Three-time track team captain. Three Bronco records—one besting his previous record. No wonder Joey Berriatua ’18 has so many fans.
He just started running one of those events, steeplechase, his senior year—and broke the decade-old SCU record.
What is steeplechase, you ask? It’s a mix of hurdling and a cross-country run.
In April, Berriatua posted his record-breaking 9:00.50 time. In May he beat that by 8 seconds—23rd-fastest time in the nation, and good enough for the NCAA West Preliminary Championships.
His two other Bronco records: a 3:49:35 in the 1,500-meter run in his sophomore year and a record 5,000-meter run as a senior.
What else? “He made us better in every way an individual can influence a team,” says head coach Felipe Montoro. “What really set him apart from other Bronco greats was his ability to be demanding of everyone’s best effort, yet maintain an inclusive and supportive environment.”