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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Cross Country runners racing in their high school uniforms

Comet’s Welcome 14 New Cross Country Recruits for Fall 2024 Season

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

Flagstaff, Ariz. – Coconino Community College (CCC) is thrilled to announce the addition of 14 talented recruits to the cross country team for the upcoming fall 2024 season. These new athletes, hailing from diverse backgrounds and bringing a wealth of experience, are poised to strengthen CCC’s already formidable cross country program. “We are incredibly excited to welcome these outstanding runners to our team,” said Head Coach Craig Hunt. “Each of these athletes brings unique strengths and a dedication to excellence that will help us continue to build a competitive and cohesive team.” The new recruits for the 2024 season are as follows: Men: 2. Kenneth Nez (Holbrook High School, Holbrook, Ariz.) – Known for his fierce racing and endurance, Kenneth has consistently placed in the top 10 throughout his 2023 track season. He boasts personal records of 4:43 for 1600m and 2:01 for 800m. 3. Leon Barton (Winslow High School, Winslow, Ariz.) – Leon has shown tremendous potential by winning both the 800m and 1600m at the Red Rock Small Invite this past spring. He has been a key contributor to his high school team’s success by leading them to qualify for the Arizona State Championships. 4. Theodore Round Face (Gallup High School, Gallup, N.M.) – With a personal best of 16:18 in the 5K, Theodore’s strength lies in his ability to perform under pressure, making him a valuable asset for the team. He is the NMAA 4A – District 1 champion in the 1600m and runner-up in the 3200m. 5. Dwight Spencer (Gallup High School, Gallup, N.M.) – Dwight’s impressive 17:02 in the 5K and his competitive spirit will be instrumental in driving the team’s success this season. He placed 17th at the 2023 New Mexico NMAA State XC Championships, an improvement from 45th the year prior. 5. Troy Baker (Flagstaff High School, Flagstaff, Ariz.) – Troy is a 2023 graduate from Flagstaff High School where helped his cross country team to two AIA State Championship finishes in 2021 and 2019. His personal bests of 10:16 in the 3200m and 16:39 for 5k should have him contesting for one of the Comets top spots. 6. Zach Biah (Flagstaff High School, Flagstaff, Ariz) – Bringing a personal best of 17:53 in the 5K, Zach’s ceiling for improvement is high as he has only competed in two seasons of cross country throughout his career. 7. Wakiya Puente (Window Rock High School, Fort Defiance, Ariz.) – Throughout the spring track season Wakiay has shown great dedication to improving and determination to run at the next level. He closed out his senior season having run personal best in the 1600m and 3200m distances. Women: 9. Isabella Robles (Carl Hayden Community High School, Phoenix, Ariz.) – With a 5K personal best of 21:45, Isabella is poised to make an impact as a Comet. Training at altitude and in more modest temperatures may be the key to help her reach the next level. 10. Diana Paniagua (Carl Hayden Community High School, Phoenix, AZ) – Diana’s 23:34 in the 5K is over 3 minutes faster than her personal record from the previous season. She is the prime example of how dedication and hardwork can translate to huge improvements. Let’s see if Diana can cut another 3 minutes this season. 11. Leah Redondo (Camelback High School, Phoenix, Ariz.) – Leah set personal bests in not 1, not 2, but 4 distance events during her senior year. From the 800m all the way to 5k, Leah has a great ranch and an even greater ceiling for improvement. 12. Bryanne Morgan (Kirtland Central High School, Kirtland, N.M.) – Bryanne’s 21:41 in the 5K and her strategic race planning will contribute significantly to the team’s dynamics. She shows great potential for growth with more mileage and dedicated training partners. 13. Peyton Yazzie (Coconino High School, Flagstaff, Ariz.) – A fearless competitor, Peyton has a passion for racing dirt bikes and strength training. She is a 2018 graduate from Coconino High School where she competed in Cross Country. She’ll be bringing a lot of maturity and life experience to the team. 14. Cian Davies (Alchesay High School, Whiteriver, Ariz) – Cian’s strong work ethic and personal best of 21:54 in the 5K make her a valuable addition to the roster. Cian was a 2023 AIA Division IV Championship qualifier in both the 1600m and 3200m. She holds personal bests of 5:38 for 1600m and 12:30 for 3200m. CCC’s cross country program has a strong tradition of excellence, in 2022 CCC’s Hayley Burns won the NJCAA National Championships leading our women to a 4th place team finish. Last season the men’s team placed 10th at the NJCAA National Championships, with freshman Ryan Hatch earning All-American by placing 5th overall. The addition of these 14 new recruits underscores the college’s commitment to fostering athletic talent and academic achievement. The coaching staff and current team members are eager to integrate the new athletes and work towards another successful season. “I’m proud of the recruiting our coaching staff has accomplished this year, but the job isn’t done yet. We hope to add a few more athletes to our roster throughout the summer and are always looking for new prospects,” stated Hunt. The Comets will open up their 2024 campaign at the George Kyte Classic hosted by Northern Arizona University at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, Arizona on August 31, 2024. About Coconino Community College: Coconino Community College, located in Flagstaff, AZ, is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to students from all walks of life. The college offers a wide range of academic programs and is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community for all students.

