October 2024

Male runner racing a cross country race.

Five Comets Set Personal Bests at Highlander Invitational

Full Results Flagstaff, Ariz. – Coconino Community College’s men’s cross country team competed at the Highlander Invitational, competing against NCAA Division 1 programs and fellow NJCAA junior colleges. The steep competition pushed five Comets to achieve personal best times, showcasing the program’s steady progression. Leading the charge for CCC was Luca Onyejiaka, who crossed the finish line with a personal best time of 25:51, setting the tone for the team. The team averaged a time of 28:37, reflecting both the individual improvements and the depth of the squad. “Our athletes showed tremendous growth today,” said Coach Craig Hunt. “Competing at this level pushes them to dig deep, and to see five personal bests in a single race shows all their hard work is paying off.” As CCC’s cross country team builds on this success, the focus shifts toward preparing for the regional championships, where the athletes hope to carry their momentum forward. The Region 1 Championships will take place this Friday, October 25, at Crossroads District Park in Gilbert, Arizona. The women’s 5k will start at 9 a.m., followed by the men’s 8k at 9:45a.m.

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Female runner racing a cross country race.

Comets Excel at Highlander Invitational

Full Results Flagstaff, Ariz. – Coconino Community College’s women’s cross country team stepped up in a big way at the Highlander Invitational, conquering the challenging 6k distance—a longer race than the usual 5k the team competes in. Leading the charge was Cian Davis, finishing as CCC’s top performer with a time of 24:34. Not far behind, Leah Redondo crossed the line in 25:08, delivering another standout performance. Amber Woody, Nizhoni Johnson, and Peyton Yazzie completed the Comets’ top five scorers, helping the team secure a solid average of 26:15. “The jump to the 6k is always a challenge, but our athletes embraced it,” said Coach Craig Hunt. “I’m really proud of how they fought through this race, especially against such high-level competition. This experience will only make them stronger for the rest of the season.” As the season progresses, CCC’s women’s cross country team is sharpening its focus on the upcoming Region 1 Championships. With impressive performances from both veteran and emerging runners, the Comets are proving that they belong among the top junior college programs in the region. The Region 1 Championships will take place this Friday, October 25, at Crossroads District Park in Gilbert, Arizona. The women’s 5k will start at 9 a.m., followed by the men’s 8k at 9:45a.m.

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Female runner running across a grass field.

Women’s Cross Country Places 3rd at ACCAC Championships

Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Coconino Community College (CCC) women’s cross country team competed at the 2024 Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) Championships, securing a 3rd-place team finish for the third year in a row. Cian Davis was the Comets top runner once again with a new personal best time of 20:40 over the 5k course. Davis finished 12th overall, which earned her second team All-ACCAC. “Cian has been a leader for us all year, and her ability to compete at this high level is inspiring,” said CCC Head Cross Country Coach Craig Hunt. “Being named to the All-ACCAC Second Team is a reflection of her hard work and talent.” Joining Davis in the top finishers was Leah Redondo, who earned ACCAC Honorable Mention recognition after placing 18th with a personal best time of 22:53. “Leah stepped up when we needed it most,” Hunt added. “Her improvement throughout the season has been impressive, and her performance at the championships shows she can compete with the best in the conference.” Teammates Nizhoni Johnson, Amber Woody, and Peyton Yazzie rounded out the top five scorers for CCC placing 22nd, 23rd, and 26th respectively. The team will be in action next on October 19 at the Highlander Invitational in Riverside, CA.

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Coconino Community College runner sprints towards the finish line

Comet’s Secure 3rd Place Team Finish at ACCAC Championships

Flagstaff, Ariz. – Competing at the 2024 ACCAC Championships, the Coconino Community College men’s cross country team secured a 3rd-place finish. The Comets were led by freshman Theodore Round Face, who crossed the line in 12th place with a time of 27:54 over the 8K course, earning second team All-ACCAC. Close behind was freshman Luca Onyejiaka, finishing 13th with a time of 27:59, also earning second team All-ACCAC honors. “Theodore and Luca have been strong performers all season, and to see them both earn Second Team All-ACCAC honors is a great accomplishment,” said CCC Head Cross Country Coach Craig Hunt. The third Comet to cross the finish line was Briley Dauphinais, who placed 16th overall with a time of 29:01, earning Honorable Mention recognition.  “I’m proud of the way the entire team competed and supported one another, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish the remainder of the season” Hunt added. Paradise Valley Community College placed first with a score of 26, followed closely by Mesa Community College with 29 points. CCC scored 77 points to round out the top three schools. The Comets will compete next at the Highlander Invitation on October 19 in Riverside, CA.

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