Chico State Head Distance Coach Gary Towne has a sticky note at the bottom of his desktop computer that reads: D-i-G-i-a-l-l-o-n-a-r-d-o. With the postseason right around the corner for the Wildcats, it might be time for the communications directors from the California Collegiate Athletic Association and NCAA to do the same.
This week’s Wildcat of the Week, Falco DiGiallonardo’s name has been near the top of the results page of every race the Wildcats have been in this season. Friday at the San Francisco State Invitational, DiGiallonardo delivered his best performance yet, finishing third at Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park.
After sitting out most of last season with injuries, DiGiallonardo has been healthy and fast. Friday he finished third overall in the 241-runner field, helping the 2nd-ranked Wildcats win in dominant fashion. The sophomore covered the challenging eight-kilometer course in 24:47.5.
DiGiallonardo opened the season with a second-place finish at the Ash Creek Invitational; a much shorter course with a weaker field. He finished 14th at the Stanford Invitational on Sept. 26.
He and the Wildcats will be right back at Speadway Meadow on Oct. 25, in search of a record-breaking 14th straight CCAA title. DiGiallonardo will be among the favorites to win the individual conference crown, won by Wildcats in each of the last seven seasons.
