FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (May 29, 2026) – Northern Arizona added four NCAA Championships qualifiers Friday at the NCAA West First Round as Tor Hotung-Davidsen, Colin Sahlman, Josiah Johnson and Cael Grotenhuis each advanced to Eugene with standout performances in their respective events.
Hotung-Davidsen got the night started for the Lumberjacks in the men's 1,500 meters, running 3:38.34 to finish in an automatic qualifying position and secure his place at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. The senior continued his strong postseason campaign and will represent NAU on the national stage next month.
Sahlman followed in the men's 800 meters, taking control of his quarterfinal heat and crossing the line first in 1:45.66. The heat victory automatically secured a berth to Eugene.
Johnson turned in one of the top performances of the meet in the men's 400-meter hurdles. The sophomore won his quarterfinal heat in a personal best and school-record 49.07, the fastest time from either regional site. Johnson lowered his own school record while securing his first NCAA Outdoor Championships appearance.
The night concluded with a dramatic finish in the men's 5,000 meters. Grotenhuis surged through the field over the closing stages of the race, running 13:43.55 to earn an automatic qualifying spot and punch his ticket to Eugene. The senior's late race charge capped a memorable evening for the Lumberjacks.
Christian Mutengela concluded a breakout season in the men's high jump, clearing 2.08m (6-9.75) at the NCAA West First Round. The reigning Big Sky champion finished tied for 24th after entering the postseason with a career best 2.15m mark, capping a year that saw him emerge as one of the conference's top high jumpers.
Northern Arizona's women close competition at the NCAA West First Round on Saturday. Hayley Burns will compete in the women's 1500 meters at 3:15 p.m. MST before Tess Hannigan and Nikita Moore take on the women's 3000-meter steeplechase at 3:40 p.m. MST. The Lumberjacks will then turn their attention to the women's 5000 meters at 6:10 p.m. MST, where Hayley Burns, Grace Copeland, Addie Engel, Agnes McTighe, Ava Mitchell and Ali Upshaw will look to secure spots at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene.
Live results for the NCAA West First Round are available here.
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