SR Futsum Zienasellassie (13:49 5K; 28:35 10K; 3rd NCAA XC ’14)
SR Nathan Weitz (8:38 3K; 13:55 5K; 118th NCAA XC ’14)

SR Alejandro Montano (8:28 3K; 14:12 5K; 108th NCAA XC ’14)

SO Andy Trouard (8:36 3K; 13:56 5K; 200th NCAA XC ’13)

SO Cory Glines (14:18 5K; 197th NCAA XC ’13)
 

 

After three straight years on the podium at NCAAs, the Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona are in an interesting position entering 2015.

On the one hand, they lose four out of their top seven from last season, including All-Americans Matt McElroy and Caleb Hoover, but on the other, they return Futsum Zienasellassie, arguably the second best runner in the country right now. Basically, yes, NAU is rebuilding in 2015 after placing fourth a year ago, but they should still have a decent squad led by the senior Zienasellassie, who was 3rd at NCAAs a year ago.

The story with Zienasellassie is that he is just a cross country runner, as his track times lag well behind other top ten NCAA XC guys during the spring. But entering his preferred medium, cross country, Zienasellassie should feel extra confident this year considering that he just had the best track season of his career, including a 13:49 5K and 28:35 10K PR.

Although his track performances are still mediocre compared to those of two-time defending NCAA XC champion Edward Cheserek, Zienasellassie is a different animal during the fall and is the one man capable of beating him.

But back to the team, NAU should be set at their 2-3 spots, as seniors Nathan Weitz and Alejandro Montano bring a wealth of NCAA Championship experience to coach Eric Heins’ squad. Although Weitz was only 118th at NCAAs last season, he was 76th two years ago, the crucial 5th man on the Lumberjacks’ runner-up team in 2013. Weitz was in good form this spring shown by his 13:55 PR.

Things get dicey for NAU outside of their top 3, as sophomores Andy Trouard and Cory Glines will be asked to step up big time to make this squad formidable again in 2015. Trouard didn’t compete in 2014, but he has NCAA XC experience and owns a 13:56 PR. Glines has also toed the line in the big race, finishing 197th two years ago for Michigan.

This team will not have anywhere close to the depth of recent NAU teams, but with Zienasellassie leading the way, the Lumberjacks are always guaranteed to have a low stick. Now it’s time for the guys behind him to step up and fill the shoes of McElroy and Hoover. Not an easy task.