FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 20, 2022) – Coming out of high school
David Dunlap wasn't sure what he wanted to do next. Despite being a three-time State Champion, he had never really planned for college, but now it seemed like a real possibility. Starting at Iowa Central Community College, Dunlap began his journey to become one of the top sprinters not only in the Big Sky, but in the country.
"I didn't really think about college until my senior year of high school," commented Dunlap. "It was never in my plans, so when I found out I could go I thought I'd try my hand at it. I decided to go to a junior college first since it seemed more affordable."
When he left ICCC, Dunlap was a two-time NJCAA National Champion in the indoor distance medley relay, a two-time regional champion, and owned a share of two school records. His transition to NAU was not quite what he expected, with the facilities and resources more than what he was used to. There was still lots of work to be done, but his goal of making it to a Division I school had been realized.
"It was different than I expected," said Dunlap. "There was so much more attention to the athletes. We have the facilities, we have tutors, and we have a track. I used to have a little 60-meter strip, and I'd do 50s just running back and forth. I always just had that goal to make it to a Division I school. The competition isn't all that different, I recognize a lot of people. A lot of the people I run against now are the same people I ran against at JUCO nationals."
Dunlap made an immediate impact for the Lumberjacks, winning the 200-meter at his very first Big Sky Outdoor Championships. Despite having an impressive first season, he proved how explosive he could truly be on the track the following season. Dunlap won five Big Sky medals between the 2022 Indoor and Outdoor Championships and didn't finish outside the top three in any race between the two competitions. He was named Co-Most Valuable Athlete for the indoor season and Most Valuable Athlete in the outdoor season. He finished his breakout season with a trip to the NCAA Outdoor Championships where he placed 14
th in qualifying for the 200-meter.
Despite coming off an impressive season, Dunlap says there is still more work to be done. His biggest goal for his senior season is simply to improve consistently. He tries not to think about the pressure that can come with being the top dog in the Big Sky, choosing instead to focus on himself. Dunlap has lofty aims for the upcoming season, from improving on his conference performances, to making it to the NCAAs and beyond.
"Everything last year was just a stepping stone to getting better," commented Dunlap. "There's still levels to go, I want to get to the finals of the NCAAs and to make it to USAs. Now I know what to expect and I want to do it again this year. I don't think about the competition or beating anyone, I just want to get better. I know if I keep getting better there will be nothing to worry about."
With two seasons as a Lumberjack now under his belt, Dunlap has made many memories that he cherishes. Although it is a hard choice, he says his favorite memory was from his first conference championship after winning the 200-meter race.
"I had just won the 200-meter and all my teammates surrounded me," said Dunlap. "They were all like 'let's go David' and I didn't even know who it was, they were just all grabbing me. We still had to do the 4x400 relay and we were already winning. I just thought let's bang out this race and get a victory lap in. That first win was definitely my favorite."
Dunlap returns this year as a top sprinter in the Big Sky Conference. He and his teammates will open their season this January, hoping to repeat as Big Sky Champions in both indoor and outdoor.
Stay up to date with NAU Cross Country and Track & Field by following us on Twitter and Instagram.
