Three Lancers Qualify for NCAA First Round in Fayetteville
5/21/2026 4:59:00 PM | Cross Country & Track
RIVERSIDE--- Three California Baptist University track athletes will make their way to Fayetteville, Arkansas, next week as they have officially qualified for the NCAA First Round in the West Region.
Ernesto Ruiz, Victor Rosas, and Sarah Schiffman will keep the Lancers' postseason going as they earned qualifying marks during the regular season. Ruiz is the only multiple-time regional qualifier in Sean Smith's group, having competed in the steeplechase last season.
Ruiz earned qualifying marks in both the steeplechase and 10K, but only declared for the steeplechase this time around after being ranked 32nd in the region in the event. Ruiz earned his qualifying mark at the Bryan Clay Invitational with a time of 8:44.47 and posted three sub-9:00 times this season. Ruiz also brought home the gold in the steeplechase finals at the WAC Championships, becoming the first champion in the event for CBU since 2022.
Victor Rosas qualified in the Men's 10K with the 33rd fastest time in the West Region, which he set at the Stanford Invitational. Rosas posted a time of 28:32.88, the 5th-fastest in program history and a personal best for the senior. Sarah Schiffman will also make her first appearance at regionals for the Lancers after qualifying in the Women's 10K. The Ole Miss transfer has certainly made an impact for the Lancers and will now represent the blue and gold in Fayetteville. Schiffman earned her qualifying mark at the Stanford Invitational with a time of 33:41.48, the sixth fastest time in program history.
West Regionals begin on Wednesday, May 27, at John McDonnell Field in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
