FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (September 2, 2026) – The Northern Arizona cross country teams opened the 2026 season in dominant fashion today, sweeping both the men's and women's races at the George Kyte Classic in Flagstaff. Racing in front of the home crowd at Buffalo Park, the Lumberjacks showed their depth on both sides, placing five runners inside the top six of each race and setting the tone for the rest of the season.
The men's race featured an exciting competition between Manny Perez and Erik Le Roux, with Perez pulling away to claim first place. Sophomore Broen Holman followed closely in third, while freshman Dylan Blair had an impressive collegiate debut to finish fourth. The Lumberjacks nearly swept the top eight, placing seven runners in the top eight. The only exception was Ryan Raff, a former Northern Arizona distance runner, who placed fifth.
Perez highlighted that the team performance reflected the work the Lumberjacks have put in throughout the offseason.
"Today was a really good day for us as a team, and I think it showed how much work everyone has been putting in," Perez said. "Coach (Jarred) Cornfield and Coach (Jake) Reed have done a great job guiding us and believing in what we're capable of. Something I think about is the Pygmalion effect, where the expectations people have for you can influence what you're able to achieve. Coach Reed and Coach Cornfield set high expectations for me and our whole team because they believe in us, and I try to live up to that belief every day."
The women's race followed with another strong team performance with Northern Arizona racing together as a pack before the competition broke open during the final half mile. Returning All-American Ava Mitchell separated from the field with Emma Stutzman and newcomer Elsa Sundqvist. Mitchell crossed the finish line first, with Stutzman close behind and Sundqvist taking third in her Lumberjack debut. Freshman Eleanor Voykin also had an impressive fourth place finish in her collegiate debut, while Payton Godsey placed sixth.
Like the men, the women nearly swept the top 10, with the Lumberjacks placing eight in the top 10.
Results of the meet can be found at wingfootfinish.com.
"George Kyte is always a really special way for us to start the season," said Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Jarred Cornfield. "I always love to pay homage to Dr. George Kyte, who was a big supporter of our program. I wasn't privileged enough to get to meet him, but I'm so thankful for people like him in our community that do so much to support this program."
"To be able to start our season in front of the Flagstaff community, NAU community, is always such a joy," Cornfield added. "Our athletes performed well today, they executed well, got team victories on both sides, so I couldn't be more excited for the season to come."
The Lumberjacks will now return to training before traveling to Terre Haute, Ind., for the John McNichols Invitational on Sept. 19.
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