Campus News

The Calhoun Community College men’s and women’s cross country teams are headed to Fort Dodge, Iowa, to compete in the 2025 NJCAA Division II National Championships at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course on November 8, 2025. The event, hosted by Iowa Central Community College, marks another milestone in the continued rise of the Warhawks under Head Coach Dante Dorsey.

Both teams secured their spots at nationals after finishing third overall at the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC)/Region 22 Championships on October 25. This marks the second consecutive year that both programs have qualified for the national meet, an impressive feat considering Calhoun’s men’s and women’s cross country teams were new additions to the college’s athletic program in 2024.

“This group has truly embraced the standard of excellence we’ve been working to build here at Calhoun,” said Head Coach Dante Dorsey, now in his second season leading the program. “Their discipline, drive, and belief in each other have taken us to a new level. We are not just competing at nationals; we are showing the country that Calhoun belongs among the best.”

Last season, both the men’s and women’s teams made history with their first-ever appearances at the NJCAA National Championships, where the women placed 11th overall and the men finished 18th—both the highest in recent school history. This year, the women enter nationals ranked 15th while the men are ranked 17th, reflecting the program’s continued momentum and rising national profile.

At the conference meet, both teams finished third overall for the second straight year, but this season came down to a nail-biting tie-breaker after the Warhawks tied for second place.

The men’s team is led by David Rich, the current school record holder in the 8K, and Samuel Hall, both of whom have been key contributors to the program’s success. On the women’s side, standout runners include Elena Johnston, the current school record holder, Lillie McLemore, former record holder who is determined to reclaim her title, and Sydney Perkins, who has consistently delivered strong performances throughout the season.

“This team has the experience and determination to take the next step,” added Dorsey. “Both the men and women are focused on outdoing last year’s performance, placing higher than ever before at nationals, and hopefully adding a few All-Americans to the books.”

A Huntsville native and former standout student-athlete at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Dorsey brings more than a decade of coaching experience to Calhoun. Before joining the Warhawks, he led Madison Academy to back-to-back Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) 3A State Championships in 2023 and 2024.

“Coach Dorsey has built something special in a very short time,” said AJ Daugherty, Director of Athletics at Calhoun Community College. “His leadership and vision have elevated our cross country program to a national level. What is even more impressive is the culture he has created, one rooted in hard work, respect, and the belief that Calhoun athletes can compete with anyone.”

The Warhawks’ success reflects Calhoun’s growing presence in collegiate athletics, where the college continues to make history across multiple programs.

“This opportunity means so much to our runners and to Calhoun Athletics as a whole,” said Dorsey. “We are proud to represent north Alabama and our college on the national stage.”

For more information about Calhoun’s athletics programs, visit www.calhounathletics.com.