KEYSER, WV — The Howard Community College men's and women's cross country teams opened the 2026 season Saturday at the Catamount Classic, hosted by Potomac State College of West Virginia University.

The Dragons men came away with a second place finish at 49 points and the women's team totaled 69 points good for third place.

In the men's 8,000-meter race, sophomore Samuel Vanegas led Howard in his season debut, finishing fourth overall in 30:53.87. Freshman Nico Salvia followed in sixth place at 31:57.88, giving the Dragons two runners inside the top 10.

Sophomore Caleb Adams was Howard's third finisher, placing 19th in 37:31.33, while freshman Gabriel Kondeh finished 20th in 38:50.59. Freshman Jaden Goins rounded out Howard's scoring five, crossing the finish line 24th in 43:36.69.

Howard's men's team finished third with 49 points, behind host Potomac State, which won the team competition with 22 points, and ahead of CCBC Catonsville, which scored 64 points.

On the women's side, sophomore Katy Spence paced the Dragons in the 5,000-meter race, finishing 11th overall in 28:09.94. Freshman Myah Van Jones was close behind, taking 12th in 28:16.75.

Freshman Nyla Mathew placed 16th in 31:31.41, followed by freshman Jahyra Jackson, who finished 19th in 39:45.78. Freshman Cynthia Crump completed Howard's five scoring runners with a 20th-place finish in 40:06.50.

The Dragons finished third in the women's team standings with 69 points, trailing Potomac State's winning total of 15 points and Hagerstown Community College's 54 points.

The Catamount Classic gave both Howard squads their first opportunity to establish a competitive rhythm in the new season. With several runners making their Howard debuts, the Dragons will look to build on their opening performances as the 2026 cross country season continues.

The Dragons will next head to St. Mary's City, MD on Friday September 18 as they take part in the Seahawk Cross Country Classic at St. Mary's College of Maryland.