Tallahassee, Fla. – In only their second season ever the Coconino Community College men’s cross country team capped off by an impressive season with a 23rd place team finish at the NJCAA Division II Men’s Cross Country National Championships.
On a hot and humid day at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Florida the comets took on a field of 29 teams. Heading into the championships CCC was nationally ranked 23rd by the USATFCCCA Coaches poll and successfully matched that ranking by scoring a total of 584 points. The comets dropped down from 7,000 ft of elevation to nearly sea level to toe the line of their biggest race this season. The team’s pre-meet course preview was met with hurricane force winds and rain caused by hurricane Nicole. Fortunately by Saturday, race day, the storm had dissipated and left behind nothing but sunshine and humidity.
Apalachee Regional Park has famously hosted races such as the USATF Cross Country National Championships, Florida High School State Championships, and the 2021 NCAA Division I National Championships. The 8k race course consisted of mostly grass, crushed shell trail, and rolling hills. The spectator friendly course hosted over 1,000 fans cheering with anticipation throughout all the races.
Coconino’s top runner was Kevin Pawesiema Jr. cracked the top 100 individuals placing 95th place. Teammate Alisseo Honanhi ran strong with a 116th place finish, followed by Tristen Hatch and Damon Attakai in 144th and 145th place respectively. Rounding out the scoring for the comets was Damien Clark. This was the second time that the CCC men participated at the NJCAA National Championships, but the first they produced a scoring team.
“This was the biggest race we have participated in all season with over 200 runners and the team handled it as well as any other program here. The heat definitely played a factor as we have been adjusting to cooler weather in Flagstaff, but it will make for a perfect afternoon on the beach later today. Best of all though we made history today by having CCC’s first scoring team at a National Championship and equaling our national ranking and that puts a huge smile on my face”, said Head Coach Craig Hunt with joy.
The CCC men’s cross country team concluded their 2022 season and will kick off the next season at the George Kyte Classic at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff Arizona over labor day weekend in 2023.
Paradise Valley Community College won the 2022 NJCAA DII Cross Country National Championships with a score of 68. Heartland Community College placed 2nd with 88 points, followed by Lansing Community College with 94 points.
