Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona men's and women's cross country teams were both unanimously voted as the favorites in the Big Sky Conference for the 2022 season.
The men's team enters this season as the defending NCAA National Champions, winning five championships in the past six years. The women's team is coming off a successful season which saw them place 23rd at the NCAA National Championships. Both teams are defending Big Sky Champions.
The men's team will return
Nico Young who had an outstanding freshman season, which saw him place second at the Mountain Regionals and 11th at the NCAA Championships. The women will be led by senior
Taryn O'Neill who finished last season with a win at the Mountain Regionals and went on to place 42nd at the NCAA Championships.
Coach Mike Smith will look to continue to build upon the success of his squads. He was named National Cross Country Coach of the Year after last season, also taking home the men's and women's Big Sky Cross Country Coach of the Year honors.
The Lumberjacks will run their only home meet this season on Saturday, Sept. 3 at Buffalo Park in the 42nd Annual George Kyte Classic.
2022 Big Sky Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
- Northern Arizona (10) – 100
- Montana State – 90
- Weber State – 77
- Idaho – 67
- Portland State – 61
- Eastern Washington – 47
- Montana – 41
- Idaho State – 35
- Sacramento State – 21
- Northern Colorado – 11
2022 Big Sky Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
- Northern Arizona (10) – 100
- Idaho – 81
- Weber State – 81
- Montana State – 71
- Portland State – 61
- Idaho State – 48
- Montana – 33
- Sacramento State – 28
- Eastern Washington – 27
- Northern Colorado – 20
