FARMINGTON, Utah (Oct. 6, 2026) – With about three weeks until the 2026 Big Sky Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships in Flagstaff, Arizona, the league is starting to take shape as all 22 programs prepare to run for a conference title.
Men’s XC Athlete of the Week – Sam Ells, Montana State
After securing his third-consecutive individual victory, Montana State’s Sam Ells has been named Big Sky Conference Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week. Ells won the Frank Knott Classic, running the 8K course in a time of 23:42.8. The victory was the fifth of his career and led the Bobcats to their third-straight team title this season. The title marks Ells’ second Athlete of the Week award from the Big Sky so far this season.
Others Nominated: Luke Mest (UM), Brett Bailey (UT)
Women’s XC Athlete of the Week – Claire Rutherford, Montana State
Winning her second meet of the season has earned Montana State’s Claire Rutherford Women’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week honors. She was the Frank Knott Classic individual champion, crossing the finish line in 20:50.2. Her performance led the Bobcats to a team victory as well, scoring a perfect 15 points. This also marks her second Athlete of the Week honor from the Big Sky.
Others Nominated: Olivia Coll (UM), Averie Perriton (UT)
Updated National Rankings (Oct. 6)
Women’s National Rankings
3. Northern Arizona
Men’s National Rankings
11. Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona’s women continue to rise in the National Poll, as this week they were ranked No. 3 in the NCAA. On the men’s side, NAU has been slotted No. 11 nationally.
This upcoming Friday the ‘Jacks will compete in the Nuttycombe Invitational in Madison, Wisconsin.
USTFCCCS Region Rankings (Oct. 5)
Men’s Mountain Region
4. Northern Arizona
8. Weber State
9. Montana State
11. Southern Utah
14. Montana
Women’s Mountain Region
3. Northern Arizona
12. Montana State
13. Weber State
14. Southern Utah
15. Idaho State
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Upcoming Schedule
Friday, October 9
Event: Bill Dellinger Invitational
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Host: Oregon
Participants: UI, SUU, WSU
Event: Yellowjacket/Battlin’ Bears Invitational
Location: Billings, Montana
Host: MSU Billings
Participants: MSU
Event: Nuttycombe Invitational
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Host: Wisconsin
Participants: NAU
Event: USU Steve Reeder Memorial
Location: Logan, Utah
Host: Utah State
Participants: UNC
Event: CSI Invitational
Location: Twin Falls, Idaho
Host: College of Southern Idaho
Participants: WSU