NAU competed in a talent filled field against Arizona State, Grand Canyon University, New Mexico State, Texas A&M, and the University of Arizona.
But the 'Jacks never back down from a challenge; three of the four event groups saw a first-place finish today.
The women's throws team began the day with a bang.
To start the day, freshman
Kimberly Buchanan finished first in the women's hammer throw with a new personal record of 57.77m. Buchanan has continued to lead the Lumberjack women in this event since the beginning of this outdoor season.
Junior hurdler
Carter Bracken also earned a first-place finish.
Bracken showed improvement in his time and finishing placement from the UNLV Spring Opener two weeks ago where he placed second overall; today, he cut his previous time by nearly two seconds in the men's 400-meter hurdles (53.81).
While the women's distance crew also had a victorious day.
In her NAU outdoor debut, senior
Jeralyn Poe took first in the women's 1500-meter race, with a time of 4:29.27. Prior to this meet, Poe had not competed collegiately since her appearance at the Big Ten Indoor Track and Field Championships in February of 2020.
Although the Lumberjacks did not dominate every event, they still managed to pick up six additional podium finishes between the throwers, sprinters, and distance teams.
Sophomore Will Beaudry not only placed second overall in men's hammer throw, but he set a new personal best of 60.63m. Beaudry has now topped the Lumberjack leader board in this event twice this season, after finishing first at the UNLV Winter Challenge in February.
NAU women's javelin school record holder, freshman
Eniko Sara also finished second today with a mark of 49.95m in the women's javelin. Sara is beginning her collegiate career in a big way.
Consistency is key on this team, as junior
Matilde Roe placed third in the women's shot put today with a mark of 13.43m. Roe has finished within the top-three slots at each meet this outdoor season.
Meanwhile, the women's sprinters showed some speed today.
Freshman
Kiana Kai placed second in the women's 400-meter hurdles (1:02.76). Kai has demonstrated her ability to maintain a top position for the 'Jacks, as she also placed second in this event at the UNLV Spring Opener earlier this month.
The women's 200-meter race was packed with strong opponents, however senior
Jada Jackson secured second place (24.58). Jackson is a seasoned veteran of this team and continues to be a leader throughout this outdoor season.
The final podium spot NAU claimed was in the men's 1500-meter race.
Sophomore
Theo Quax made his outdoor season debut after having not competed since February of last year at Big Sky Indoor Track and Field Championships. Today, Quax placed 3rd in the men's 1500 (3:51.71).
The Willie Williams Classic will continue tomorrow, beginning with the men's triple jump at 11:30 a.m. MST; running events will commence at 12:05 p.m. MST with the women's 100-meter hurdles. Live results are available on the Finished Results Live App.
Stay tuned for updates on the NAU Track & Field and Cross Country Twitter and Instagram.
Gallery: (4-20-2021) Willie Williams Classic
