Author name: coconinocomets

Headshot of Head Cross Country Coach Craig Hunt

Coach Craig Hunt Elevated to Athletic Director

Flagstaff, Ariz. – Coconino Community College (CCC) is proud to announce the promotion of Coach Craig Hunt to the position of Athletic Director, reflecting Hunt’s dedication, leadership, and vision for CCC’s athletic programs. Hunt will simultaneously continue his role as the head cross country coach for both the men’s and women’s teams. Coach Hunt has been a cornerstone of CCC’s athletic department, having served as the head coach of the cross country team since its inaugural season in 2021. Under his guidance, the cross country team has achieved remarkable success, producing 3 All-Americans and the 2022 individual national champion. The men’s team placed 10th this past season at the national championships, their highest finish yet, and the women have placed as high as 4th. In his new role as Athletic Director, Coach Hunt will bring the same level of commitment and innovation that has characterized his coaching career. His vision includes enhancing the overall athletic experience for students, expanding athletic programs, and fostering stronger community ties. “I am honored to take on this new challenge and continue to build on the strong foundation of our athletic department,” said Hunt. “My goal is to ensure our student-athletes have the best possible opportunities to succeed both on and off the playing surface.” As athletic director, Coach Hunt is committed to creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive. His approach to coaching emphasizes not only physical training but also the development of leadership skills and academic achievement. He also plans to focus on increasing resources for training and development, improving facilities, and ensuring that CCC’s athletic programs remain competitive at the highest levels. Coach Hunt will also prioritize community engagement, developing partnerships with local businesses, schools, and organizations to help promote and support CCC athletics. “Our athletic programs should serve as a beacon for the community, inspiring young athletes and providing a source of pride for all throughout Coconino County,” Hunt emphasized. “Craig Hunt has been an incredible asset to our college, and we are excited to see him take on this new role,” said Dianna Sanchez, CCC’s newly appointed Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Strategic Initiatives. “His dedication to our student-athletes and his vision for the future of our athletic programs make him the perfect fit for this position.” Coconino Community College congratulates Coach Craig Hunt on his well-deserved promotion and looks forward to a successful program, under his guidance.

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CCC runner racing down a grass path.

Men’s Cross Country Caps Off Inaugural Season at NJCAA Nationals

Full Results Richmond, Va. – The Coconino Community College men’s cross country team capped off their inaugural season at the NJCAA DII National Championships at Pole Green Park in Richmond, Virgina. Freshman Mauricio Gonzalez raced over the 8k distance against 220 other competitors. Gonzalez placed 172nd in a new school record of 31:06. Gonzalez improved his own school record previously set at 32:02. Gonzalez became the first CCC male cross country runner to compete at the NJCAA National Championships. “This was the first of hopefully many trips to the national championships for CCC. Being able to provide this experience for our student-athletes and see them succeed is priceless. The athletes today are laying the foundation for future athletes at CCC”, said Head Coach Craig Hunt. Cowley College won the team title with 82 points. Daytona State College finished second with 102 points. Heartland Community College placed third with 115 points.

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Headshot of a CCC male athlete.

Gonzalez Breaks 8k School Record at Region I Championships

Full Results Glendale, Ariz. – Coconino Community College’s Mauricio Gonzalez breaks his own school record at NJCAA Regional Championships. The Comets competed at the NJCAA Region I championships where Gonzalez continued to improve placing 21st overall and ran a personal best time of 32:02 over 8k. Gonzalez took 45 seconds off of his own school record set on October 1st. Freshman Levi Conery finished in 26th place with a time of 40:11. Paradise Valley Community College won the team title with 27 points. The Comets will compete next at the NJCAA National Championships in Richmond, Virginia at Pole Green Park on November 13th.

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