FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 31, 2026) – The Northern Arizona cross country program will open its 2026 season at the George Kyte Classic on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Buffalo Park.
The men's race will begin at 4:15 p.m. MST, followed by the women's race at 5 p.m. MST. Both races are set to be exciting season openers as the Lumberjacks begin their pursuit of another successful season at the top of the Big Sky Conference and NCAA standings. The men's race will cover 4.5 miles, while the women will race 2.5 miles.
 
Fans can follow live updates and results at wingfootfinish.com.  
 
"The start of the cross country season is always one of the best times of the year for us," said Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Jarred Cornfield. "We are happy to host the George Kyte Classic each year here in Flagstaff in front of our community. I always am reminded of Dr. George Kyte's generosity and love for our program and it's an honor to host this meet in his memory."
 
The George Kyte Classic will mark the first of two home meets for the Lumberjacks this season. The second will be the Big Sky Championships on Oct. 30, when both programs will look to add another team championship to their list before continuing into the remainder of the championship season. The men's program has won 14 consecutive George Kyte Classic titles, while the women's team has won eight consecutive titles. Both teams will be looking to add another title to this impressive lineup. 
 
The Lumberjacks will be joined by Utah Valley and Grand Canyon University at this year's George Kyte Classic. 
 
Cornfield also highlighted the opportunity to see several new student-athletes compete, with both programs bringing in new faces to the lineup this season.
 
"We are excited to see some new faces race for us as we have a large freshman class," Cornfield said. "We also will open up some of our main athletes later in the year including Hayley Burns, Carmen Cernjul, and Addy Ritzenhein. On the men's side we will wait to open up Ford Washburn, Rheinhardt Harrison and Ethan Godsey. Excited to see the community on Wednesday at Buffalo Park."

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