The Race of Champions! Will NAU Dominate the Indoor Season?
### NAU Runners Set to Ignite the Indoor Track Season
Saturday marks an exciting kickoff for Northern Arizona University’s distance running team as four athletes gear up for the prestigious Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener at Boston University. Competitors include **Ali Upshaw**, **Drew Bosley**, **David Mullarkey**, and **Santiago Prosser**, all aiming to make their mark in the highly competitive 5,000-meter race.
The event, which will be streamed live on FloTrack, features the women’s race at 2:10 p.m. MST, followed by the men’s at 4:30 p.m. MST. Each athlete enters the meet with impressive credentials.
**Drew Bosley**, returning to the 5K at Boston for the fourth consecutive year, previously recorded an outstanding time of 13:13.26, one of the fastest ever in NCAA history. His former teammate holds the indoor 5K record, and should Bosley succeed in breaking the 13-minute mark, he would join an exclusive club of athletes.
**David Mullarkey**, making his indoor debut, brings strong performances from the cross-country season, including a Big Sky Conference title. Meanwhile, **Santiago Prosser**, returning for only his second indoor 5K, eyes improvement off last year’s fourth-place finish.
**Ali Upshaw**, already a veteran from last year’s opener, has significantly improved her time throughout the season. With the Lumberjacks aiming for another successful year, anticipation builds for both their individual and team performances. The team will continue their journey with subsequent events, aiming for a dominant 2024 season.
NAU Runners Set to Shine: A Closer Look at Their Indoor Track Aspirations
### Introduction
The Northern Arizona University (NAU) distance running team is ready to energize its indoor track season, particularly during the upcoming Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener at Boston University. With four standout athletes—**Ali Upshaw, Drew Bosley, David Mullarkey, and Santiago Prosser**—representing the team, there’s a buzz of excitement as they prepare to tackle the challenging 5,000-meter race.
### Key Athletes and Their Goals
As the meet promises to deliver thrilling performances, let’s delve deeper into the unique strengths and backgrounds of the NAU athletes:
– **Drew Bosley**: A seasoned competitor at this event, Bosley has a history of extraordinary performances, having clocked a remarkable 13:13.26 in the 5K previously. Aiming to break the 13-minute barrier, he could solidify his position among the NCAA’s elite if successful.
– **David Mullarkey**: This marks Mullarkey’s debut on the indoor track, but he comes equipped with impressive cross-country achievements, including clinching the Big Sky Conference title. His transition from cross country to track will be closely monitored as he aims to continue his success.
– **Santiago Prosser**: Returning for his second indoor 5K, Prosser finished fourth last year and is eager to enhance his performance this season. His previous experience gives him a strategic advantage as he strives for a podium finish.
– **Ali Upshaw**: With a year of experience from last season’s opener, Upshaw has shown remarkable improvements in her times. She stands out as a key competitor, eager to contribute to both individual and team success as the Lumberjacks look to excel.
### Event Details
The event is scheduled for Saturday, with the women’s race kicking off at **2:10 p.m. MST** and the men’s race following at **4:30 p.m. MST**. Fans can catch all the action live on FloTrack, ensuring that supporters can cheer for their favorite athletes from anywhere.
### Insights into the Indoor Track Season
1. **Trends in Indoor Track**: The indoor season is becoming increasingly competitive, attracting talent from around the nation. The prominence of indoor meets like the Sharon Colyear-Danville opener showcases a shift in focus toward building speed and performance prior to the outdoor season.
2. **Performance Expectations**: Athletes are setting personal goals for the indoor meets, with many looking to achieve qualifying times for national events. Bosley, for instance, not only aims for personal records but also has the potential to set new program standards.
3. **Team Dynamics**: NAU has cultivated a nurturing environment that promotes personal bests while fostering camaraderie within the team. The support among teammates often boosts performance levels, particularly in challenging races.
4. **Future Events**: Following the Boston meet, the NAU team will participate in various other events throughout the season, targeting specific performance goals in preparation for the 2024 outdoor season.
### Conclusion
As Northern Arizona University’s distance runners gear up for a promising indoor track season, anticipation swells for their performances at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener. With seasoned competitors and newcomers alike, NAU is well-positioned to make a significant impact, lifting the momentum for a successful 2024 season.
For more updates on the team and their progress this season, visit NAU Athletics.
