FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (May 18, 2023) – Colin Sahlman earned the Big Sky Men's Outdoor Track & Field Freshman of the Year award following his outstanding performance at the conference championships.
Sahlman was impressive in his first Big Sky Outdoor Championship appearance, taking gold in both the 800-meter and the 1,500-meter.
In the 800-meter race, Sahlman left no doubt as he ran a time of 1:50.79 to win his first medal of the day. He faced tough competition from teammate
Nico Young in the 1,500-meter, eventually overtaking Young to become a double-event champion.
Sahlman's success at the outdoor championships continued his outstanding freshman season, previously being named the Big Sky Cross Country Freshman of the Year.
Mike Smith also swept the Big Sky Coaching awards, earning his fifth Women's Outdoor Track & Field Coach of the Year title and his fourth Men's Outdoor Track & Field Coach of the Year Title.
Smith led the Lumberjacks to their third consecutive titles on both the men's and women's side, and their second consecutive calendar sweep of the cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field titles.
The men finished with a score of 220.5 points, the second highest point total in conference championship history, while the women scored 192 points. The team earned a total of 15 gold medals and broke multiple conference championship records.
Annika Reiss was named Co-Women's Most Valuable Athlete, and
Alyssa Colbert was named the Women's Most Outstanding Performer. Reiss was a double event champion, taking gold in both the 800-meter and the 1,500-meter, while Colbert won gold in the 100-meter and as part of the women's 4x100-meter relay.
The Lumberjacks will send 25 athletes to next week's NCAA West Regional in Sacramento, California. Competition will begin on Wednesday, May 24 and conclude on Saturday, May 27. Stay up to date with NAU Cross Country and Track & Field by following us on Twitter and Instagram.
