Northern Arizona track and field standout Colin Sahlman has been named the USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week for his record-breaking performance at the Millrose Games. The Lumberjacks also swept the Big Sky Conference's weekly honors with recognitions for Sahlman, Desmond Lott, and Hayley Burns. This achievement highlights NAU's strong presence in collegiate track and field.
On February 2, 2026, Northern Arizona University announced a historic weekend for its track and field program. Colin Sahlman earned the USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week honor after upsetting a professional field to win the men's 800 meters at the Millrose Games in 1:44.70. This time set a new NCAA indoor record, breaking a 37-year-old mark, and made Sahlman the fifth-fastest American indoors and the seventh to break 1:45 indoors.
The performance drew national attention from outlets like CITIUS MAG, DyeStat, LetsRun.com, NBC Sports, and Big Sky Conference platforms. It marked the biggest collegiate win of Sahlman's career and reinforced Northern Arizona's tradition of excellence on major stages.
In conference honors, Sahlman was named Big Sky Men's Track Athlete of the Week. Hayley Burns received the Women's Track honor for her victory in the women's 3,000 meters at the Brant Tolsma Elite Invitational, clocking 8:52.72—the top time in the Big Sky and 13th nationally. Desmond Lott earned the Men's Field Athlete of the Week after sweeping the shot put (16.78 meters, fourth in Big Sky) and weight throw (21.12 meters, first in Big Sky) at the Ron Mann Classic.
These accolades position Northern Arizona as a premier program heading into the championship season, with multiple NCAA-leading efforts.
