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.
