NCCAA National Outdoor Track & Field Championships Destiny Garza Jerry Nava Shorter University Rome, Georgia

In 2015, Garza was the first runner in school history to qualify for the NCCAA National Outdoor Track & Field Championships.  She competed in the 10K and brought home a silver medal.  This year, Garza will be competing in both the 5K and 10K.

“This year we feel good about her fitness level and are impressed by how she has truly developed into a national champion contender,” says head coach Jason Covarrubias , “All season has we have keep that in mind with our eye at the NCCAA 10,000m National record of 36:16.77.”

Coming into the weekend meet, Garza is coming into the 10K with the number one seed with a time of 37:12.33.  In the 5K, she is coming in with the 11 ^th fastest time of 18:07.81.

Covarrubias believes Garza is much more prepared for the quick turnaround time of the two events this year.  After last year, she will know what to expect when it comes to the lack of recovery time.

Jerry Nava will be competing at the national meet for the first time this season.  “This year Jerry has truly come into his own.  The converted soccer player is now a national qualifying racer,” says Covarrubias.

In 2015, Nava worked to qualify for the 10,000m but came up short.  According to Covarrubias, this year Nava has been focused and determined to hit the qualifying mark of 34:15.  He is coming into the race with the 15th fastest time of 33:47.14.  Nava will also be competing in the 5K.

“I am extremely proud of these kids,” says Covarrubias, “SAGU is blessed to have them represent our community at the highest level. They are proof that work still works. Now it’s time to get to work!”

Nava will be competing in the 10K on Friday, March 13, 2016 at 8pm.  On Saturday, he will run the 5K at 3:50pm.  Garza will compete in the 10K at 7:20pm and the 5K at 3:25pm.  All times are in Eastern Standard Time.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
Contact: Natalie Tristan, SAGU SID, [email protected]