Record-Breaking Day for Buccaneer Men and Women at NJCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships

In a historic achievement, Dawson Community College's Buccaneers reached new heights at the NJCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships. For only the second time in DCC history, runners stood on the podium at a national competition. Sierra Summers had an outstanding performance, placing 3rd with a personal best and school record 5K time of 18:23.3. She surpassed Emberlyn Hoffman-Gaschk's previous record of 18:49.1, set during Emberlyn's 3rd place finish at the 2022 NJCAA Championships.

On the men's side, Peyton Summers finished 14th, marking the highest placement achieved by a male Buccaneer at nationals. Both Summers siblings earned All-American honors, with Sierra named 1st Team All-American and Peyton recognized as 3rd Team All-American.

The entire Buccaneer team made remarkable strides. Team Captain Clara Haslem shattered her personal record by 21 seconds, Fernanda Hernandez recorded her season-best with a 1:17 improvement, Debra Don't Mix cut 16 seconds from her personal best, and Aydin Jackson achieved a 14-second personal record.

Head Coach Dempster Jackson expressed his pride in the team, saying, "It was the fitting end to one of the better seasons of my coaching career, and with all but one member returning, we're set up for an even better cross country season next year." 

This historic showing underscores the Buccaneers' talent and highlights a promising future for the team.