FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Coconino Community College (CCC) has recruited 13 students to its cross country team for the upcoming 2024 season, with several runners hailing from the Winslow and Holbrook areas.
“We are excited to welcome these talented runners to our team,” said head coach Craig Hunt. “Each of them brings unique strengths and dedication to excellence that will help us continue to build a competitive, cohesive team.”
Jace Koochwiecbeer and Leon Burton are from Winslow High School. Koochwiecbeer recorded personal best times of 4:39 in the 1600m and 10:19 in the 3200m. He placed third at the 2023 Joseph City Cross Country Invitational and recorded a personal best of 17:21 in the 5K at the AIA D3 State Championships.
Burton won both the 800 and 1,600 at the Red Rocks Small Invitational in the spring, helping Winslow qualify for the Arizona State Championships.
Holbrook High School's Kenneth Nez is known for his intense racing and endurance. Nez has consistently placed in the top 10 throughout the 2023 track and field season. He boasts personal best times of 4 minutes 43 seconds in the 1600 meters and 2 minutes 01 seconds in the 800 meters.
Other freshmen on the boys team are Theodore Round Face and Dwight Spencer from Gallup High School, Troy Baker and Zach Beer from Flagstaff High School and Wakiya Puente from Window Rock High School.
Female recruits from Phoenix include Isabella Robles and Diana Paniagua from Carl Hayden Community High School and Leah Redondo from Camelback High School. Brian Morgan will represent Kirtland Central High School.
Coconino High School student Payton Yazzie has been described as a fearless competitor. In addition to running, Yazzie's other passions include dirt bike racing and strength training.
Kian Davis of Alcesay High School in White River, Arizona, qualified as a qualifier for the 2023 AIA Division IV Championships in both the 1600 and 3200 meters. Her personal bests are 5 minutes 38 seconds in the 1600 and 12 minutes 30 seconds in the 3200.
CCC's cross country program has a strong tradition of excellence, with Haley Barnes winning the NJCAA National Championship and the girls finishing fourth in 2022. Last season, the boys team placed 10th at the NJCAA National Championship and freshman Ryan Hatch was named an All-American after placing fifth overall.
The addition of these 13 new recruits underscores the University's commitment to developing athletic talent and academic achievement, and the coaching staff and current team members are eager to integrate the new athletes into the team and work towards a successful season next year.
“I'm very proud of the recruiting work our coaching staff has done this year,” Hunt said.
The Comets will compete in their first race of the season on Aug. 31 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, Arizona, in the George Kite Classic hosted by Northern Arizona University.
