Lumberjacks Deliver Perfect Scores at George Kyte Classic

FLAGSTAFF, Arizona. (August 30, 2025) – The Northern Arizona University cross country teams opened their 2025 season in commanding fashion at the George Kyte Classic, sweeping both the men's and women's races on their home course at Buffalo Park. In front of the Flagstaff crowd, the Lumberjacks showcased a mix of veteran talent, promising newcomers, and impressive depth, earning perfect 15-point team victories on both sides for the Division I section.

NAU Women pack six runners inside the top ten and seven in the top eleven, leaving little doubt about their strength heading into the season. Hayley Burns led the way with a fourth-place finish in 15:13.4, followed closely by Emma Stutzman in fifth (15:18.3) and Agnes McTighe in sixth (15:27.1). The Lumberjacks filled out the top group with Kiki Vaughn (7th, 15:45.8), Ava Mitchell (8th, 15:46.6), Anna Fenske (10th, 15:50.4), and Payton Godsey (11th, 15:52.7). It marked the second straight year NAU placed six or more runners in the top ten at the George Kyte Classic, reinforcing their position as the nation's top-ranked squad.

The men's team matched the women's effort with a perfect 15-point performance of their own, placing six runners inside the top ten and debuting two newcomers in the lineup. Ford Washburn paced the Lumberjacks with a runner-up finish in 22:16.1, just behind NAU alumnus Ryan Raff, who won the race in 22:12.8. The pack of Justin Keyes (3rd, 22:17.2), Erik Le Roux (4th, 22:18.4), and freshman Ethan Godsey (5th, 22:24.9) quickly followed, with veterans Zack Munson (6th, 22:32.0) and Randy Espinoza (7th, 22:37.7) rounding out the top seven. True freshman Clay Shively added a strong debut in 12th (22:59.3), while Aidan Puffer (16th, 23:15.3) and Aiden Barnhill (26th, 23:38.6) added depth to the lineup.

You can find Live Results Here.

"I am super pleased with both teams' execution, the result was fantastic," said Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Jarred Cornfield. With his eyes already set on what's to come, Cornfield added, "We have four weeks until our next meet, and this will be the biggest training block we will have this season before postseason racing."

The Lumberjacks return to action on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Gans Creek Classic, hosted by the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. The meet will take place at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course, site of the upcoming NCAA Championships.