FARMINGTON, Utah (Sept. 22, 2026) – After a stacked weekend of Big Sky Conference men’s and women’s cross country action, the league office announced its most recent round of Athlete of the Week title holders.
Men’s XC Athlete of the Week: Sam Ells, Montana State
After winning back-to-back races to start the season, Montana State’s Sam Ells has been named Big Sky Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week. Ells won the Montana Invite at the University of Montana Golf Course on Friday night after crossing the 8K tape in 24:16.0. He led the Bobcats to a 19-point performance, and their second team title of the year. The Montana Open featured five Big Sky Conference teams.
Other’s Nominated: Luke Mest (UM), Erik Le Roux (NAU), Tristan Persons (UNC), Dax Daley (SUU), Ryan Hatch (UT)
Women’s XC Athlete of the Week: Ava Mitchell, Northern Arizona
Navigating the Lumberjacks to a team victory at the John McNichols Invitational, Ava Mitchell has been named Big Sky Women’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week. Mitchell finished seventh amongst a strong field at Indiana State, pacing the ‘Jacks to a 61-point performance. She crossed the 6K tape in 20:00.2 to help secure back-to-back team victories for Northern Arizona.
Other’s Nominated: Constanze Paoli (UI), Rosie Conway (UM), Sabina Storia (UNC), Bella Evans (SUU), Averie Perriton (UT)
Updated National Rankings (Sept. 22)
The most recent National Coaches Polls were released by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Tuesday, which featured some movement for Northern Arizona.
The NAU women’s team went up two spots in the national rankings and will enter October as the No. 6 team in the country. They were ranked No. 8 in the preseason.
The Lumberjack men fell somewhat in the national polls, as they now sit at No. 12 in the NCAA after opening the season as No. 7 nationally.
USTFCCCA Region Rankings (Sept. 21)
Men’s Mountain Region
4. Northern Arizona
8. Weber State
9. Montana State
10. 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
Saturday, September 26
Event: Mike Johnson Classic
Location: Monmouth, Oregon
Host: Western Oregon
Participants: PSU
Friday, October 2
Event: Bengal Invitational
Location: Pocatello, Idaho
Host: Idaho State
Participants: ISU, WSU
Saturday, October 3
Event: Frank Knott Classic
Location: Spokane, Washington
Host: Whitworth
Participants: EWU, UI, UM, MSU
Event: Mike Johnson Classic
Location: Salem, Oregon
Host: Willamette University
Participants: PSU
Event: SUU Color Country Invitational
Location: Cedar City, Utah
Host: Southern Utah
Participants: SUU, UT