FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino Community College Cross Country program opened its 2026 fall season on Wednesday at the George Kyte Classic, hosted by Northern Arizona University at Buffalo Park. The Comets competed against a field that included NAU, Utah Tech, Embry-Riddle Arizona, and Grand Canyon University, gaining an early season measuring stick against several four-year programs.
Men Race 4.5 Miles
The men’s squad covered the 4.5-mile course and finished fifth as a team, with freshman Brandon Joe leading the way for the Comets. Joe crossed the line in 24:01.5 (5:20.4 average mile), good for 31st place overall and the team’s top score of the day.
Right behind him was Ian Masayesva, another freshman, who finished 53rd in 25:16.2. Elijah Talkalai followed in 62nd at 26:05.4, with Cedric Johnson placing 71st in 27:26.8. Sabino Chatter, the lone sophomore in the Comets’ scoring lineup, rounded out the team’s scorers in 75th at 28:54.0, nearly 4 minutes faster than his performance last year.
Northern Arizona’s men ran away with the team title, led by a sweep of the top four spots, with Manny Perez winning individually in 22:05.8.
Women Race 2.5 Miles
On the women’s side, the Comets tackled the 2.5-mile course and also finished fifth as a team. Sophomore Jade Reid paced the squad, finishing 45th overall in 19:20.8 (7:44.4 average mile). Freshman Lillie Dyer was close behind in 46th at 19:40.9.
Bailey Cunyus finished 49th in 20:46.1, followed by Uriah Garcia in 50th at 22:52.1, and Cadence Antonio in 52nd at 27:21.5 to complete the Comets’ scoring five — an all-freshman group behind Reid’s veteran leadership.
Northern Arizona’s women also topped the team standings, paced by Ava Mitchell’s individual win in 14:41.9.
Looking Ahead
With a roster built heavily around first-year runners, the George Kyte Classic gave the Comets valuable early-season experience against a competitive field that included four NCAA programs. CCC will look to build on this opening effort on Saturday, September 12, when the team travels to Prescott for the Embry-Riddle Arizona Invitational.
