California Baptist University
NCAA DI West Regionals
Soca Becomes First Male Runner in Program History to Qualify for Nationals
5/22/2024 8:30:00 PM | Cross Country & Track
FAYETTEVILLE--- The California Baptist University track team did not have to wait long for its first National qualifier as Valentin Soca would stamp his ticket to Eugene on the first day of the DI West Regionals.
The top 12 placers automatically qualify for the National Championships race in Eugene, Oregon, and Soca would be the final qualifier, grabbing the 12th spot. Soca now becomes the first male runner in the program's history to earn a spot at Nationals and the third runner ever to make it to the big race.
Soca and Matias Reynaga both competed in the Men's 10K after earning their qualifying times at the Stanford Invitational in early April. Reynaga led the pack briefly through 1,600 meters but would eventually settle into the secondary pack for most of the remainder of the race. Reynaga would finish in 42nd, clocking in at 30:55.63.
Soca, of course, was the story of the evening for the Lancers, earning his qualifying spot with a time of 28:58.67. Soca began the race in the front of the pack and would lead the group for three laps until settling in the lead group of 16 runners for the ensuing 6,500 meters. Soca would slip into 16th place in the final five laps of the race but would keep pace with a small group of four runners who were vying for the final qualifying spot. Soca would make his push over the final 800 meters and eventually claim the final spot, besting his three competitors by three seconds.
The time was Soca's fourth best of his career and the fourth time he finished sub-29 minutes. The time was 25 seconds faster than his time at last season's West Regionals in Sacramento, where he placed 31st.
Soca will have a chance to qualify for another event in the 5K on Friday, and Reynaga will also have a second opportunity for a qualifying placement.
Players Mentioned
