HONOLULU – The Chaminade University men's and women's cross country teams opened their 2025 seasons Friday in the University of Hawai'i Big Wave Invitational at Kapiolani Park.
The Silversword men finished second in the team scoring behind Division I University of the Pacific with 50 points. UOP placed each of the first top five scoring runners for a perfect score of 15.
Kalama Francisco (Pahoa, Hawai'i/Kamehameha-Hawai'i), one of the eight newcomers in the 6-kilometer race was Chaminade's top finisher, crossing the finish line in 23 minutes and 8.7 seconds.
Isaiah Taylor was the 'Swords' next finisher at 27:16.9 followed by
Anthony Fontanez (Belmar, N.J./St. Rose) at 28:22.5.
James Carter (Raleigh, Miss./Harrison Central), who sat out last season, made his long-awaited 'Swords' running debut, posting a time of 28:44.1.
Dyson Murakami (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kalani) posted a time of 29:41.5 while two runners,
Ace Perry (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/University) and
Caleb Kim (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Christian Academy), members of the CUH baseball team, clocked times of 33:13.8 and 33:14.2, respectively.
Nicholas Gebbia (San Antonio, Texas/Lee) rounded out the team at 38:55.3.
In the women's 4-k race, Chaminade was fourth with 110 points. Hawai'i was the team winner with 25 points while Pacific was second with 37.
Nikiji Dayse (Memphis, Tenn./Bartlett) came in seventh overall in 14:51.6, the first Division II runner to break the tape.
Jocelyn Thomas (Tonganoxie, Kan./Kaiser, Honolulu) was next at 15:55.4 followed by
Emily Cooper (Mount Desert Island, Maine/Mount Desert Island) at 19:03.9,
Jordyn Koki (Ewa Beach, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kamehameha-Kapalama) at 19:23.2 and
Aleah Montgomery (Wahiawa, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Leilehua) at 21:27.9.
Both 'Swords' squads will return to Kapiolani Park on Saturday, Sept. 20, in their own Chaminade Invitational. The first race gets underway at 7:15 a.m.
