FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (September 20, 2022) – When he left Northern Arizona University in 2013, Diego Estrada was one of the cross country and track & field program's best distance runners in history. He owned the NAU records in the outdoor 5000-meter, and the indoor mile, 3000-meter and 5000-meter. He also owned the Big Sky records in the indoor and outdoor 5000-meter as well as the indoor 3000-meter.
"I went in there with an open mind," said Estrada. "But I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would break records or have multiple records at the time I graduated. Everything that could go right did. I was just fortunate to have everyone at NAU, from the trainers to the strength group to Coach Heins, just pulling the right moves to get me there."
The 2012 Big Sky Indoor Conference Championships were special for Estrada. He became only the fourth men's indoor triple champion in Big Sky conference history, winning the mile, 3000-meter, and 5000-meter, and was named the Most Valuable Athlete. That year the men won the team championship with a total of 215 points, the most in Big Sky Conference Championships history.
A 10-time All-American, Estrada was no stranger to competing on the national stage. Throughout his five seasons with the Lumberjacks, he made it to two NCAA Outdoor Championships, three NCAA Indoor Championships, and three Cross Country National Championships. He saw his highest finishes in the 5000-meter races in 2013, placing second in the indoor and third in the outdoor.
"The national meets were just the icing on the cake," commented Estrada. "We all prioritized conference and the comradery that it formed. We all kind of had the same mindset, from throwers to sprinters to jumpers to distance runners, and we all came together during the conference championships. Cross country was a little different because we had a squad, but the track national meet was just the reward for the hard work and it was like a mini vacation in the middle of the season."
Estrada had the chance of a lifetime in 2012, when he was able to represent Mexico at the London Olympics. He qualified for the finals in the 10,000-meters, finishing 21st with a time of 28:36.19.
"It was different," said Estrada. "I was so caught up in representing NAU that when I got to represent Mexico it was exciting, but I kind of missed having that NAU jersey. It was one of the moments I realized that I really thrived off the support of my teammates. Everyone was supportive going into it and while it was a great accomplishment, I realized there were higher moments around that time that I had in my NAU jersey. It was a bit overwhelming, but it was such an honor."
During his five seasons at NAU, Estrada was coached by Eric Heins, who will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. As Heins' first-ever recruit after taking over the helm of Director of the program, Estrada feels that it is almost poetic that they enter the Hall together.
"He took a leap of faith recruiting me," said Estrada. "I didn't have the credentials coming out of high school to indicate that I would do what I eventually was able to, and he opened the door for me. A lot of the credit goes to him, he was able to nurture whatever he saw in me. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have achieved everything I did. Sports is so psychological, just having someone at your back and making you believe makes a huge difference. I credit a huge portion of my success at NAU to Coach Heins."
At the time of his graduation, Estrada held multiple school and conference records and was easily one of the top distance runners in school history. Building on the momentum started by Estrada and his teammates, the NAU distance program has seen great success in recent years, with Estrada's name being moved down the records list. Although he is not a record holder anymore, Estrada says he is happy for the current team and almost feels like a big brother.
"Part of me wishes I was still there for this success; I think it would have really elevated me. But at the same time, I think these guys are at a totally different level now and I'm kind of glad I'm not around because I think I might have gotten lost in the pack, and I just thrived so much under Coach Heins. I'm super impressed and proud and I like to think the dynasty will live on for generations to come. They've taken what we did and multiplied it by a hundred."
Despite not expecting to be inducted into the Hall of Fame so soon, Estrada is excited and says he is honored to be included.
"I thought this is something that would happen when I was about 50," said Estrada. "So now that it's coming early it's a pleasant surprise. It's definitely an honor. It still hasn't hit me, but maybe it'll happen at the awards ceremony. I don't think my brain has wrapped itself around it yet."
After leaving NAU, Estrada went on to run professionally for seven years, running in the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and US Olympic Trials. He took a break when Covid hit and is getting ready to rededicate himself to running, currently training for the 2024 US Olympic trials.
