Publish Date: Feb 18, 2015
Cristian Soratos is #1 in NCAA for Fastest Indoor Mile
SALINAS, Calif. – Hartnell Community College District and its athletics department is honored to announce alumnus Cristian Soratos’ achievement to become one of the fastest in the United States to complete an indoor mile in 3:55.27; his time leads the nation by almost two seconds. The proud moment happened last Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Dempsey Center on the campus of the University of Washington.
"Being able to finally run a sub 4 outright mile was such a great feeling. A lot of people doubted and questioned whether I could do it so I was really happy with my time.” Commented Soratos, currently a senior at Montana State University. “To be the top mile runner in the nation from such a small beginning coming from Salinas and Hartnell really just makes this all a very humbling experience. I count my blessings and am just thankful to be where I am today."
Cristian Soratos quieted all doubters and ran the 11th best indoor National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) indoor mile ever. He is currently ranked #1 in the NCAA and the time places him top 10 in the U.S. The Big Sky Conference has also designated Soratos ‘Athlete of the Week’ three times this season.
Hartnell’s Head Coach of Track & Field/Cross Country, Christopher Zepeda is proud to share the good news with the community and believes we have yet to see what he is capable of achieving. “He trained hard to be a champion and school record-holder at Hartnell; he has now transferred that success up to the most challenging level. Cristian has the attitude and tools to not only make the Olympic Trials but contend for a berth in 2016. He is at the perfect age for miling,” said Zepeda.
Prior to Saturday's indoor mile there was much discussion as to the validity of Montana State's senior and his altitude adjusted 3:56 mile set a month ago. But with his performance on Saturday, those doubts were quieted quickly.
Hartnell Community College District
The Hartnell CCD serves over 15,000 students annually through its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus in East Salinas, the King City Education Center, and various outreach learning centers throughout the Salinas Valley. Hartnell College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, provides workforce training, basic skills courses, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Hartnell College is recognized for its innovative public and private partnerships that support world class STEM education, career technical education, fine and performing arts, humanities, and athletics. We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement. For more about Hartnell CCD, visit www.hartnell.edu.
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