Cruzan Claims Big Sky Freshman of the Year as Bears Wrap Up Indoor Championships

Saturday, March 1

Flagstaff, Arizona

All Day

University of Northern Colorado

Big Sky Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships

Photo by: NAU Athletics

3/1/2025 4:01:00 PM | Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field, Men's Indoor Track & Field, Women's Indoor Track & Field

Final Results

UNC Men Finish Fourth, Women Take Ninth; Multiple Podium Finishes Highlight Final Day

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Northern Colorado Track & Field capped off the Big Sky Indoor Championships with several strong performances, highlighted by Zander Cruzan's title in the men's 400m and his recognition as the Big Sky Men's Freshman of the Year.

The men's team recorded its highest-ever finish at the Big Sky Indoor Championships, placing fourth overall, while the women's team secured a ninth place finish.

Cruzan clocked 46.96 to secure the gold, capping off a dominant weekend that also saw him qualify first in both the 200m and 400m prelims. His teammate Donovan Castillo followed with a fourth-place finish in the 400m, running a season-best 47.38.

In the sprints, Jerome Campbell and Edgar Garcia put on a show in the men's 60m finals, finishing second (6.74, SB) and third (6.79, PR), respectively. Campbell added another silver in the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.65. Garcia also secured a top-five finish in the 200m, running a season-best 21.46.

On the women's side, Wendira Moss capped her championship weekend with two strong performances, placing fourth in the 200m (23.97) and sixth in the 400m (54.29), both season-best times.

UNC's men's 4x400m relay team of Castillo, Garcia, Floyd Samuels Jr., and Nathan Plant placed fifth in 3:16.52 to close out the meet.

COACHES CORNER
"Unfortunately we struggled on the women's side due to injuries, sickness and the portal," said Director of Track & Field Wayne Angel, "I am confident we will be a much improved team in the future."

"I am thrilled about our Men's finish as a team. It is the highest finish in team history. We lost points from the 200m without Jerome and Zander. But overall, I was pleased with our point production from Jerome, Edgar, Zander and Donovan. I am very proud with how we represented UNC today."

BIG SKY INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Men's Most Valuable Athlete: Drew Bosley, Northern Arizona
Men's Most Outstanding Performer: Colby Wilson, Montana State
Men's Freshman of the Year (3): Jesuye Doherty, Idaho; Madhvendra Shekhawat, Eastern Washington; Zander Cruzan, Northern Colorado
Women's Most Valuable Athlete: LiNay Perry, Northern Arizona
Women's Most Outstanding Performer: LiNay Perry, Northern Arizona
Women's Freshman of the Year (2): Kiki Vaughn, Northern Arizona; Tristian Campbell, Sacramento State

DAY THREE RESULTS
Women
200m Finals
4. Wendira Moss – 23.97 (SB)

400m Finals
6. Wendira Moss – 54.29 (SB)

1 Mile Finals
14. Shantell Hafner – 5:13.24
16. Summer Olson – 5:15.77

3000m Finals
20. Summer Olson – 10:40.72

High Jump
14. Ciara Piffarerio 1.58m

Triple Jump
12. Jaelynn Lane – 11.31m

Men
60m Finals
2. Jerome Campbell – 6.74 (SB)
3. Edgar Garcia – 6.79 (PR)

200m Finals
5. Edgar Garcia – 21.46 (SB)

400m Finals
1. Zander Cruzan – 46.96
4. Donovan Castillo – 47.38 (SB)

1 Mile Finals
27. Colton Magnuson – 4:41.16

3000m Finals
28. Isaac Rascon – 9:00.47

60m Hurdles Finals
2. Jerome Campbell – 7.65

4x400m Relay
5. Castillo, Garcia, Samuels Jr., Plant – 3:16.52

Triple Jump
12. Jaylen Lee – 13.31m

FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the cross country and track and field teams on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsTFXC), and Instagram (@UNC_BearsXCTF).