The Coconino Community College cross country teams are set to open the 2025 season at the George Kyte Classic on August 30 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff. Both the men’s and women’s squads bring a mix of returning sophomores and exciting newcomers who will look to make their mark in school history.

Men’s Team: Building a Strong Pack

The men’s team enters the year with a chip on their shoulder and more motivated than ever. Theodore Round Face (Gallup HS, NM) returns as CCC’s top runner after placing 12th at the 2024 ACCAC Championships. Alongside him, Kenneth Nez (Holbrook HS) brings the fastest PRs among the returners (27:47 8k), giving the Comets two proven leaders at the front.

Supporting them is Zach Biah (Flagstaff HS), a steady contributor with big-race experience. The freshman class adds new firepower: Harrison Kessenich (17:24 5k) is already showing he can make an impact, while Sabino Chatter and Andrew Hartzell add depth. Hartzell brings strength coming from the ultrarunning world and has successfully finished the Black Canyon 100k trail race. That grit could translate well to cross country.

With a mix of experience, toughness, and youth, the men are aiming to prove themselves and push toward Nationals in November.

Women’s Team: Experience + Star Power

The women’s team is built around championship-level talent and plenty of depth. Leading the way is transfer Temyra Bia, who brings instant star power. Bia is the 2023 Region 1 Champion and finished 37th at the NJCAA DI National Championships. She is shaping up to be one of the top runners in the NJCAA.

Challenging her in workouts (and pushing the team higher) will be Cian Davis (21:07 5k), CCC’s top returner from 2024. Behind them, a wave of sophomores: Deondra Ashely, Nizhoni Johnson, Leah Redondo, Faylee Howe, and Peyton Yazzie provide depth and leadership. Redondo had the biggest breakthrough last year and could be one of the team’s X-factors if she keeps improving. Meanwhile, Johnson took her summer training to the next level and hopes to reap the benefits.

Freshmen Haley Johnson (20:37 5k, Flagstaff HS) and Nevaeh Barlow (23:46 5k, Valley Sanders HS) add new energy and potential. With so many proven athletes, the Comets women have both the front-runners and the pack strength to compete for top honors throughout the season.

2025 Schedule

• August 30 – George Kyte Classic (Flagstaff, AZ)
• September 6 – Embry-Riddle Invitational (Prescott, AZ)
• September 26 – CSN Tri-State (Las Vegas, NV)
• October 18 – Highlander Invitational (Riverside, CA)
• October 24 – NJCAA Region 1 Championships (Gilbert, AZ)
• November 8 – NJCAA National Championships (Fort Dodge, IA)

The Road Ahead

The Comets will use early races in Flagstaff and Prescott to build momentum before testing themselves at larger invitationals in Las Vegas, NV, and Riverside, CA. The season culminates with the NJCAA Region 1 Championships in Gilbert and the NJCAA National Championships in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Coach Craig Hunt shared his excitement:

“We have a great balance this year with experienced sophomores who know what it takes and freshmen who are eager to prove themselves. Bia brings championship experience, and I expect our returners to take another big step forward. This is a group that will get stronger every week.”

Fans are encouraged to follow along all season on the CCC Athletics website (www.CoconinoComets.com) and cheer on the Comets at the local opener at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff on August 30th. The men’s 4.5 mile race goes off at 1:30pm, followed by the women’s 2.5 mile race at 2:30 pm.