Top Long Distance Recruit Nico Young Commits to NAU XC/TF

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (December 23, 2019) - Northern Arizona University's cross country  and track & field program has received a historic commitment from Newbury Park, Calif., native Nico Young. The 2019 NXN men's champion announced his decision to attend NAU via an interview on Tempo Sports that was aired on Sunday.

"In the fall, I will be attending Northern Arizona University. As a freshman runner, I'm really excited to be a part of the phenomenal team they have there and the culture," Young said in the video.

Young has been highly regarded by sites such as MileSplit as the No. 1 men's XC/long distance recruit in the 2020 class. Young's final two high school seasons in cross country and his junior campaign in track and field at Newbury Park High School were clear evidence as to why he has been so highly regarded. He will head to Flagstaff with a national title under his belt after winning Nike Cross Nationals and after having set a national-best time of 13:39.70 for 3-miles at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic. He also set 5K meet records at NXN and Clovis, as well as being just four seconds off of California's all-time best at Woodward Park in Fresno at the state championships this past November. 

Young had shown interest in schools like Virginia, North Carolina and Georgetown but ultimately decided to run for the Lumberjacks. 

He is also a proven long distance track athlete as well, with PRs of 3:48.74 in the 1,500m, 4:08.82 in the 1,600m and 8:40.00 in the 3,200m. 

Northern Arizona added what will likely be a vital piece in contending for the NCAA Division I title in 2020 and the future. The Lumberjacks won three consecutive NCAA Division I XC championships from 2016 to 2018, while finishing second this past season in late November. The 'Jacks look to return six of their top seven runners next fall, with Young joining a youthful lineup that includes underclassmen Drew Bosley, Abdihamid Nur, Brodey Hasty and Theo Quax; all of whom have experience running at the national Division I level. This is the second-straight year that the NAU coaching staff and XC/TF program has been able to reign in the top men's recruit after Bosley's signing this past year.

With the culture and staff having been a large part of Young's decision to attend NAU the success of Lumberjack XC/TF looks like it could just be beginning as the 'Jacks have arguably the best youthful roster heading into the 2020 season. Young's high school results and times can be found here.