Athletics Archives - CCC Athletics

Coconino Community College's men's cross country waits at the start line before a race.

Comet’s Ranked 15th Nationally

Flagstaff Ariz. – The United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) named Coconino Community College to their list of nationally ranked teams on its Preseason National Cross Country Coaches’ Poll. The men’s cross country team is currently ranked 15th nationally, their highest preseason ranking in program history. The Comet men finished 10th at last year’s national championships and hope to improve upon that finish with a strong recruiting class. Coconino’s women’s cross country team also received a 15th place preseason ranking, two spots higher than their national championship finish last year. In total, three schools from the Arizona Community College Athletic Association (ACCAC) received a preseason ranking for their men’s and women’s teams. The next USTFCCCA Coache’s Cross Country Poll will be released on September 18. The Comets will compete next on September 7, at the Embry Riddle Arizona Invitational in Prescott, Arizona.

Comet’s Ranked 15th Nationally Read More »

Female runners lined up for the start of a cross country race.

Comet’s Open 2024 Season at George Kyte Classic

Athletics, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country / Craig Hunt

Full Results Flagstaff, Ariz. – The men’s and women’s cross country teams at Coconino Community College (CCC) opened up their 2024 season campaign at the George Kyte Classic on Saturday, August 31. The women’s team was led by freshman Cian Davis, who finished the 2.5 mile race in a time of 18:29 and placed 27th in the open division. Davis was followed closely by fellow teammates Amber Woody, Peyton Yazzie, Nizhoni Johnson, and Sierra Manygoats who placed 40th, 41st, 42nd, and 45th respectively. “The women’s team has a lot more depth than previous years, and I’m excited to see how a strong 5th runner can impact our performances later in the season,” stated Head Cross Country Coach Craig Hunt. The women’s team has grown from six athletes during the 2023 season to a roster of 11 this season. All 11 women competed at the George Kyte Classic against steep competition that included #1 NCAA Nationally Rank Northern Arizona University. Other schools competing were Embry-Riddle Arizona, Pima Community College, Phoenix College, University of Nevada Reno, Grand Canyon University, Arizona State University, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Cerritos Community College, Glendale Community College, Navajo Technical University, Tohono O’odham Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, and Park University. The Comet women placed 9th overall as a team with a total score of 284 points. Northern Arizona University took the top spot with 20 points. The CCC men were led by a strong duo of freshmen, Theodore Round Face and Briley Dauphinais. Round Face led the team with a time of 25:00 over the 4.5 mile course, followed closely by Dauphinais in a time of 25:05. “The men truly showed me they could work as a team out there. They ran as a strong group the first mile before picking it up and moving up. I’m really looking forward to watching them progress through the season,” said Hunt. Coconino’s top five was rounded out by Kenneth Nez, Jace Coochwikvia and Zach Biah. The men’s team scored a total of 228 points to place 9th overall. Northern Arizona University won the race with a score of 18.

Comet’s Open 2024 Season at George Kyte Classic Read More »

Cross Country Gears Up for Season Opener at George Kyte Classic

Athletics, Women's Cross Country / Craig Hunt

Coconino Community College (CCC) is eagerly anticipating the start of the 2024 cross country season, with their first meet set to take place at the prestigious George Kyte Classic. Scheduled for August 31 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, AZ, this event, hosted by Northern Arizona University, will serve as the perfect stage for CCC’s runners to showcase their hard work and preparation. The George Kyte Classic is a renowned meet that attracts top talent from colleges and universities across the region. As a home meet for CCC, it offers the athletes the advantage of competing on familiar terrain, supported by enthusiastic local fans. “Our team has been training intensely during the pre-season, and we are ready to demonstrate our progress,” said Head Coach Craig Hunt. “The George Kyte Classic is a challenging meet, and it will be a great opportunity to see how we stack up against strong competition.” The George Kyte Classic will be the first of several key meets for CCC’s cross country team. Following this event, the team will compete at the Embry-Riddle Arizona Invitational on September 7. “The opener is just the beginning,” Hunt stated. “We are looking to build momentum and continue developing our athletes’ skills and endurance as the season progresses.” The George Kyte Classic is not only a competitive event but also a celebration of community and school spirit. CCC encourages students, faculty, and local supporters to come out and cheer for the Comets. The presence of fans can provide a significant morale boost for the athletes, inspiring them to perform at their best. “The support from our community is invaluable,” said Coach Hunt. “Having a strong turnout of fans creates an electrifying atmosphere that motivates our runners.” As the CCC cross country team prepares for the season opener, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. The George Kyte Classic promises to be an exhilarating start to what is sure to be a dynamic and successful season for the Comets. Coconino Community College invites all fans and supporters to join them at Buffalo Park on August 31 to witness the beginning of an exciting journey for the cross country team. The men’s 4.5 mile race will begin at 1:30pm followed by the women’s 2.5 mile race at 2:30pm.

