Lumberjack Cross Country Sweeps No. 1 Spot in Big Sky Preseason Polls

FARMINGTON, Utah (August 28, 2026) – The Northern Arizona men's and women's cross country programs will open the 2026 season with a dominant sweep in the Big Sky Preseason Polls. 

The preseason coaches' polls highlighted both Lumberjack teams ranked No. 1, with the women's and men's teams each earning 9-of-10 first-place votes. Coaches were permitted to vote for their own teams.

The NAU women enter the year chasing their eighth consecutive Big Sky championship. In the 2025 season, they placed eighth at the NCAA DI Cross Country Championships with three women earning All-American status. Two of those All-Americans, Ava Mitchell and Hayley Burns, return for the 2026 season. 

On the men's side, NAU has also earned five straight conference titles dating back to 2021. The Lumberjacks also placed an impressive eighth at the NCAA DI Cross Country Championships. The men's team has an impressive lineup with some key returners such as Justin Keyes, Ethan Godsey, Ford Washburn and Erik Le Roux, who all competed at the championships last year, and some newcomers looking to make an impact. 

Together, the programs have combined to sweep the men's and women's championships in five consecutive seasons and are looking to continue their success at the Big Sky Championships at home this season. The 2026 Big Sky Championships will be held Oct. 30 in Flagstaff at Buffalo Park. 

Montana State was picked second in both polls, with Weber State and Southern Utah slotted third and fourth respectively on each side.

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2026 Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll 

1. Northern Arizona (9) – 118
2. Montana State – 98
3. Weber State (1) – 97
4. Southern Utah – 85
5. Idaho State – 64
6. Montana – 62
7. Idaho – 61
8. Utah Tech (1) – 48
9. Eastern Washington – 46
10. Portland State – 24
11. Northern Colorado – 23 

2026 Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll 

1. Northern Arizona (9) – 118
2. Montana State (1) – 100 
3. Weber State – 96
4. Southern Utah – 82
5. Idaho – 74
6. Idaho State – 65
7. Utah Tech (1) – 60
8. Eastern Washington – 43
9. Northern Colorado – 36
10. Montana – 28
11. Portland State – 24 

Coaches are permitted to vote for their own team(s)
() – Designates First-Place Vote(s)