NAU Cross Country Teams Open the Season at George Kyte Classic

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Aug. 29, 2024) - The Northern Arizona University cross country teams seek strong performances at the George Kyte Classic to open the cross country seasons this Saturday, Aug. 31. The men's race will be 4.5 miles while the women's race will be 2.6 miles. The race will be located at Buffalo Park, in Flagstaff, Ariz. The men's race will begin at 1:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time while the women's race will take place at 2:30 p.m.

Live results for the George Kyte Classic can be found here.

At last year's George Kyte Classic, the men had placed in all top 10 spots. Three of the ten Lumberjacks will be returning. Santiago Prosser, a senior from Alaska finished in second with a time of 21:47. Joining him is Kang Nyoak, a senior from Australia who placed fourth with a time of 21:55. Joining the Lumberjacks in his first season will be David Mullarkey, a transfer from Florida State University. Mullarkey was an NCAA All- American, NCAA All-Region, All-ACC Cross Country, and Second Team All-ACC outdoors in the 5,000 meters. Mullarkey brings Power 5 accolades along with national championship experiences.
 
The women had seven runners finish in the top ten in last year's George Kyte Classic. Elise Stearns looks to make a strong start for her senior campaign, the back to back Big Sky Champion will begin the hunt for a third. Stearns had placed in second with a time of 14:34. Aliandrea Upshaw finished in third place with the exact same time as Stearns. The women's squad will return 15 runners and have six newcomers.
 
The women's cross country team is ranked number one in the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) ranking. The men are currently ranked number four in the USTFCCCA. Both the men and women were unanimous picks to win the Big Sky Conference title. 
 
This will be head coach Michael Smith's last George Kyte Classic as he will be retiring from NAU after this season to continue his historic coaching career at the professional level.
 
The Lumberjacks next cross country meet will be held at the University of Arizona for the Dave Murray Invitational on Sept. 28, 2024.