Davidson, Litoff Cap Historic Track & Field Campaign at NCAA West Regionals

Cross Country/Track & Field

Jack Davidson and Zach Litoff's efforts in 2019 marked the first time that multiple Santa Clara men’s runners qualified for the regional meet in the same season.

Posted: May 23, 2019

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jack Davidson and Zach Litoff capped the historic 2019 men's track & field season by turning in strong performances Thursday through Saturday in the NCAA West Regional Meet at Hornet Stadium. Their efforts marked the first time that multiple men's runners qualified for the regional meet in the same season.

THURSDAY: Davidson posted a 3:47.92 at 1,500m to come within two seconds of qualifying for the quarterfinals. He took 8th place in the heat and 29th place overall.

FRIDAY: Litoff clocked an 8:50.87 in the 3,000m steeplechase. He took 6th place in the heat and 20th place overall, coming within eight seconds of a berth in the national championship meet.

SATURDAY: Davidson logged a 14:13.96 at 5,000m to come within six seconds of qualifying for the national championship meet. He took 8th place in the heat and 25th place overall.

"I'm so proud of Jack, Zach and all of the guys that made the trip out to Sacramento to support them," head coach Felipe Montoro said. "It was a great finish to an important season in our team's growth. They both competed incredibly well against the best the NCAA has to offer. Jack closed his final 1,600 of the 5,000 in 66/64/61/62 for a 4:13 and beat some All-Americans in doing so. While we are all looking forward to a well-earned break, I cannot wait to get back at it and prepare for cross country."

HISTORY IN CONTEXT

Each of the three qualifying marks stands as a Bronco program record, one of eight set by the men this season. Prior to Davidson this season, no Bronco men's runner had qualified at 1,500m nor 5,000m.

The Broncos reached the postseason for the third time in four years, the best stretch in team history. Joey Berriatua competed in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2018 regional meet. Mary Kriege (5,000m, 10,000m) and Grayson Murphy (3,000m steeplechase, 5,000m) each qualified for a pair of events in 2016. Kevin Oliver (10,000m – 2013) and Michael Delaurenti (3,000m steeplechase – 2008) also reached the second season for SCU.

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