Calhoun Cross Country Teams Qualify for NJCAA Division II National Championships

Warhawks Build Momentum Under Head Coach Dante Dorsey

Decatur, AL – The Calhoun Community College men’s and women’s cross country teams are heading to Fort Dodge, Iowa, to compete in the 2025 NJCAA Division II National Championships at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course on November 8, 2025. The event, hosted by Iowa Central Community College, marks another milestone for the Warhawks as both programs continue to rise under the leadership of Head Coach Dante Dorsey.

Both Calhoun teams earned their bids to the national meet after finishing third overall at the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC)/Region 22 Championships on October 25, an impressive result for two programs that were only established in 2024. The strong performance adds to the excitement surrounding Calhoun Athletics, which has continued to expand and excel across multiple sports.

“This group has truly embraced the standard of excellence we’ve been working to build here at Calhoun,” said Head Coach Dante Dorsey, now in his second season leading the program. “Their discipline, drive, and belief in each other have taken us to a new level. We are not just competing at nationals; we are showing the country that Calhoun belongs among the best.”

In just two years, Dorsey has transformed Calhoun’s cross country program into a competitive force at both the conference and national levels. During his debut season, the women’s team finished 11th and the men’s team 18th at the NJCAA National Championships, both marking the highest finishes in program history. That same year, David Rich and Lillie McLemore set new school records in the men’s 8K and women’s 5K, respectively.

A Huntsville native and former standout student-athlete at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Dorsey brings more than a decade of coaching experience to Calhoun. Before joining the Warhawks, he led Madison Academy to back-to-back Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) 3A State Championships in 2023 and 2024.

“Coach Dorsey has built something special in a very short time,” said AJ Daugherty, Director of Athletics at Calhoun Community College. “His leadership and vision have elevated our cross country program to a national level. What is even more impressive is the culture he has created, one rooted in hard work, respect, and the belief that Calhoun athletes can compete with anyone.”

The Warhawks’ success reflects Calhoun’s growing presence in collegiate athletics, with several programs earning recognition for their competitive excellence and commitment to character-driven performance.

“This opportunity means so much to our runners and to Calhoun Athletics as a whole,” added Dorsey. “We are proud to represent North Alabama and our college on the national stage.”

For more information about Calhoun’s athletics programs, visit www.calhounathletics.com.