September 2nd, 2023

Central Arizona College Men's and Women's Cross Country Teams competed at the George Kyte Classic on Saturday.  The meet, which hosts all the junior college and state universities, typically proves to test the runners due to its 7000ft elevation.  In addition, the host school, NAU, is the reigning 3x Consecutive NCAA D1 National Champion.  

"I enjoy coming up to Flagstaff to race.  We get out of the heat for a day, test ourselves against the top NCAA school in the nation, and set the tone for the upcoming season."  Stated Head Coach Jon Harmon, who enters his 13th year with CAC.

The Vaqueros placed 4th Overall, besting schools; Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, Embry-Riddle University, Arizona Christian University in addition to the other junior colleges in Arizona. The men's race had 145 participants. 

The men were led by Sam Gilson, who ran the 4.5 mile course in 23:14.4 and placed 24th overall.  Following closely was teammates Julian Campos (28th overall), Micah Slivers (29th overall), and Asante Maez (33rd overall).  Rounding out scoring for the men was Jordan Myers who finished in 64th place with a 25:03, respectively. 

Other notable finishes for CAC was Daniel Biakeddy (76th overall), Thomas MacAskill (80th overall), Luca Onyejiaka (86th overall), Seth Leslie (93rd overall), Jorge Corona (96th overall), and Justice Bojorquez (114th overall).

Although the Vaqueras did not field a team it did not prevent the ladies from having solid individual performances.

The women were led by Alesyia Barlow, who toured the 2.5 mile course in 16:41.9.  Alesyia placed 33rd overall and was the second junior college runner to finish the race.  Temyra Bia (41st overall) was not far behind, running a 17:09.9.  Lasundari Baldwin placed 54th overall and Alexis Fisher was 60th overall.  The women's field had 84 participants.  

"Today was a solid day for the men's team and the ladies that competed.  Although we didn't field a women's team I think it was good for the ladies to test what they have against some of the better athletes in the nation."  Stated Harmon.  NAU's women's team is the 2nd ranked NCAA D1 school in the nation. 

Both teams will be back in action at the Showcase Invitational in Huntsville, AL on September 15th.  The meet will be a precursor to the NJCAA National Championships which will be held at the same location.