FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 24, 2023) – The Northern Arizona University cross country teams were each unanimously voted as the preseason favorites in the Big Sky Coaches Poll released today.
Both teams are defending Big Sky Champions and each are coming off strong performances at the NCAA National Championship meet. The men earned their sixth national championship this past season and return four All-Americans from the championship team. The women saw one of the most successful years in program history last season, with a sixth-place finish at the national meet.
The men will return both
Nico Young and
Drew Bosley, who each had outstanding seasons which saw them cement their places as two of the top runners in the nation. Young finished his season with a first-place finish at the Big Sky Conference Championships and the Mountain Regionals, and a second-place finish at the NCAA National Championships. Bosley finished his season with second place finishes at the Big Sky Conference Championships and Mountain Regionals, and a third-place finish at the NCAA National Championships.
NAU's men have a total of 31 Big Sky Conference titles and will be looking to earn their third consecutive championship this season.
The women will return
Elise Stearns who had a breakout season last year, finishing first at the conference meet, second at the Mountain Regionals, and fourth at the NCAA National Championships. NAU's women have earned 24 total Big Sky Conference titles and will be looking to earn their fifth consecutive championship this fall.
Head Coach Mike Smith will look to continue the success of the program, both in the conference and nationally. Smith was named National Cross Country Coach of the Year last season, and also earned the men's and women's Big Sky Cross Country Coach of the Year honors.
The Lumberjacks will start their season with their only home meet of the year on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Buffalo Park with the 43
rd annual George Kyte Classic.
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2023 Big Sky Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Northern Arizona (10) – 100
2. Montana State – 89
3. Weber State – 80
4. Idaho – 69
5. Eastern Washington – 47
5. Idaho State – 47
7. Montana – 39
7. Portland State – 39
9. Sacramento State – 25
10. Northern Colorado – 15
2023 Big Sky Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Northern Arizona (10) – 100
2. Montana State – 87
3. Idaho – 81
4. Weber State – 71
5. Idaho State – 42
6. Portland State – 41
7. Eastern Washington – 39
7. Northern Colorado – 39
9. Montana – 31
10. Sacramento State – 19
