FARMINGTON, Utah (October 19, 2021) – After impressive outings on both the men’s and women’s side at Pre-Nationals, the Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona have swept the weekly cross country awards in the Big Sky Conference, the league office announced today.
Men’s Athlete of the Week – Abdihamid Nur (Northern Arizona)
After leading his team to yet another victory, and finishing fourth individually, Northern Arizona’s Abdihamid Nur has been named Big Sky Men’s XC Athlete of the Week.
Nur’s 8K time of 22:55.2 helped propel the Lumberjacks to scoring just 64 points, pushing them well in front of No. 7 Colorado, who finished in second with 128. They also finished ahead of No. 8 Arkansas, No. 5 BYU and No. 2 Notre Dame in the process.
The Lumberjacks are undefeated this season, claiming a team victory in each meet they’ve competed in to this point.
This is Nur’s second honor of the season, after not winning one prior to this season.
Others Nominated: Nate Osterstock (Southern Utah), Duncan Hamilton (Montana State), Josh Snyder (Portland State), Joel Mendez (Montana), Zak Montoya (Idaho State), Christian Allen (Weber State), Tim Stevens (Idaho), Noah Hasselblad (Eastern Washington
Women’s Athlete of the Week – Taryn O’Neill (Northern Arizona)
Pacing Northern Arizona to a seventh-place finish at Pre-Nationals, and claiming fourth for herself in the process, NAU’s Taryn O’Neill has earned Big Sky Women’s XC Athlete of the Week honors from the league office.
Her impressive time of 19:53.4 put her behind just three runners, as she continues to make a case as one of the best individuals in the NCAA.
NAU’s team finish also slotted them in front of both Weber State and Montana State, along with Liberty, Illinois and No. 24 Georgetown.
This is O’Neill’s second Athlete of the Week award this year, and third of her career at NAU. She is the defending Big Sky Conference individual champion, claiming that title last winter.
Others Nominated: Alison Pray (Southern Utah), Camila Noe (Montana State), Cagnei Duncan (Sacramento State), Katie Camarena (Portland State), Melodie Leroudier (Northern Colorado), Cassandra Vasquez (Idaho State), Billie Hatch (Weber State), Kelsey Swenson (Idaho)
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