FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (December 8, 2023) – The Big Sky Conference has announced that the Northern Arizona University track & field teams were voted as unanimous favorites for the upcoming indoor season in the 2023-24 Big Sky Indoor Track and Field Coaches' Polls.
Last season the teams swept the indoor championships, with the men earning their 11
th consecutive Big Sky title and the women earning their third. At last year's conference championships, the Lumberjack women saw the best finish in conference history as they scored 200.5 points. The men earned their title after scoring 182.5 points, the best finish since NAU won with 215 points in 2012.
NAU has already seen its first competition of the season, sending multiple distance runners to the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener. Highlighting NAU's performances was
Nico Young, who ran the third-best 3000-meter time in collegiate history with a time of 7:37.73. Young went on to also compete in the 5000-meter, finishing 10
th with a time of 13:22.96.
The women had a trio of athletes see success in the 5K, with
Annika Reiss,
Elise Stearns, and Gracelyn Larkin all placing in the top-18. Reiss finished 15
th with a time of 15:37.94, while Stearns placed 17
th with a time of 15:38.11 and Larkin placed 18
th with a time of 15:38.18.
The Lumberjacks will continue their indoor season with their first home meet of the year on Friday, Jan. 12 at the Walkup Skydome. Stay up to date with NAU Cross Country and Track & Field by following us on Twitter and Instagram.
Men's Indoor Track & Field Coaches' Poll
1. Northern Arizona (10) – 100
2. Idaho – 83
3. Montana State – 80
4. Weber State – 63
5. Eastern Washington – 59
6. Idaho State – 47
7. Northern Colorado – 45
8. Montana – 37
9. Sacramento State – 25
10. Portland State – 11
Women's Indoor Track & Field Coaches' Poll
1. Northern Arizona (10) –
2. Montana State – 81
3. Idaho – 77
4. Weber State – 61
5. Sacramento State – 56
6. Eastern Washington – 51
7. Idaho State – 49
8. Montana – 33
9. Northern Colorado – 31
10. Portland State – 11
