NAU 4th in the NATION

[king]

Congrats to the Lumberjack Men's cross country team. Today they went to the NCAA National Cross Country Championships and upset a lot of teams to finsih in 4th!!!.

I know cross country is not a big sport, but just put this in perspective. 4th in the entire nation would be like the being in the final 4 in NCAA basketball. The rest of the schools that finished in the top 5 are big time schools in much bigger conferences, and then little NAU out of the Big Sky is right there next to them :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: I'm so proud to be a Lumberjack. NAU cross country is not only one of the best programs in the Big Sky, the Mountain Region, but in the ENTIRE NATION!! Congrats NAU runners!! :clap: :clap:

top 5 were

1. Oklahoma State
2. Wisconsin
3. Colorado
4. NAU :shock: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
5. Florida State

 

[mtjack]

Given the size, notoriety/name recognition and athletic budget of those other four schools...this is pretty impressive for NAU to compete at this level.

One of my former students went to Flagstaff to train for a week or so last summer (some type of cross country camp, I think?) and he spoke highly of the facilities, program and what he learned and got to experience while up there. There's a reason NAU runner alums compete in the Olympics.

Way to go, Lumberjacks.

 

[mtjack]

Thanks for finding something positive to post about NAU athletics, King. Lotsa moping and negativity after the last two weeks of football. I know cross country and track aren't "money" collegiate sports but this is still an accomplishment.

 

[jacksdude0109]

Thanks for finding something positive to post about NAU athletics, King. Lotsa moping and negativity after the last two weeks of football. I know cross country and track aren't "money" collegiate sports but this is still an accomplishment.

I would trade both of these sports away for one big sky championship in football. :thumb:

 

[king]

Thanks for finding something positive to post about NAU athletics, King. Lotsa moping and negativity after the last two weeks of football. I know cross country and track aren't "money" collegiate sports but this is still an accomplishment.

I would trade both of these sports away for one big sky championship in football. :thumb:

I wouldn't. Big Sky championships are only a bid deal to Big Sky Schools and only for football fans. NAU track and field produces WORLD CLASS runners. Just this past summer 3 athletes out of the the NAU cross country program competed in the London Olympics. Lopez Lamong, competed for the USA and was the team's flag bearer at the opening ceremonies in the 2008 Beiging Olympics. Athletes out of the NAU cross country and track team are not just representing NAU on the national stage, but on the world stage in Olympic games and World Championships. I think this needs to be recognized and be something to be proud of :thumb: :thumb:

 

[mtjack]

I would trade both of these sports away for one big sky championship in football. :thumb:

I wouldn't. I'm with King on this one.

I love me some Lumberjacks football but in the grand scheme, Big Sky football is small beans. NAU cross country may not provide big time money and coverage here in the states but NAU runners winning national championships and competing in the Olympics is a big deal.