Dotun Olubeko's win in the 110-meter hurdles final at last weekend's California Collegiate Athletic Association Championships at Cal State L.A. helped lift the Chico State men's track and field team to to its 12th conference title in 13 seasons.
It also lifted Olubeko to the top of the Chico State record book in the event and perhaps even a spot on the starting line at the upcoming NCAA Division II Championships.
The Wildcat of the Week shattered his season-best time of 14.72 and PR of 14.71 with an NCAA provisional qualifying mark of 14.30 in the final.
Olubeko beat second-place Nicholas Rack of UC San Diego by a wide margin – .37 seconds – and broke Hakeem Dyson's school record of 14.38 in the process. A wild celebration in the stands followed, featuring hurdles coach Steve Irving jumping into the arms of Head Coach Oliver Hanf.
A transfer from Fresno City College, Olubeko suddenly ranks tied for 15th in the nation this year. An average of 18 athletes were selected for the NCAA Championships in the 110 hurdles over the past three seasons, and never fewer than 16.
Olubeko will learn if he will be making the trip to the NCAA Championships in Bradenton, Florida, May 26-28, next Tuesday when the field is announced.
