Kaci Kelaher Claims Crown at thirtieth Annual NAU Pentathlon

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Sept. 19, 2025) – The Northern Arizona swimming and diving workforce kicked off the 2025-26 season with the thirtieth annual Pentathlon. The meet featured 5 occasions, with every swimmer awarded factors primarily based on their occasions. The winner was topped by the very best cumulative complete.

“A lot of great racing and effort today,” head coach Andy Johns mentioned. “I am really pleased with how the day went, and it is a great starting point for us to build on and get better. I love the attitude they bring to every practice. We are a fairly young team with a lot of new talent to develop and step up into spots vacated by an amazing graduated senior class from last year. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to really step up.”

Sophomore Kaci Kelaher claimed the title with 3,870 factors, taking first place in three occasions. She opened with a 2:23.93 within the 200-meter IM, adopted by a 1:03.54 within the 100-meter butterfly and a 1:00.35 within the 100-meter freestyle. Kelaher additionally completed third within the 100-meter backstroke (1:08.59) and fifth within the 100-meter breaststroke (1:18.87).

“It feels really good, and I am very proud of myself,” Kelaher mentioned. “I was a little stressed going into it with the pressure of coming second last year, but I am really happy with my strong performance today. I learned from last year not to be scared or hold back, and to make sure to warm down between each event.”

Newcomer and true freshman  Kat Richter tallied 3,560 factors for second place total. She received the 100-meter backstroke in 1:07.10, took third within the 200-meter IM (2:28.35), and completed fourth in each the 100-meter butterfly (1:07.36) and 100-meter breaststroke (1:18.75). Her 1:02.89 within the 100-meter freestyle was good for sixth.

Senior Cydnie Perkins positioned third total with 3,290 factors. She received the 100-meter breaststroke (1:13.40) and completed second within the 200-meter IM (2:25.97).

The Pentathlon is an annual meet that performs a key function in getting ready Northern Arizona for the season forward. It supplies a chance for coaches and swimmers to guage progress and make changes earlier than common competitors begins.

Up subsequent, the Lumberjacks will proceed their early-season custom with the Blue vs. Gold intrasquad meet on Oct. 3, the place the workforce will break up into two squads for a pleasant competitors.

Stay updated with the Northern Arizona ladies’s swimming and diving workforce by following the Lumberjacks on Instagram and X.