HONOLULU – The Chaminade University women's and men's cross country teams will make their 2026 debut this Saturday at the University of Hawai'i Big Wave Invitational at Kahuku Golf Course.
First-year head coach
Ty Sissell has a highly experienced squad on the women's side. Despite losing several top underclassmen runners from a year ago, there's still plenty of experience returning.
Six runners return including four-year seniors
Cassie Chong (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani) and
Jordyn Koki (Ewa Beach, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kamehameha-Kapalama). Also back is sophomore
Jocelyn Thomas (Tonganoxie, Kan./Kaiser, Honolulu), the team's top returning runner who had five second-place team finishes.
Also returning from last year's team are
Aleah Montgomery (Wahiawa, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Leilehua),
Maggie Turnbach (Brick, N.J./St. Rose) and
Ava Walker (Las Vegas/Faith Lutheran).
New to the team this season are freshman
Lihan Lou (Honolulu/Roosevelt) and senior
Summer Buck (Honolulu/Kaiser), an All-Pacific West Conference catcher with the 'Swords' softball team.
On the men's side, the team returns
Anthony John Bergancia (Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands/Marianas),
James Carter (Raleigh, Miss./Harrison Central) and
Nicholas Gebbia (San Antonio, Texas/Lee).
Joining the CUH men is sophomore
Amari Lino (Manchester, Pa./Northeastern).
Following Saturday's races, both Silverswords teams will be at the Hawai'i Pacific Invitational on Sept. 26 then host their own Chaminade Invitational on Oct. 17 at Kapiolani Park. They close out the regular season at the Hawai'i Hilo Invitational on Oct. 24
The PacWest Championships will be on Nov. 7, hosted by Jessup University.
