Lady Warriors Bring Home Second National Title in Seven Years

News & Events

November 11, 2014

Syracuse, NY - On November 7, 2014, the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) held its Cross Country National Championships in Syracuse, New York. With overwhelming support from family members, Diné College’s Women’s Cross Country Team “the Lady Warriors” took home the National Championship. The Lady Warriors won their first ever USCAA Women’s Cross Country National Championship in 2007. State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) edged out Diné College’s Men’s Cross Country Team who placed second at the event.

At this year’s race, family members of Diné College’s team made the trip to Syracuse, New York to watch the race. Abraham Bitok, Dean of Academics, was impressed with the support of the family members who attended the event. “Winning a National Championship is a monumental achievement for the College. Our student athletes continue a tradition that we are recognized for nationally,” said Academic Dean Abraham Bitok, former Athletic Director for Diné College. “It’s great to see our student athletes perform and earn accolades at this level. They return to their native homeland as role-models in each of their communities. That’s what we strive for at Diné College.”
The Lady Warriors were led by All-American Tatiyanah Johnson who completed the 6K race with a time of 23:18 and a third place overall finish at the race. Tizanna Henry crossed the finish line in eighth place with a time of 24:26 and led the group of five Lady Warriors who all earned Second Team All-Americans. Autumnrain Chee (9th, 24:37), Wynona Tsosie 10th, 24:40), Delta Higdon (11th, 24:45) and Tanaya Belone (12th, 24:46) all finished strong. Diné College’s Lady Warriors easily captured the 2014 National Championship with a total of 37 points, 51 points over Runner-up Team Cleary University who tallied 88 points.

In the men’s race, the Warriors finished in second place behind National Champions SUNY-ESF. Tyler Logg stood out for Diné College, earning All-American honors for his second place overall finish with a time of 26:58. Warrior Freshman Charles Manymules crossed the finish line in eighth place with a time of 27:50 along with teammate Justin Yazzie in 11th place with a time of 28:11 - each earning Second Team All American honors. Diné College’s Combined Warrior Cross Country team has won multiple national championships in the USCAA within a 20-year span, with the men’s last championship in 2008.