Oct. 8, 2007

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State men's cross country team has only participated in four competitions this season and freshman Erick Garcia has placed either first or second in three of those contests.

On Tuesday, the Western Athletic Conference named Garcia the Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Week for the third time. Garcia earned the honor on back-to-back weeks and has earned the award again on this occasion for his performance at the Triton Classic in San Diego.

Garcia was a hair shy of winning another title at the Triton Classic, which has hosted by UC San Diego. Garcia placed second overall with a time of 32:43.3, finishing only two-tenths of a second behind UCLA's Henry Hagenbuch during the 10K race.

Garcia helped the 'Dogs to a third place team finish and has been Fresno State's top runner in each of its four meets. Garcia has now finished second during two meets this year and owns the Pepperdine Invitational 8K title.

Garcia's Meet-by-Meet Performances

UC Irvine Invitational (Sept. 8)
8K - 25:09 (17th)

Sacramento State Hornet Jamboree (Sept. 15)
8K - 24:18 (2nd)*
* was 1st among collegiate runners

Pepperdine Invitational (Sept. 22)
8K - 24:25 (1st)

UC San Diego Triton Classic (Oct. 6)
10K - 32:43 (2nd)

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