NEW ORLEANS – After delivering one of the top middle-distance performances in Division II history, Chico State's Damian Garcia has been named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Athlete of the Week.

Garcia earns the honor following a record-setting weekend at the Franson Last Chance meet in Azusa, where he ran a lifetime best of 3:35.61 to win the 1,500 meters. The mark not only leads Division II this season, but ranks No. 2 in NCAA Division II history and sets a new Chico State program record.

Just four weeks after narrowly missing the sub-four-minute barrier in the mile, Garcia delivered a breakthrough performance in the metric equivalent, solidifying his position among the all-time greats at the Division II level.

He also recorded a personal best in the 800 meters, finishing second overall and as the top Division II competitor in 1:48.23. The time ranks No. 12 nationally and strengthens his case to qualify in both events for the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Garcia, the reigning NCAA West Region cross country champion over 10 kilometers, continues to build on a standout year across all three seasons.

The award marks the first time in program history that a Chico State student-athlete has earned USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week honors during the outdoor track & field season.

Garcia and his teammates will now await the NCAA selection announcement for the Outdoor Championships, scheduled for May 21–23 in Emporia, Kansas.