The Northern Arizona cross country team unveiled its 2026 schedule, featuring two home meets in Flagstaff and four on the road. The season kicks off on September 2 at the George Kyte Classic, a key event in the program's history. The Lumberjacks will also compete at premier meets including the John McNichols Invitational and the Nuttycombe Invitational. Notably, the Big Sky Championships will return to Buffalo Park, where NAU's men are five-time defending champions, and the women have claimed seven consecutive titles. The team aims for continued success as they gear up for the NCAA postseason.

By the Numbers
  • Two home meets in Flagstaff for the 2026 season.
  • NAU men have won 34 team titles and individual championships since the program's inception.
  • Women's team boasts a streak of seven consecutive Big Sky titles, starting in 2019.
Yes, But

Despite their strong track record, maintaining performance under pressure during championship season will be crucial for the Lumberjacks, particularly with the added expectations of hosting the Big Sky Championships.

State of Play
  • The George Kyte Classic on September 2 marks the season opener.
  • The Big Sky Championships will take place at Buffalo Park for the first time since 2012 on October 30.
What's Next

After the Big Sky Championships, NAU aims to qualify for the NCAA Mountain Regional Championships, with aspirations for advancement to the NCAA Championships in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Bottom Line

The Lumberjacks are poised to continue their championship legacy with strong local support as they strive for excellence in the 2026 season.