Chico State men’s distance runner Alex McGuirk has already enjoyed the type of season that most track & field athletes can only dream about. The sophomore from Mountain View owns one of the nation’s top 10 times (and an NCAA Provisional Qualifying mark) in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, and has posted personal best efforts in the 800-, 1,500- and 3,000-meter runs. McGuirk turned in another productive steeple performance last Thursday at the Mt. SAC Invitational, and his third place finish amidst a very strong field is worthy of Wildcat of the Week honors.
Under hot, windy conditions at Hilmer Lodge Stadium in Walnut, McGuirk was clocked at 9:06.87 en route to his third place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase – just .73 seconds shy of matching his personal record in the event, set March 29 at the San Francisco State Distance Carnival.
McGuirk threatened to win the Mt. SAC Invitational’s 3k steeplechase Thursday, challenging for the lead late in the race before ultimately finishing just 5.92 seconds behind the winner, Mexico’s Luis Hernandez.
McGuirk and the rest of the Chico State men’s tracksters are now preparing for the CCAA Track & Field Championships, taking place May 2-4 in Turlock.
