NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Northern Arizona men's cross country and track and field programs are ranked amongst the nation's best once again in 2011. The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released the final standings of the John McDonnell Program of the Year Award Tuesday afternoon with the Lumberjacks placing 12th (98.5 pts) in the nation.

In just the third year of the award's existence, the Lumberjacks have found themselves in the final rankings twice. NAU placed third overall in the season-ending standings a year ago.

Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Eric Heins is excited to be in the final rankings once again, as he knows the importance of having a balanced program.

"It is always great to have representatives at the national meets, and more importantly having individuals who can score points for you," Heins said. "I think it's important for the USTFCCCA to recognize the well-rounded programs in the nation."

Much of the Lumberjacks' success during the indoor and outdoor seasons can be attributed to the efforts of junior Diego Estrada. The Salinas, Calif., native ensured NAU's placement in the final rankings by scoring a fourth-place finish indoors and a fifth-place showing outdoors in the 5,000m.

"Even if it is just one person at the national championship meet, they still have the support of the entire team," Heins said.

The Lumberjack men's ninth-place finish at the NCAA Cross Country Championships was the program's best in 2010-11 on the national stage, and marked the fourth-straight season the men had placed in the top 10 at the event.

The John McDonnell Program of the Year Award is named after USTFCCCA Hall of Famer and former Arkansas head coach John McDonnell. McDonnell's Arkansas teams won a combined 40 National Championships and finished in the top ten in cross country, indoor and outdoor track & field in 24 of his 36 seasons in Fayetteville. Five of his teams won the NCAA Triple Crown.

In order to be eligible for the award, teams must qualify for each of the NCAA Championships. Scoring is based on the team's finish at each NCAA Division I Championship in cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field (i.e. 1st = 1 point, 2nd = 2 points, 31st = 31 points) with the lowest total score for all three championships combined determining the award recipient. Ties among schools split points for positions taken.

Men's Division I - John McDonnell Award