FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (September 18, 2026) - The Northern Arizona swimming and diving team kicked off the 2026-27 season with the 31st annual Pentathlon. The meet featured five events, with each swimmer awarded points based on their times. The winner was crowned by the highest cumulative total.
True freshman Hannah Rutten claimed the title with 4,130 points, taking first place in three events. She opened with a 2:21.36 in the 200-meter individual medley, which broke the record for the 200-meter IM at the NAU Pentathlon. Following her IM, she had a 1:05.00 finish in the 100-meter backstroke and a 59.61 in the 100-meter freestyle. Rutten also finished second in the 100-meter butterfly (1:05.09) and sixth in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:18.17).
Junior, and previous Pentathlon winner Kaci Kelaher tailed 3,920 points and placed second overall. She won the 100-meter butterfly with a finish of 1:04.33 and took third in 100-meter freestyle (59.74).
Sophomore Summer Ferguson placed third overall with 3,710 points, finishing third in 200-meter IM (2:24.90) and third in 100-meter backstroke (1:06.08). She placed fifth in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:18.13).
Junior Kokona Watanabe and Sophomore Beezer Geer saw improvement with a fourth and fifth place finish overall.
"A lot of times we see that out of people that return." head coach Andy Johns said of Ferguson, Geer, and Watanabe. "Sophomores and juniors, they just keep getting better. And it's a great measuring stick for how they did year to year."
The Pentathlon is an annual meet that plays a key role in preparing Northern Arizona for the season ahead. It provides an opportunity for coaches and swimmers to evaluate progress and make adjustments before regular competition begins.
Up next, the Lumberjacks will continue their early-season tradition with the Blue vs. Gold intrasquad meet on Friday, Oct. 2, where the team will split into two squads for a friendly competition.
Stay up to date with the Northern Arizona women's swimming and diving team by following the Lumberjacks on Instagram and X.
