HOKA ONE ONE NORTHERN ARIZONA ELITE SIGNS TWO NEW ATHLETES
NCAA All Americans Nick Hauger and Rory Linketter join one of the nation’s top professional teams
FLAGSTAFF, (AZ) – July 23, 2019 – HOKA ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite has announced the signing of two athletes to its roster; Nick Hauger from the University of Portland and Rory Linkletter from Brigham Young University. Hauger was a two-time NCAA All American in cross country, helping lead the Pilots to podium finishes at the NCAA Championships in 2017 and 2018. Linkletter, a six-time All American, owns personal bests of 13:36.41 for 5,000 meters and 28:12.42 for 10,000 meters. Like Hauger, he also helped lead his team to two podium finishes at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
Linkletter said he cannot wait to get to Flagstaff to begin his professional career.
“Coming from BYU I understand the power of a great team and atmosphere,” Linkletter said. “I believe HOKA NAZ Elite is that team on the professional level.”
Hauger said that his experience at the University of Portland has helped prepare him for the next level.
“I know with HOKA NAZ Elite’s uplifting culture and rich history of performances I will continue to grow and be challenged to see just how good I can be.”
Linkletter and Hauger will join a group of athletes that include several contenders to represent their respective countries at next summer’s Olympic Games. Matt Baxter is the reigning New Zealand national champion at 5,000 meters and in 2018 posted his nation’s second-fastest time at 10,000 meters. Alice Wright was the number one ranked athlete in the UK at 10,000 meters in 2018. Americans Stephanie Bruce, Scott Fauble, Scott Smith, Kellyn Taylor and Aliphine Tuliamuk are all serious contenders to make the United States Olympic team.
HOKA NAZ Elite head coach Ben Rosario said Hauger and Linkletter are exactly what the team needed heading into the Olympic year.
“No matter the sport, finding out exactly what your culture is, and who is going to thrive in it, is a challenge,” Rosario said. “With Nick and Rory we have two young athletes who are full of energy, eager to work hard and excited about the opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from, a team environment.”
HOKA Director of Global Sports Marketing Mike McManus shared his thoughts on the signings.
“We’re very excited to add Nick and Rory to NAZ Elite, as we’ve closely followed their progress and development,” McManus said. “Both accomplished athletes will help bolster an already talented team, as we look towards 2020 and beyond.”
Linkletter will make his racing debut as a member of HOKA NAZ Elite when he represents Canada at next month’s Pan American Games in the 10,000 meters. Hauger will move to Flagstaff in August and will likely make his racing debut in early October.
About Northern Arizona Elite
HOKA ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite is a professional sports organization whose mission is to recruit, develop and produce distance runners to compete at the very highest level of international athletics and operate as a successful business by building a global fan base for the team and its athletes through comprehensive and ongoing marketing efforts on a local, national and international level.
About HOKA ONEONE®
HOKA ONE ONE® produces premium performance footwear for athletes of all types. Initially distinguished by their extra-thick midsoles, HOKA shoes were first embraced by competitive ultrarunners because of their enhanced cushioning and inherent stability, and today are designed to meet the running, walking and fitness needs of a wide variety of users. HOKA’s road running, trail running, hiking and fitness shoes appeal to serious runners and fitness enthusiasts alike who enjoy the shoes’ unique ride and performance characteristics. For more information, visit hokaoneone.com or follow @HOKAONEONE #timetofly