Thursday, May 25
Bradenton, Fla.
TBA
California Baptist University
vs
NCAA Division II Championship
Photo by: Sammi Wellman
Going Out In Style
5/26/2017 6:09:00 PM | Men's Track, Cross Country & Track
BRADENTON, Fla. — After qualifying for his third-straight NCAA Division II 3K Steeplechase Championship event, California Baptist University's Valentin Robert capped off his collegiate career with his best finish yet.
The senior Frenchman took third overall to grab his third-straight All-American track honor. Robert clocked in at eight minutes, 49.85 seconds, which not only was his personal-best time, but also a new CBU record by more than a second.
"Before the race, I didn't feel that good since it was pretty tough to qualify yesterday," said Robert. "Looking on the start-lists was impressive since there were so many returners from last year. I realized I ran my personal best once I was on the podium."
After hanging with the middle of the pack for most of the race, Robert made his move with 800 meters to go. He made his way up from ninth all the way to third as he beat out the fourth-place runner by a fraction of a second.
"Once the race started to feel way better and took my time," said Robert. "I stayed behind for awhile in order to relax as much as possible. Once they started to increase the pace, I followed the group and secured an all-American spot. The last lap was awesome, I kept going and realized I was third in the last stretch."
Robert leaves CBU with the program's best steeplechase time on the track and 8K time for cross country. He's a four-time All-American – three of which are track honors – and was the 2016 PacWest Track Athlete of the Year.
"I could not have expected any better way to finish," said Robert, who had been battling injuries this season. "Two months ago I was unable to run and today I finished in third. It is a happy ending for my Lancer journey."
The senior Frenchman took third overall to grab his third-straight All-American track honor. Robert clocked in at eight minutes, 49.85 seconds, which not only was his personal-best time, but also a new CBU record by more than a second.
"Before the race, I didn't feel that good since it was pretty tough to qualify yesterday," said Robert. "Looking on the start-lists was impressive since there were so many returners from last year. I realized I ran my personal best once I was on the podium."
After hanging with the middle of the pack for most of the race, Robert made his move with 800 meters to go. He made his way up from ninth all the way to third as he beat out the fourth-place runner by a fraction of a second.
"Once the race started to feel way better and took my time," said Robert. "I stayed behind for awhile in order to relax as much as possible. Once they started to increase the pace, I followed the group and secured an all-American spot. The last lap was awesome, I kept going and realized I was third in the last stretch."
Robert leaves CBU with the program's best steeplechase time on the track and 8K time for cross country. He's a four-time All-American – three of which are track honors – and was the 2016 PacWest Track Athlete of the Year.
"I could not have expected any better way to finish," said Robert, who had been battling injuries this season. "Two months ago I was unable to run and today I finished in third. It is a happy ending for my Lancer journey."
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Track
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