TURLOCK, Calif. — The Chico State men's track & field team opened the 2025 CCAA Championships with a strong showing Thursday, scoring 27 points across three events to sit second in the team standings behind Cal Poly Pomona (48 points).

Thrower Chance Hefter provided the highlight of the day, winning the CCAA title in the hammer throw with a mark of 54.33 meters. The throw not only secured his second career conference crown—adding to his 2024 discus championship—but also moved Hefter into 10th place on Chico State's all-time top 10 list in the event.

Chico State picked up additional points in the hammer from Tad Desembrana, who placed fifth (52.75m), and Tyler St. Laurent, who finished 12th (47.90m).

The Wildcats also scored heavily in the men's long jump. Giovanni Larrea led the trio of scorers with a fifth-place finish, posting a mark of 6.92 meters. Jordan Ausbie followed closely in sixth at 6.86 meters, while Collin Totman added a seventh-place finish with a jump of 6.80 meters. All three contributed to Chico State's strong Day 1 point total.

Chico State dominated the opening day of the decathlon, with three athletes holding the top three spots after five events. Ausbie leads the field with 3,687 points, followed by sophomore Collin Totman (3,569) and senior Justin Craven (2,604). The final five events of the decathlon continue Friday.

In preliminary action on the track, Brody Staley posted the fastest time in the men's 400 meters (47.95), while teammates Trey Suffredini, Vincent Rinaldi, and Quincy Patton also qualified for Friday's final—giving Chico State four runners in position to score big points.

Three Wildcats advanced to the final in the 400-meter hurdles, led by Nathan Witte, Giovanni Larrea, and Donovan Marshall.

With momentum building and more finals set for Friday and Saturday, the Wildcats are primed to challenge for the CCAA team title.