SANTA CLARA, Calif. — One of the most accomplished runners in Santa Clara history will finish his career in the postseason. Joey Berriatua has qualified for the NCAA West Preliminary Championships in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. He will run on Friday, May 25 at 8:20 p.m. in Hornet Stadium as part of the Sacramento State-hosted event.
The top 12 runners in the field of 48 advance to the NCAA National Championship meet, held June 6-9 in Eugene, Oregon. Berriatua enters with the 18th-fastest time in the field of 48 — a program record 8:52.04 from the Payton Jordan Invitational on May 3.
"Joey has put in a lot of time and energy to make this experience a reality," head coach Felipe Montoro said. "I'm extremely excited to watch him compete next week. He has as good a shot as most of the field to move on to the finals in Eugene; that's certainly what he has in mind."
Berriatua is the fifth Bronco to qualify for an NCAA regional meet and first since Mary Kriege (5,000m, 10,000m) and Grayson Murphy (3,000m steeplechase, 5,000m) each qualified for a pair of events in 2016. Berriatua is the third Bronco men's runner to reach the second season, following in the footsteps of Kevin Oliver (10,000m – 2013) and Michael Delaurenti (3,000m steeplechase – 2008).
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