Geordie Beamish Crowned 2019 NCAA Indoor Men's Mile National Champion

RESULTS
NCAA INDOOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS RECORD BOOK (PDF)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (March 9, 2019) - Northern Arizona University long distance runner Geordie Beamish has been crowned as the Men's Mile Final Champion at the 2019 NCAA Indoor Track & Field National Championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex in Birmingham, Ala.

The Havelock North, New Zealand native finished the race in 4:07.69, just ahead of Villanova's Casey Comber (4:08.03). Beamish had the fastest time at the 409m split (32.55) and final split (26.18). When the bell rang for the final lap it was clear that Beamish would accept nothing less than the gold medal. Despite having been boxed in and at times being located towards the back of the field he was able to display incredible effort in the last lap and a half of the mile.

"His feel for when to move has been so spot on this season, our conversation right before he went out there tonight was simply to trust those instincts," said director of cross country and track & field Michael Smith. "Those instincts brought him a national title tonight."

Beamish has secured his place in NAU history not only as a member of three NCAA cross country national championship teams but now as an individual champion for indoors. He is also the Lumberjacks first national champion in the men's mile. 

This is the fourth time in NAU indoor track & field history that a male student-athlete has won an individual championship. In 2007 Lopez Lomong won the Men's 3000m Run Championship with a time of 7:49.74. Next in 2010 David McNeill won the Men's 5000m Run in 13:36.41. More recently Andy Trouard won last year's 2018 Men's 3000m Run in 8:04.94.

"We speak a lot about the tactics of 200m track racing," added Smith. "Trouard's race at Indoor Nationals last year showed our guys how to do it. Tonight Beamish took control of the straights and fought off some relentless attacks that last 300m. He knew exactly what to do." 

"It was a super emotional race," said Beamish. "What was crucial for me was staying calm and keeping my emotions low early in the race. I knew I had to keep myself relaxed especially because I was boxed in for 90% of that race. Our program is so lucky to have an incredible support base built around our coaches, supporters and professional athletes in the area. It has been incredible to be a part of this and help us live up to the NAU standard."

Beamish also earned the title of All-American for his first-place finish. Teammates Tyler Day and Luis Grijalva were named second team All-American in the 5000m for their performances this season and at yesterday's Finals.

"This was a special race for Geordie," said assistant long distance coach Jarred Cornfield. "I came to NAU as a coach at the same time that he did. There have been a lot of ups and downs, struggles and injuries throughout this process. It was the first time for him at indoor track championships and it has been such long journey. To see him execute like that with confidence and no fear of anybody out there was really something. It was an emotional race and we're just so proud of Geordie."

It is the first time in the NAU men's track & field program history that two athletes have earned the gold at NCAA Indoor National Championships in back-to-back years. 

"I am so happy for Geordie," added Smith. "I am equally as proud of his journey to get to this night as I am for his race. He would never tell you this but he's fought through more frustration in this sport than most ever should have to. He's continually chosen to climb back each time for the guys around him; with an attitude that never once asked for sympathy or for a coach to lower the bar for him. That's what I think of watching him race tonight. The joy in that performance we saw was a celebration I think of what he's been waiting for his entire time at NAU."

"It still has not sunk in yet," concluded Beamish. "I'm excited to move forward with outdoors and continue running with the Boys! I look forward to building off of this with them."

Beamish's tactical performance also earned the NAU men a tie for 20th-place at Indoor Nationals. 

ESPN will be broadcasting Saturday's events on Monday, March 11 starting at 9 p.m. (MST) on ESPNU.