The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, representing Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff, Arizona, have a rich tradition of athletic excellence and competitive spirit. From football to basketball and beyond, the Lumberjacks have made their mark across a variety of sports.
Overview of NAU
Northern Arizona University, founded in 1899, is a public research university located in Flagstaff, Arizona. Known for its strong academic programs and scenic campus nestled in the high country, NAU also boasts a vibrant athletic program. The Lumberjacks, NAU’s athletic teams, compete in the Big Sky Conference, where they showcase their talents across a range of sports.
Key Sports Programs
Football
History and Achievements
The NAU Lumberjacks football team has a proud history within the Big Sky Conference. Established in 1915, the program has experienced various highs and lows but has consistently been a competitive force in collegiate football. The team’s success on the field is marked by several conference championships and playoff appearances.
Notable Achievements:
- Big Sky Championships: The Lumberjacks have secured multiple Big Sky Conference titles, reflecting their strong performance in the conference.
- FCS Playoff Appearances: NAU has participated in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level.
Notable Players and Coaches
- Ricky Ray: Ricky Ray, a former NAU quarterback, went on to have a successful career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), becoming one of the league’s all-time great quarterbacks.
- Jerome Souers: As a long-time head coach, Jerome Souers played a significant role in shaping the team’s success, leading the Lumberjacks to multiple playoff appearances and conference titles.
Basketball
Men’s Basketball
The NAU Lumberjacks men’s basketball team is a prominent program in the Big Sky Conference. Established in 1925, the team has built a strong reputation with notable conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.
Notable Achievements:
- Big Sky Championships: The Lumberjacks have claimed several Big Sky Conference titles, demonstrating their dominance in the league.
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: NAU has made multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament, with memorable runs that have brought national attention to the program.
Notable Players and Coaches
- Ruben Noriega: An influential player for NAU, Ruben Noriega’s contributions to the team were instrumental in their success during his tenure.
- Mike Adras: As a former head coach, Mike Adras helped elevate the program’s performance, leading the Lumberjacks to numerous successful seasons and tournament appearances.
Women’s Basketball
The NAU Lumberjacks women’s basketball team has also made a significant impact in the Big Sky Conference. Known for their competitive play and strong performances, the team has achieved considerable success in women’s collegiate basketball.
Notable Achievements:
- Big Sky Championships: The women’s team has secured several Big Sky Conference titles, showcasing their prowess on the court.
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: The Lumberjacks women’s basketball team has represented the Big Sky Conference in the NCAA Tournament, highlighting their excellence in the sport.
Notable Players and Coaches
- Amy Patton: A standout player for the Lumberjacks, Amy Patton’s performances were crucial in leading the team to success during her career.
- Laurie Koehn: As a head coach, Laurie Koehn has been instrumental in developing the women’s basketball program and achieving notable successes.
Track and Field
Overview
The NAU Lumberjacks track and field program has a strong tradition of excellence, particularly in distance running. Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the track and field team has garnered numerous conference titles and produced athletes who have excelled at the national level.
Notable Achievements:
- Big Sky Championships: The track and field team has won multiple conference championships, reflecting their dominance in various track and field events.
- NCAA Performances: NAU track and field athletes have competed in the NCAA Championships, showcasing their talent on a national stage.
Notable Athletes
- Northern Arizona’s Distance Runners: The Lumberjacks are renowned for their distance running program, with athletes frequently achieving All-American status and excelling in national competitions.
Cross Country
Overview
NAU’s cross country program has established itself as one of the top programs in collegiate running. The Lumberjacks have a reputation for excellence, particularly in distance races, and have achieved significant success in both conference and national competitions.
Notable Achievements:
- Big Sky Championships: The Lumberjacks have claimed multiple Big Sky Conference titles in cross country, highlighting their strength in the sport.
- NCAA Championships: NAU has consistently performed well at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, often finishing among the top teams nationally.
Notable Athletes and Coaches
- Ben Rosario: As a head coach, Ben Rosario has led the cross country program to national prominence, developing talented runners and achieving impressive results.
Achievements and Traditions
Athletic Achievements
National and Conference Titles
The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks have earned several national and conference titles across their sports programs. These achievements underscore the program’s commitment to excellence and competitive spirit.
- Football: Big Sky Conference championships and FCS playoff appearances.
- Basketball: Big Sky Conference titles and NCAA Tournament runs.
- Track and Field: Multiple conference championships and NCAA performances.
- Cross Country: Big Sky titles and strong NCAA finishes.
Traditions
The “Lumberjack Spirit”
The Lumberjack spirit is a defining characteristic of NAU’s athletic programs. This spirit is embodied in the university’s commitment to hard work, determination, and sportsmanship. The Lumberjack mascot, a symbol of strength and resilience, represents the team’s dedication to achieving success.
Fight Songs and Cheers
NAU’s fight songs and cheers play a vital role in creating an electric atmosphere at games and events. These traditions bring together students, alumni, and fans in support of their teams, fostering a strong sense of community and pride.
Fan Engagement
Support and Community Involvement
The Lumberjack fan base is known for its enthusiastic support and engagement with the athletic programs. Fans play a crucial role in creating a vibrant game-day atmosphere and contributing to the overall success of the teams. Community involvement is a key aspect of NAU athletics, with various outreach programs and initiatives that connect the university with the local and regional communities.
Notable Athletes
Football
- Ricky Ray: Ricky Ray’s career with NAU and subsequent success in the CFL have made him a prominent figure in the program’s history.
- Jerome Souers: Jerome Souers’ contributions as a coach have left a lasting impact on the football program.
Basketball
- Ruben Noriega: Ruben Noriega’s influence on the men’s basketball program was significant during his tenure at NAU.
- James Harden: James Harden’s remarkable career in the NBA has brought national attention to the NAU basketball program.
Track and Field
- Northern Arizona’s Distance Runners: The distance runners from NAU have achieved national recognition and contributed to the program’s success.
Cross Country
- Ben Rosario: Ben Rosario’s leadership has been instrumental in the cross country program’s achievements and growth.
Planning Your Visit
Attending Lumberjack Games
If you’re planning to attend a Northern Arizona Lumberjacks game or event, here’s what you need to know:
Football Games
Location: Walkup Skydome, 1701 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Basketball Games
Location: Rolle Activity Center, 500 S Knoles Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Track and Field Events
Location: NAU Track and Field Complex, 1701 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Cross Country Meets
Location: NAU Cross Country Course, 1701 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Conclusion
The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks have established themselves as a competitive and successful athletic program within the Big Sky Conference. With a rich history of achievements, notable athletes, and dedicated fans, NAU continues to build on its legacy of excellence. Whether it’s football, basketball, track and field, or cross country, the Lumberjacks are a testament to the power of collegiate athletics and the spirit of competition. For fans and visitors alike, experiencing the excitement of Lumberjack sports is an opportunity to witness the dedication and passion that define Northern Arizona University.
