FARMINGTON, Utah (August 24, 2023) – The success has been notable for quite a while in Flagstaff, Arizona, and if the Preseason Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coaches’ Poll are to be believed, it’s not going to come to an end any time soon.
In unanimous decisions, the Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona have been deemed the preseason favorites for both men’s and women’s cross country this upcoming season, the league office announced today.
Claiming their sixth national championship in seven seasons a year ago, the Lumberjack men bring back a lot of talent and are eyeing yet another run for the title. Additionally, they’ve won 19 Big Sky team titles since the year 2000, along with two in a row. The ‘Jacks also have a pair of individual conference champions on their roster, as both Drew Bosley and Nico Young are returning to compete for more hardware.
NAU’s men have claimed 31 total Big Sky Conference titles and scored 19 points at the championship last season in Cheney, Washington.
A year removed from claiming the league’s second-best finish ever at the national championship on the women’s side, the Lumberjacks are projected to repeat for the fifth time in as many seasons.
They’ve won every Big Sky title dating back to 2019, and six of the last seven. Last year at nationals they finished in sixth place, paced by returner Elise Stearns who finished in fourth to claim All-American status.
NAU’s women have claimed 24 Big Sky titles in their history.
Northern Arizona’s season will begin on Saturday, September 2 when they host the George Kyle Classic in Flagstaff, Arizona.
In both polls the Bobcats of Montana State were projected as the runner-ups to the Lumberjacks.
The polls are voted upon by the league’s 10 head coaches.
A full listing can be found below.
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2023 Men’s XC Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1) Northern Arizona (10) – 100
2) Montana State – 89
3) Weber State - 80
4) Idaho – 69
T5) Eastern Washington – 47
T5) Idaho State – 47
T7) Montana – 39
T7) Portland State – 39
9) Sacramento State – 25
10) Northern Colorado – 15
2023 Women’s XC Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1) Northern Arizona (10) – 100
2) Montana State – 87
3) Idaho - 81
4) Weber State – 71
5) Idaho State – 42
6) Portland State – 41
T7) Eastern Washington – 39
T7) Northern Colorado – 39
9) Montana – 31
10) Sacramento State – 19
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Indicates First-Place Votes