Crownpoint, NM — On November 10, 2017, Navajo Technical University Skyhawks will travel to Virginia Beach, Virginia to compete in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Cross Country Championships. Each year, teams from across the country compete to earn accolades in the race and as all- academics. The Skyhawks will have the opportunity again this year and the teams have been preparing for this race all season long.

This year’s men and women cross country teams have been training hard for this year’s championship and we are excited to show our competitiveness,” said Athletic Director George LeFrance. “Our student athletes have showed their discipline on the field and most importantly in the classroom.”

Head Coach Tyson Ramone oversees both teams and has a dedicated team who are enthusiastic about this year’s championship race. "The teams have put countless hours of running and weight lifting/training that has led to the National Championships.” Said Coach Ramone. “This is the meet that determines where we stand as a program against other east coastal schools, a majority of the Skyhawk runners are freshman and they deserve to win a national title"

The Skyhawk men’s team who will be competing are; Clifford Anderson, Mathew Todacheenie, Kevin Bia, Joel Yazzie, Pashen Quintana, and Iddrissu Osman. On the field for the women are; Felicia Chischilly, Emmalena Todacheenie, Wynona Wilson, Shaylene Paul, Shalii White, and Kristen Chiquito.

Last year, the team competed at the championships with Chelsey Largo and Wilsonya Clay earning all-academic team honors. The 8K race features top runners of the USCAA, the Skyhawks are aiming high and would like best their past results in the national competition. With over 25 teams at the championship race, the Skyhawks represent one of the two institutions from the Navajo Nation.