FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Senior Deante Kemper further cemented his Northern Arizona Track and Field legacy today with his men's high jump win at the Iowa State Classic. Kemper broke the school record - previously set by himself - with a height of 7-04.25 (2.24m). 

"It's just phenomenal," said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Eric Heins. "He's a great guy and great athlete. I've been pushing him to jump high when it really matters, so I sent him to Iowa State where there would be a lot of guys jumping seven feet. He went out there, won the event and set the school record. That's huge for him going into the Big Sky Championship as well as going into the national championships."

Futsum Zienasellassie moved into the conference's top position in the 3000m with his time of 7:58.54. He finished fourth in that event at the Iowa State Classic. 

Shayla Freeman won her heat in the women's mile at the Iowa State Classic with a time of 4:55.25, a personal best and time ranking in the top 10 of the conference. Caroline Hogardh competed in a later heat and finished 12th overall with a time of 4:51.42, also a personal best. 

At the NAU Invitational, Nathan Weitz earned his chance to defend his Big Sky title in the men's mile. He won that event with a time of 4:16.06. 

Darriel Banks and Shamelle Pless continue to stick close to the top of the conference in the women's 60m dash - which Banks is the defending champion in - with third and fourth place finishes today. Banks finished third with a time of 7.48 and Pless was fourth with 7.49. 

"There are so many different events going on a track meet, so there are a lot of chances for things to go right and for things to go wrong," said Heins. "Its hard to say after a meet that everything went perfectly and everyone had a great day, but when you look at it across the board, we had a pretty good day."

The Lumberjacks are back together next weekend for the NAU Tune-Up, their final meet before they host the Big Sky Track and Field Championships from February 26-28. Events next weekend begin at 3:30 p.m.