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Cross Country athletes racing to the finish line.

Women Finish 17th at NJCAA National Championships

Women's Cross Country / Craig Hunt

Full Results Huntsville, Ala. – The Coconino Comet Women’s Cross Country team finished 17th place at the 2023 DII NJCAA Cross Country National Championships, with 5 women running season best times. Led by Breana Biggambler with a 71st place finish, the Comets scored 540 points, the same score awarded to Calhoun Community College, but thankfully the Coconino women won the head-to-head tiebreaker to finish 17th as a team. This was the second time in the program’s 3 seasons that the women have placed in the top 20 at the national championship. Coming into the Championships the CCC Women were ranked 19th, but with a strong showing was able to better that ranking by 2 places. Freshman Amber Woody ran a season best of 20:59 over the 5k distance to finish 89th overall and be the second comet across the finish line. Sierra Manygoats wasn’t far behind finishing in 93rd with a season best time of 21:04. Taking over 1 minute and 50 seconds off her next fastest time of the season was Talya Yazzie, placing 178th in 23:05. Rounding at the scoring was Ryanna Begay in 212th place in a time of 24:01. Janelle Stone was Coconino Community College’s final finisher in 223rd place in a time of 24:26, a time that is over 3 minutes faster than her next fastest time this season. “We ran the best we have all season today. The women truly showed up wanting to compete and perform at the highest level. Five of our women ran their season bests, and Breana ran up in the top ten for the majority of the race. I couldn’t be prouder of this group of young women”, said Head Coach Craig Hunt. With the conclusion of the 2023 DII NJCAA Cross Country National Championships, the comets have officially wrapped up their 2023 season. Cowley College won the National Championships with 66 points. Heartland Community College placed 2nd with 71 points, and Paradise Valley rounded out the top 3 with 115 points. In total, 38 teams and 279 individuals participated in the Women’s DII Cross Country National Championships.

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Runners crossing the finish line of the 2023 NJCAA Cross Country National Championships.

