FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (May 8, 2026) – Northern Arizona closed out its final regular season tune up Friday night at the Franson Last Chance in Azusa, Calif., with a pair of strong efforts in the 5,000 meters from Cael Grotenhuis and Agnes McTighe as the Lumberjacks continued building momentum ahead of the Big Sky Outdoor Championships.
Grotenhuis moved to No. 2 in the Big Sky this season after running a 13:41.86, just behind teammate Colin Sahlman on the conference list and climbing into a strong position heading toward championship racing later this month. Ethan Godsey also delivered a solid performance, running 13:49.51 to move to No. 3 in the Big Sky standings this season and giving the Lumberjacks three of the top five marks in the conference.
On the women's side, McTighe clocked a 15:51.93 to move to No. 5 in the Big Sky this season and continue NAU's dominance in the event. The Lumberjacks now hold the top seven spots in the Big Sky this season in the women's 5,000 meters, led by Hayley Burns' conference leading 15:18.26 earlier this spring.
Ali Upshaw and Kang Nyoak also competed Friday evening, assisting pacing duties throughout portions of the races as the Lumberjacks wrapped up one final opportunity before postseason competition begins.
Next up for Northern Arizona is the Big Sky Outdoor Championships, set for May 13-15 in Sacramento, Calif., where the Lumberjacks will look to complete another conference sweep after capturing both the men's and women's cross country and indoor titles over the last two semesters.
Results are available here.
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