Delaurenti makes track history

By Matthew Cucuzza

Michael Delaurenti knew time was of the essence as he crossed the last barrier in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Brutus Invitational Friday.

Delaurenti knew as he finished with a four-second lead that he was awfully close to the 9 minutes, 7 seconds NCAA automatic qualifier.

It was not until he was doubled over with exhaustion, hearing teammates screaming frantically, that he knew he had made Santa Clara history.

The senior completed his race in 9 minutes, 6.84 seconds, to become the first Santa Clara track athlete to qualify for the NCAA Western regionals in the program's four-year history.

"It's something that I'm really, really proud of," Delaurenti said. "This is something that I've been working on for four years."

Delaurenti eclipsed his previous best of 9 minutes, 16.07 seconds, by nearly 10 seconds, which he had set a week earlier at the Woody Wilson Invitational.

"It's a tremendously pleasant surprise that he could not only make the NCAA regional mark, but also win the race there against a really good field," said Head Coach Tom Service. "It's just a tremendous accomplishment."

Service praises Assistant Coach Felipe Montoro for leading Delaurenti's four-year development. Montoro was thrilled.

"He's been the mainstay of the team the whole time since he's been here," said Montoro. "I'm glad it was him that was able to do it for the school."

Delaurenti was not highly recruited by college coaches out of high school due to his modest times. He credits Service and Montoro for helping develop his success.

"They've been the architects of my career," Delaurenti admitted. "I thank them for developing my talents which, maybe, a lot of college coaches didn't really see when I was in high school."

Delaurenti had been under a strict training regimen throughout his college career. He had been running 100 miles per week in the off-season. Both coaches were pleased to see Delaurenti's dedication finally pay off.

"He was very diligent," said Service. "He made good progress every single year and stayed with it."

Service said that Delaurenti has a good chance to advance on to nationals. Delaurenti's regimen is geared towards peak performance at the end of May -- the regionals begin May 30 at CSU Northridge.

"Felipe has done a great job tapering Mike for his best race at the end of May," said Service. "I think he has an excellent chance."

While Delaurenti acknowledges the stiff competition he will face, he admits he still has nationals on the back of his mind.

"To get out there and mix it up with the Pac-10 schools and all those great athletes out there will be a great honor," Delaurenti said.

Contact Matthew Cucuzza at (408) 551-1918 or mcucuzza@scu.edu.