Hatch 5th, Team 10th at NJCAA National Championships

Men's Cross Country / Craig Hunt

Full Results Huntsville, Ala. – The Coconino Community College Men’s Cross Country team finished 10th place at the 2023 DII NJCAA Cross Country National Championships hosted at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama. Their 10th place finish is the best team placement in program history. Additionally, CCC’s Ryan Hatch crossed the finish line 5th overall becoming CCC’s highest individual finisher ever. In the biggest race of the season, Freshman Ryan Hatch, rose to the occasion to finish as the top Freshman and 5th place overall at the National Championships. With his 5th place finish Hatch becomes CCC’s first male to earn All-American honors, becomes the highest individual finisher ever in school history, and lowers the 8k school record to 25:11. “Ryan (Hatch) ran out of his mind today. He put himself in a position to do something big and that’s exactly what happened. I’m excited to see what Ryan can do moving forward as I know this is just the beginning for him. He’s come a long way the last 10 months and this was the performance he needed to prove to himself he can compete with the best”, said Head Coach Craig Hunt. As a team, the CCC men placed 10th overall with a score of 273, their highest team finish in school history and 13 spots better than last year. In this one race, 4 men ran faster than last year’s 8k school record. The Comets entered the Championships ranked 15th nationally and were able to better that by 5 spots. Kevin Pawesiema Jr. finished as CCC’s second runner in 45th place, one spot off of All-American honors, in a time of 26:37. Freshman Tanner Dugi wasn’t far behind in 47th place in a time of 26:42. In 71st place was CCC’s Kyler Williams in a finishing time of 27:17 over the 8k distance. Rounding out the comet’s scoring runners was Taylor Taliman with a 134th place finish in 28:28. Jehovan Flores finished in 30:11 for 198th place, and Hayden Williams placed 246th in 32:28. “Overall, both the men’s and women’s teams had very impressive days. Of the 13 runners we had compete, 11 of them ran either a season best or lifetime best performance. It truly is a testament to the training we implement and the belief our athletes have knowing that when it matters most, they will be prepared to run their best. We’ll definitely celebrate our accomplishments today, but ultimately we’ll continue to look ahead at what’s to come as our program continues to grow,” stated Head Coach Craig Hunt. Lansing Community College won the National Championships with a score of 73 points. Heartland Community College placed 2nd with 78 points, and Daytona State College rounded out the podium with 102 points. In the men’s race, 38 teams and 291 individuals competed at the National Championships.

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CCC's women's cross country team posing in their warm ups a team.

Women Finish Third at Region I Championships

Women's Cross Country / Craig Hunt

Full Results Glendale, Ariz. – The Coconino Community College women’s cross country team placed 3rd at the 2023 Region 1 championships with 65 points and 3 individuals earning All-Region honors. CCC’s Amber Woody, Breana Biggambler, and Sierra Manygoats all earned third team All-Region honors as they led the comets to a 3rd place team finish overall. Woody was the Comets top women in 13th place, followed closely by Biggambler in 14th, and Manygoats in 15th. Woody crossed the finish line in a 5k time of 21:50, Biggambler and Manygoats followed in 22:07 and 22:13 respectively. Talya Yazzie and Ryanna Begay rounded out the scoring runners for CCC in 19th and 21st place. Janelle Stone finished in 22nd place. “I’m happy our women were able to come away from today with a podium finish and 3 individuals earning All-Region”, said Head Coach Craig Hunt when asked about the team’s performance. Coach Hunt went on to emphasize that the teams focus hasn’t been on the Regional Championships, but rather the National Championships on November 11th. “As a whole we showed up and performed today, but I know many of our athletes were running on tired legs after a hard week of training. All season we’ve had our focus be on the National Championships so whether we won or lost today we weren’t going to lose sight of our main goal. I’m confident that both our men’s and women’s team will perform their best once we taper down their training and have a little more rest in their legs”, stated Coach Hunt. The comets will compete next at the 2023 NJCAA Cross Country National Championships on November 11th at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama.

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Four CCC athletes posing together while holding their All-Region awards.

Hatch, Pawesiema Jr., Earn All Region Honors

Men's Cross Country / Craig Hunt

Full Results Glendale, Ariz. – Coconino Community College’s Ryan Hatch and Kevin Pawesiema Jr. earned All-Region honors at the NJCAA Region 1 Championships while leading their team to a 3rd place team finish. The CCC men’s cross country team competed at the NJCAA Region 1 Championships where they scored 82 points and finished 3rd overall. Hatch was the top comet finisher with an 11th place finish in a time of 26:45. Pawesiema Jr. crossed the finish line in 27:29 for 8k placing 15th and securing the final All-Region honor. Kyler Williams, Tanner Dugi, and Taylor Taliman closed out the scoring for the comets. “The weather today was hot and didn’t necessarily allow for fast times, but in championship racing we are less focused on the times and more on where we are placing within the race. We had two runners earn All-Region in a tough field that contained the #1 and #2 Nationally ranked teams in the country”, Head Coach Craig Hunt said after the race. In an upset, #2 nationally ranked Paradise Valley Community College took home the victory with 25 points, beating out nationally ranked #1 Mesa Community College who scored 35 points. CCC is currently ranked #12 nationally according to the USTFCCCA coaches poll. The Comet’s will toe the start line next at the NJCAA DII National Cross Country Championships on November 11th at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama.

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