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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Northern Arizona University's Diego Estrada set a stadium record and secured a spot in this spring's NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships by winning the men's 5,000-meter run at the Hoosier Open in Bloomington, Ind on Friday.

"From the beginning Diego ran a hard and fast pace, despite knowing that the other runners' tactics were different," said NAU graduate assistant coach Jason Pedersen.  "His strength from the cross country season really showed, and even though he lacked a little foot speed I think he is in great position heading into the indoor season."

Although the season is still young, Estrada's time, a Gladstein Fieldhouse record, is tops in the nation for the indoor 5,000 meters.  His mark of 13.39.54 is five seconds under the NCAA Automatic Qualifying Standard of 13 minutes, 44 seconds.

"Getting the [automatic qualifying time] out of the way is always good," said Estrada.  "The race was good, even though it was just a time trial."

The race, which only featured five other runners, was the first for Estrada since his All-American effort at the NCAA National Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, Ind. on Nov. 21. 

Estrada found success in the 5,000-meter run last season as well.  He garnered All-American honors in both the indoor and outdoor seasons in 2011, placing fifth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships and fourth at the national indoor meet. 

Estrada is currently the NAU school record-holder in the indoor 5,000-meter run.  His career best indoor time of 13:29.01 came at the 2011 NCAA Indoor Championships in College Station, Texas.

The NAU Lumberjacks will open their indoor track and field schedule at home on Jan. 14 with the Lumberjack Invitational, to be held in the newly-renovated Walkup Skydome.

Section  1                                                     
  1 Estrada, Diego               Northern Arizona      13:39.54
  2 Hubers, Ben                  Indiana University    13:46.07
  3 Poore, Andrew               Indiana University    13:47.05
  4 Bayer, Andrew               Indiana University    14:02.29
  5 Dentamo, Adu               Team Indiana Elite    14:08.06
  6 Mayhew, Zachary           Indiana University    14:12.48
 -- Turner, De'Sean              Indiana University         DNF