Cross Country Gears Up for Season Opener at George Kyte Classic Read More »

Men's & Women's Cross Country Schedule. Coconino Community College. Saturday, August 31, 2024, 1:30pm, George Kyte Classic, Buffalo Park, Flagstaff, AZ Saturday, September 7, 2024, 7:45am. Arizona Invitational, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ. Friday, September 27, 2024, 8:00am, ACCAC Championship. Glendale Heroes Park Regional Park, Glendale, AZ Saturday, October 19, 2024, 8:00am. Highlander Invitational. UCR Agricultural Operations Course, Riverside, CA Friday, October 25, 2024, 9:00am. NJCAA Region 1 Championships. Crossroads District Park, Gilbert, AZ Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9:30am. NJCAA National Championships. Pole Green Park, Mechanicsville, VA

CCC Cross Country Announces 2024 Season Schedule

Athletics, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country / Craig Hunt

Flagstaff Ariz. – Coconino Community College (CCC) is thrilled to unveil the 2024 season schedule for its highly anticipated men’s and women’s cross country team. The schedule features a blend of competitive meets across various locations, ensuring the athletes face diverse courses and high-caliber opponents. Below is a detailed look at the upcoming season: George Kyte Classic Embry-Riddle Arizona University Invitational ACCAC Championship Highlander Invitational NJCAA Region 1 Championships NJCAA National Championships The 2024 season is set to be an exciting journey for Coconino Community College’s cross country team, with each meet offering unique challenges and opportunities for the athletes to showcase their hard work and dedication. Fans and supporters are encouraged to mark their calendars and cheer on the team throughout the season. Go Comets!

CCC Cross Country Announces 2024 Season Schedule Read More »

Coach Craig Hunt Elevated to Athletic Director

Athletics / Craig Hunt

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.

Coach Craig Hunt Elevated to Athletic Director Read More »

Abdihamid Nur crossing the finish line first in a track race.

CCC Alumni Abdihamid Nur Set to Compete at USATF Olympic Team Trials

Athletics, Men's Cross Country / Craig Hunt

Flagstaff, Ariz. – Coconino Community College (CCC) is proud to extend its heartfelt best wishes to distinguished alumnus Abdihamid Nur as he competes in the men’s 5000m semi-final at the USATF Olympic Team Trials on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Abdihamid Nur attended CCC prior to his transfer to Northern Arizona University (NAU) where he joined the men’s Cross Country and Track & Field programs. During his time at NAU Nur won national titles in the indoor 3,000m and 5,000m events at the 2022 NCAA Indoor Track & Field National Championships. Nur was also a part of NAU’s Cross Country National Championship team in 2021. Nur’s impressive collegiate career at NAU, set the stage for his professional success. After graduating from NAU in the spring of 2022, Nur signed a professional contract with Nike. In 2023 Nur won the USATF 5,000m National Championships earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championships. At the 2023 world championships Nur placed 12th overall in a time of 13:23. As Abdihamid Nur steps onto the track this Thursday, the entire CCC community stands behind him, sending their support and best wishes for his success. His accomplishments serve as a source of pride and inspiration for current and future CCC students. The United States Olympic Team Trials can be viewed live on the NBC Peacock App. The men’s 5,000m semi-final starts at 8:03 pm local time. There will be two semi-final heats where the top 6 individuals in each heat, plus the next 4 fastest times will qualify for the 5,000m final at 4:30pm on Sunday, June 30. In the final, the top 3 finishers with an Olympic standard will qualify to represent Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

CCC Alumni Abdihamid Nur Set to Compete at USATF Olympic Team Trials Read More »