EMPORIA, Kan. – Chico State's Brayden McLaughlin had his toes on the line ready to go in the men's 10,000-meter run in his second career NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championship appearance on Thursday. But before the officials would start the race, it was confirmed that lightning struck within proximity of host Emporia State's Welch Stadium and the national meet went into a delay that lasted nearly 90 minutes.
 
Despite the lightning, it remained humid, windy but dry as McLaughlin was able to finish the race and place 18th in 31:36.85, a 4.24 second improvement from his freshman time set at the 2022 national championship meet.
 
McLaughlin concludes the men's side of the Chico State track & field season.