Lumberjacks Wrap-Up Willie Williams Classic

Tucson, Ariz. (March 20, 2020) – After grabbing a total of seven podium finishes across all event groups, day two of the Willie Williams Classic is a wrap for the Lumberjacks. 
 
In another challenging day against Arizona State, Grand Canyon University, New Mexico State, Texas A&M, and the University of Arizona, the NAU men and women rose to the occasion.
 
The distance and throws teams each earned a first-place finish today. 
 
Junior Melanie Loff set a new personal record in the women's 800-meter race with a personal best time of 2:08.01. Loff led the race early and maintained focus throughout to improve her time and secure first place. 
 
While the throws unit saw senior Parker Joens win the men's shot put with a mark of 18.06.
 
The men's jumps crew hit the runway with a spring in their step as they headed into the triple jump today.
 
Freshman Mitchell Effing, the NAU men's top jumper, placed second overall with a mark of 14.73m. So far this season, Effing has placed within the top-two slots in this event at each meet. 
 
The men's distance team also achieved a second-place finish. 
 
Senior Ryan Lanley pushed himself in the men's 800-meter race and set a new personal record of 1:49.10. Lanley's previous best mark in this event came from the Bryan Clay Invitational in 2018. 
 
NAU's men and women's sprinters participated in relays this weekend as well. 
 
The men's 4x100-meter relay was run by senior Carter Bracken, freshman Matthew Roma, senior Alex Alton, and junior David Dunlap; these NAU men clinched second place with a time of 41.10.
 
Each opposing team entered the relay as well, but only Grand Canyon ended up finishing the race. 
 
Seniors Alton, Erick Thompson Jr., Bracken, and Lanley teamed up to compete in the men's 4x400-meter relay; placing third overall with a time of 3:18.31. 
 
Meanwhile, the Lumberjack women put together a third place 4x100-meter relay team of their own. 
 
Seniors Jada Jackson, and Miracle Onyemaobi, along with freshmen Kenashalee Kerr and Kenya Coburn finished with a time of 46.87.
 
Stay tuned for updates on the NAU Track & Field and Cross Country Twitter and Instagram.