FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Distance runner Haley Lawrence has been recognized with the prestigious Gold Axe Award for the fall 2012 semester at Northern Arizona University.

"It feels great to be recognized for all of the hard work," said Lawrence. "It highlights the success of the physical education program at NAU, my professor, and my coaches for their discipline toward education."

The award is a tribute to outstanding academic performance, leadership and service to the community. The athletics department has produced 17 Gold Axe winners since 2008.

Lawrence will graduate on December 14 with a 3.5 grade point average in physical education and is exploring various teaching opportunities in Flagstaff.

"I am excited to take the next step in life," said Lawrence. "I love working with kids and I hope to bring a positive change to their lives in terms of health and physical education which is very important to me."

Lawrence, a native of Aliso Viejo, Calif., was a member of the 2009 Big Sky All-Academic Team. She earned 12 top-10 finishes in her career, including a second-place finish as part of the distance medley relay in the 2010 Big Sky Indoor Track and Field championships, a fifth-place finish in the 1,500-meter run at the 2012 Big Sky Conference Outdoor Championships, and a sixth-place finish in the 800 meters at the 2012 Big Sky indoor meet.

Lawrence competed four seasons with the Lumberjack track and field team and three seasons with the cross country team. In all, she represented NAU more than 30 times in a Lumberjack jersey.

The tradition of the Gold Axe Award dates back to 1933, a year after the student body adopted the axe as the symbol for Lumberjack athletics. It was then that NAU adopted the tradition of awarding small gold axe pins to outstanding members of the student body. The gold axe pin is still considered the official emblem of the Associated Students of NAU and is presented to recognize students' outstanding achievements and distinguished service to the university and the greater community.

Gold Axe Recipients Since 2008

2012, December

Haley Lawrence (Cross Country, Track & Field

2012, Spring

Aly Cweikowski (Soccer)

Holly Frost (Swimming and Diving)

Lissette Michaels (Track and Field/Cross Country)

2011, December

Ben Bachelier (Football)

2011

Lana Christensen (Swimming and Diving)

Anna Clark (Soccer)

Jenna Galloway (Women's Basketball)

Tori Howe (Soccer)

Arshiya Hoseyni (Track and Field)

2010

Jessi Jones (Swimming and Diving)

Lauren Salter (Track and Field)

Emy Ziemba (Cheer and Dance)

2009

Ali Carter (Women's Golf)

Maria Hechanova (Swimming and Diving)

2008

Rachel Blackman (Women's Basketball)

Danielle Borth (Swimming and Diving)

2007

Lindsey Carey (Women's Soccer)

Noel Larson (Women's Golf)

Susan McClelland (Women's Tennis)

Jeffrey Wheeler (Football, Track and Field)

2006

Kelly Busche (Swimming and Diving)

Elanor Butterfield (Volleyball)

Kelly Golob (Men's Basketball)

2005

Teresa Diaz (Women's Basketball), Presidential Prize

2004

Courtney McKenzie (Swimming and Diving)

Mark Gould (Football)

Leanna Olivar (Athletic Trainer)

2001

Danielle Weissbeck (Soccer)

Nina Queen (Cheer)