teams for five years be- Doug Fullerton, the fifth commissioner of the fore Cal State Northridge departed in the spring Big Sky Conference, is in his 18th year at the helm. Fullerton took over the Big Sky on July of 2001. 1, 1995, replacing longtime commissioner Ron The Big Sky now includes nine states spanning Stephenson, who passed away in 2011. Stefrom the Pacific Ocean to the Red River Val- phenson served the league for 14 years. Steve ley of North Dakota. The league is represented Belko was the commissioner from 1977-81, along the entire west coast with institutions in while John Roning held the post from 1971-77. Washington, Oregon and California. League The first league commissioner was Jack Friel, schools also range up and down the Rocky who served from 1963-71. Mountains with institutions in Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona and Colorado.
Location Cheney, Wash. Pocatello, Idaho Missoula, Mont. Bozeman, Mont. Flagstaff, Ariz. Greeley, Colo. Grand Forks, N.D. Portland, Ore. Sacramento, Calif. Cedar City, Utah Ogden, Utah
2011 Men's Big Sky Finish 7th (167) 6th (134) 4th (122) 3rd (86) 1st (26) 8th (224) NA 9th (236) 5th (131) NA 2nd (42)
2011 Women's 2012 Men's 2012 Women's Big Sky Finish Preseason Poll Preseason Poll 8th 8th 7th (192) 7th 4th 2nd (50) 6th 3rd 5th (116) 3rd 5th 4th (89) 2nd 3rd (82) 1st 9th 8th (215) 10th 10th NA 9th 11th 11th 9th (273) 4th 7th 6th (139) 5th 6th NA 1st (40) 2nd 1st
Five-Time Defending Big Sky Men's Champions
2012 Lumberjack Cross Country Media Guide
2011 NORTHERN ARIZONA CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE Date Meet Distances Site Course Sept. 1 Sept. 21 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 27 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Dec. 8
George Kyte Classic W5k/M8k Flagstaff, Ariz. Pac-12 Preview Elite W5k/M8k Santa Clarita, Calif. Grand Canyon Invite W5k/M8k Goodyear, Ariz. Wisconsin Adidas Invite W6k/M8k Madison, Wisc. Big Sky Championships W5k/M8k Flagstaff, Ariz. NCAA Mtn. Regionals W6k/M10k Ft. Collins, Colo. NCAA Championships W6k/M10k Louisville, Ky. USATF JuniorFive-Time Nationals Defending - / - Big Sky Albuquerque, N.M. Men's Champions Home meets in bold; M - men, W - women
Buffalo Park Robinson Ranch Golf Course Estrella Mountain Regional Park Thomas Zimmer XC Course Buffalo Park Collindale Golf Course E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park Balloon Fiesta Park
Published on Sep 26, 2012
Complete guide to the 2012 NAU Lumberjacks cross country team, along with history and recaps from past seasons.