It's starting to look like a pattern: Nick Grubiss peaks for the postseason. The Chico State sophomore made the most of his "last chance" Saturday, almost certainly securing a spot on the starting line at the NCAA Championships. Grubiss ran the 11th-fastest time in the nation to win the 5,000 meters at the USF West Coast Last Chance Meet at Cox Stadium in San Francisco, breaking his personal record by more than 12 seconds to finish in 14:10.92.
The Wildcat of the Week will receive official notice of his NCAA Championships selection Tuesday afternoon. The championships take place May 21-23 in Allendale, Mich.
Prior to Saturday's race, Grubiss was likely on the outside looking in. Though his personal record time of 14:23.37 set earlier this season was solid, especially for a sophomore, it stood outside of the nation's top 20.
Saturday's time was outstanding – especially for a sophomore – ranking sixth in Chico State history.
Grubiss also found another gear right at the end of his first full cross country season in the fall. After finishing no better than sixth on the team during the regular season, Grubiss was the third Wildcat to cross the line at the CCAA Championships, West Region Championships and NCAA Championships, earning All-CCAA and All-West Region accolades.
