FLAGSTAFF, Arizona. (October 22, 2025) – Senior
Colin Sahlman has been named Big Sky Athlete of the Week following his impressive performance at the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational, one of the most competitive meets of the collegiate cross country season.
Competing against a loaded national field on the Thomas Zimmer Championship Course, Sahlman led the Lumberjacks with an 18th-place finish in 23:37.5, helping the NAU men secure fourth overall with 203 points. His performance marked a significant step forward for the team heading into the championship season.
"Before the race, I told myself I was going to stick on to the lead pack for 5k no matter what," said Sahlman. "I knew that if I could get to 5k I could hold my position to the end. I also knew that I had a lot of weight on my shoulders for our team score so I wanted to help them out as much as I possibly could. With the team on my mind I was able to gather the strength to pass some people at the end, even when I thought I couldn't."
Sahlman's effort at Wisconsin continues a strong stretch for the Lumberjacks, who have consistently ranked among the nation's elite programs. Northern Arizona will return to action next week at the Big Sky Championships, as both the men's and women's squads begin their postseason campaign in pursuit of another conference title.
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