FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 14, 2021) – Northern Arizona Athletics and Southern Utah Athletics have announced the Grand Canyon Challenge, a 10-year scheduling series between the two institutions beginning with the 2022-23 academic year. The scheduling series will span men's basketball, women's basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country and golf.
"Competing against a quality Division I opponent like Southern Utah University is great for college athletics in the region, our student-athletes, coaches and fans," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics
Mike Marlow. "I'm pleased that the Grand Canyon Challenge worked for both athletic programs and look forward to continuing our rivalry with Southern Utah."
The Lumberjacks and Thunderbirds have competed annually as Big Sky Conference foes over the last decade since Southern Utah joined the league prior to the 2012-13 season. At the end of this season, the Thunderbirds will officially become a member of the Western Athletic Conference on July 1, 2022.
The 10-year scheduling series will allow both departments to build on the Grand Canyon rivalry that has been established between the two football teams. The teams have played for the Grand Canyon Trophy since 2012, with the last installment as conference rivals set for this Saturday in the Walkup Skydome.
Previously, the two departments announced a
12-game contract to resume the battle for the Grand Canyon Trophy beginning in 2028 and running annually through 2039.
"It is fun knowing that although we will be joining the WAC in July, we will still be able to continue this rivalry with one of our Big Sky opponents," said SUU Director of Athletics Debbie Corum. "NAU has been finishing first in the conference in overall athletic success via the Learfield Cup standings, and SUU has been finishing second. This Challenge, which includes every sport, will push us to compete at our best, with the goal ultimately being to surpass them and win the Grand Canyon Challenge. I would like to thank
Mike Marlow, NAU's Athletic Director, for his vision of creating this opportunity."
As of now, there will not be a trophy or scoring system at stake for the 10-year Grand Canyon challenge.
The Grand Canyon Challenge will start next year with Southern Utah hosting NAU in men's basketball and volleyball, while NAU will host in women's basketball during the 2022-23 year. The Thunderbirds will host the Lumberjacks in soccer in 2023 to begin the series.
For the four sports listed above, the teams will compete annually over the next decade with alternating hosts.
For cross country and golf, the respective coaches will work together on the specific event and location on a rotating basis.
