Two UC Merced runners are headed to NAIA Track & Field Outdoor National Championships
The UC Merced track and field team is sending two runners to the NAIA Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Championship next week.
Junior Jonathan Chavez and freshman Sharvin Manjrekar will be headed to Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana, for the championship, which takes place from May 24 to 26.
Chavez earned qualifying spots in the 1,500- and 5,000-meter events. Manjrekar will compete in the 1,500.
Chavez, who came to UC Merced from Hilmar High School, was named the California Pacific Athletic Conference Track Male Athlete of the Year after winning five championships at the conference meet. Chavez picked up victories in the 5,000, 1,500, 800, 4x800, and 4x400.
Chavez’s personal best time in the 1,500 this season is 3 minutes, 51.8 seconds.
Chavez qualified for the 5,000 with a time of 14:35.1 at the West Coast Relays on March 31. His mark is the 14th best time in the nation.
Manjrekar, who came to UC Merced from Dublin High School, recorded his best time in the 1,500 of 3:53.5 at the Cal Pac Championships on April 28.
The Bobcats will be among 750 student-athletes competing at the NAIA Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
The 1,500 prelims are scheduled for 2:10 p.m. Wednesday. The 5,000 prelims are scheduled for 5:35 p.m. Thursday.
Finals for both events will be held on Friday.
