Chico State Athletics

Nick Grubiss walked on to the Chico State men's cross country team in the spring of 2012. He redshirted that season. Then, during an injury-riddled redshirt freshman campaign in 2013, he competed just one time.
 
So when Grubiss crossed the finish line at the 2014 NCAA Championships 93^rd out of 245 finishers Saturday it wasn't just a one-day accomplishment. It was the culmination of three years of ups and downs.
 
Grubiss, the Chico State athletics Wildcat of the Week, ran like a man possessed. According to Head Coach Gary Towne: "He did a great job of getting out early and getting after it."
 
The sophomore's sensational effort from the start led to a painful final stretch. He crossed the line with nothing left in the tank – just the way Towne would have it.
 
Grubiss finished the season with All-California Collegiate Athletic Association honors after finishing seventh and leading the team to its conference-record tying 13^th consecutive title. He earned All-West Region honors by finishing sixth as the Wildcats won their third straight regional title and 11^th in the past 13 seasons.