Freshman Matt Maldonado has been named the Co-Big West Men’s Track Athlete of the Week the conference office announced Wednesday. This is the first honor for the LBSU track and field team this season.

Maldonado had a breakthrough performance in the 1500-meter run last weekend as he placed second at the Big West Challenge with an NCAA Regional qualifying mark of 3:47.76.

Maldonado, who shaved 10.24 seconds off his personal best, posted the 29th-fastest time in all of NCAA Division I this season and the third-fastest time in Long Beach State history. His mark also ranks him third in the Big West.

The 49er track and field team returns to action on Saturday, April 18, when it plays host to the Beach Invitational at Cerritos College.

Report By LBSU