PUEBLO, Co. – Missouri Western runners Pau Valderrama and Wimach Gilo competed in the 3000 meter steeplechase prelims on Thursday at the 2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the CSU-Pueblo Thunderbowl.
 
Valderrama placed 16^th with a time of 9:26.62, while Gilo was right behind him in 17^th at 9:27.47. The top 12 competitors in the event qualified for Friday's finals.
 
Valderrama and Gilo were the first men's athletes in program history to compete at the outdoor national meet in a running event.

Missouri Western continues competition at the outdoor national meet on Friday, with Makenzie Garr competing in shot put at 3 pm central.