HONOLULU – Sporting one of the youngest squads in recent memory, the Chaminade University men's cross country team had a lot of growing pains in 2025 with just two returnees and only one with collegiate racing experience.
With six newcomers, half of whom were freshmen, the Silverswords gained valuable experience for 12th year head coach
Shadrack Nabea.
One of the freshmen,
Kalama Francisco (Pahoa, Hawai'i/Kamehameha-Hawai'i), turned in a standout debut season as the 'Swords' top runner in all five races. Included in his results were two third-place overall finishes while completing the Hawai'i Hilo Invitational as the runner-up. His efforts led him to an appearance at the NCAA West Regional in Monmouth, Oregon.
Chaminade's lone returnee who competed last season, sophomore
Anthony John Bergancia (Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands/Marianas), was the team's No. 2 finisher in all races he competed.
James Carter (Raleigh, Miss./Harrison Central), who sat out 2024 after transferring from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, enjoyed fourth-place team finishes in four races.
First-year runner
Nate Mendez (Kailua, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kailua), a three-year student at Chaminade who joined the team for his senior year, turned in several good performances including a pair of No. 5 team finishes.
Isaiah Taylor (Wall, N.J./St. Rose), a sophomore who transferred from Rutgers University, ran in four races while another sophomore,
Nicholas Gebbia (San Antonio, Texas/Lee), participated in three.
The rest of the Silverswords were freshmen who, in addition to Francisco, included
Anthony Fontanez (Belmar, N.J./St. Rose) and
Dyson Murakami (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kalani). Fontanez was a consistent No. 3 finisher while Murakami was one of three 'Swords who ran in all five team events.
