by Uniontown, PA—On November 10, 2024, Navajo Technical University’s two male cross-country runners were recognized at the 2024 United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Cross Country Awards Ceremony at Penn State Fayette.
The following student-athletes from the Skyhawks earned this honor:
– Antonio Valencia, majoring in Automotive Technology from Mesa, AZ
– Robert Dixon, majoring in Accounting from Crownpoint, NM
Antonio Valencia hails from Pinon, Arizona. His mother’s clan is Kinyaa’aanii (Towering House), and his father is Pascua Yaqui. His maternal grandparents are from the Honaghaahnii (One Who Walks Around) clan, while his paternal grandparents are Pascua Yaqui. Antonio is three-quarters of the way through his A.A.S. in Automotive Technology. “I am honored to be led by Mr. Lee and to represent NTU. I joined the automotive program to pursue a career in NASCAR; cross-country running will provide me with valuable experience to become a skilled racer in the future. As a metallurgy enthusiast, I understand the importance of academics and how far they can take me. Achieving National All-American Academic status is not easy, and I would like to thank my mom, dad, and grandparents for their unwavering support in my journey,” Antonio expressed.
Robert Dixon, originally from Dilkon, Arizona, resides in Standing Rock, New Mexico. His clans are Kinyaa’aanii (Towering House), Todichiinii (Bitterwater), Tabaahi (Water Edge People), and Shash Dine’e (The Bear People). He is 19 years old and in his second year at NTU. Robert is studying accounting, which he finds both challenging and rewarding. “I am honored to be selected as a recipient of this award. I want to thank my coach, my friends, and most importantly, my parents, Jennifer and Robert Dixon, for their hard work and support for me and my family,” Robert stated.
To qualify for the All-Academic Team, student-athletes must be sophomores or above with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
