ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Northern Arizona University's track & field team completed day two of competition at both the Iowa State Classic and the Don Kirby Elite. The Lumberjacks found success at both venues thanks to some impressive performances by a number of athletes.

Iowa State Classic

Freshman Andy Trouard did not disappoint in his first competition at a major collegiate track meet. Trouard was NAU's top finisher in the mile event posting a time of 4:03.89. Sophomore Nathan Weitz was in close proximity as he was clocked at 4:04.33 and sophomore Korey Krotzer posted a time of 4:17.31.

"Andy ran a great race for a freshman," said director of track & field and cross country Eric Heins. "He was competitive the entire time I think its an inspiration to the upperclassmen not to be afraid of anyone you step to the line with."

On the women's side Carolyn Bethel was the frontrunner for NAU in the mile event. The freshman recorded a time of 4:53.24 which is poised to be one of the top times in the Big Sky Conference this season. Caroline Hogardh continues to make strides as she makes her return from an injury burdened 2013 season. The sophomore came away with a time of 5:11.23.

"I think Carolyn ran a great race," Heins said. "There was one 400 where she slowed up but she finished hard and really competed and made the most of it."

Newcomer Kylie Goo competed in the women's 800m run. The freshman posted a time of 2:12.98 in her first major meet.

Don Kirby Elite

"It was impressive to see some of the marks coming out of Albuquerque this weekend," said Heins. "I'm really excited to see what we can do in the coming weekends."

Futsum Zienasellassie came into the men's mile as a late entry as he looked to qualify for the Big Sky Championships. Zienasellassie ran the event in a time of 4:13.23, with an adjustment for altitude his performance will qualify him for the Big Sky Championships.

Michael Chin and Matt League competed in the men's 800m run in Albuquerque. Chin finished with a time of 1:57.01 while League ran for a time of 1:59.5.

Jessica Weise garnered NAU's lone first place finish of the weekend. Weise took the women's shot put throwing a personal-best distance of 15.78 meters (51-9.25). Lauren Stuart and Jessica Bush also competed posting best of 13.01m (42-08.25) and 13.00m (42-8).

Shawn Collins was the top performer on the men's side as he threw a distance of 16.07m (52-7) in the shot put. Behind Collins was Gus Margiotta (15.66m, 51-3) and Micael Ljunberg (14.97m, 49-1).

Vernon Jamison opened up in the men's 60m hurdles for the Lumberjacks. The junior ran for a time of 8.01 which was just off his career-best. Jamison also competed in the men's 60m dash in which he was clocked at a best time of 7.00.

A number of NAU athletes competed in the men's 60m dash including Logan Ne (7.08), Tessie Edwards (7.19) and Jalen Mondane (7.19).

The men's 4X400 team of Jamison, DeShon Norris, Michael Lyles and Taylor Schneider were able to come away with a first place finish in their heat of the event. The group was able to edge out the University of Mississippi's group on the last leg finishing with a time of 3:15.5. 

On the women's side Shamelle Pless led the way in the 60m dash. Pless was consistent throughout the prelims and finals posting times of 7.61 in both races. Darriel Banks also competed in the event coming away with a time of 7.55.

Jade Childs was tops in the women's 60m hurdles as she ran for a career-best time of 8.77 on the way to a fourth place finish in the finals. Alexis Clay also competed and was clocked at a best time of 8.92.

"Today's meet was a roller coaster for the sprinters and hurdlers," said assistant coach Kenny McDaniel. "There were some good performances and some not so good performances. Ending on a good note, we were able to finish the meet in the 4x400 with a season-best mark and that's exciting."