LOUISVILLE, KY, — Matthew Salas wrapped up his outstanding 2019 season at the NCAA Men's Cross Country Championship Saturday morning. 

Salas was the first male runner to qualify for the meet since 2014 and it was just the fourth time in program history that a member of the La Verne men's cross country team qualified individually.

"Today was a tough day racing in the mud but I did my best to stay competitive," said Salas. "I was racing the fastest D-III runners in the country and I showed that I was in the mix. I think this race defines how my overall season went because no matter what the situation was, I always stayed in the fight. I am looking forward to the upcoming indoor and outdoor track and field seasons where I will have another two opportunities to represent the Leos on the national level."

The junior finished Saturday with a time of 26:10.9.

"Matt's race went as I expected, he raced tough but was buried behind 200 other great runners," said Head Coach Justin Wood. "He learned a lot and will be ready for the next NCAA Championship."

Salas qualified for his first NCAA Championship after earning All-West Region honors with a 21st place finish at the NCAA West Regionals a week ago. He led the University of La Verne men's cross country team all season and will look to have a big impact next season as well.