FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Northern Arizona University's track & field team is slated to compete at the Stanford Invitational this weekend. NAU will travel members of its distance group to compete against some of the nation's most elite distance athletes.

"This is a great opening weekend for distance runners to get their national marks," said director of track & field and cross country Eric Heins. "The temperature is going to be right where we need it, the races will be stacked and we will have a great opportunity to put ourselves on the national list."

Lumberjack Men

Caleb Hoover is scheduled to compete in the 3000m steeple chase for the first time this season. Hoover ran a best of 8:44.99 in the event during the 2013 outdoor season at the NCAA West Regional meet.

The 5000m run will feature a host of Lumberjacks this weekend. Brian Shrader was NAU's top runner in this event during the indoor season. Shrader was clocked at a career-best time of 13:44.55 in the 5K at the Iowa State Classic. Also competing for the Lumberjacks will be Futsum Zienasellassie, Tim Freriks, Nathan Weitz and Andy Trouard.

Matt McElroy and Josh Hardin will try their hand in the 10,000m run. Both McElroy and Hardin posted sub-30 minute times in the 10K during this past cross country season.

Lumberjack Women

Competing for the Lumberjack women in the 5000m run are Melanie Townsend and Paige Gilchrist. Gilchrist is coming off a great freshman campaign scoring in both the 3000 and 5000m run at the Big Sky Indoor Championships.

Rolonda Jumbo will make her 2014 debut in the 10,000m run. Jumbo was clocked at a time of 17:32.64 in the 5000m run to start the season at the UC Irvine Spring Break meet a few weeks ago.

"It's a blast and a very exciting meet," said Heins. "Each person is in a race that will be competitive for them, so we will get to see a lot of good and fast races."

San Francisco State Distance Carnival

Two athletes will compete at the San Francisco State Distance Carnival this weekend. Kylie Goo will compete in the women's 1500m run and Cody Reed will use his talents in the men's 3000m steeplechase.

Media Coverage

Live Stats will be available.

Flotrack will be providing a live stream for this weekend's events.