While the Chico State women’s track & field team is stocked with a talented array of distance runners, only a small handful have stepped up to the rigors of running the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Having to combine speed, endurance, and the physical clearing of 28 barriers—including seven water jumps—to achieve success is certainly a daunting endeavor. Less than two months into the 2023 season, Hannah Wirth has taken on the challenge, and based on her performance at the Mike Fanelli Track Classic, the freshman has quickly excelled in the event by leaps and bounds. Wirth’s impressive effort in San Francisco makes her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
Competing in just her second steeplechase event ever, Wirth was among 30 runners—nearly two-thirds of which were from Division I programs—to compete at San Francisco State’s Cox Stadium. The Roseville product turned in an outstanding showing, finishing second in her heat and placing 23rd overall with a time of 11:44.76—a whopping 35 seconds better than her initial steeplechase run a week earlier at the Wildcat CUP Invitational in Yuba City.
Though she’s competed in only two steeplechase events, Wirth currently holds the third-fastest time in the event among California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) runners this season.
Wirth and the Chico State women’s track & field team are back in action this weekend, as the Wildcats travel down to Turlock for the Stanislaus State Invitational, competing at Al Brenda Track at Warrior Stadium.
