2014: Had a third outstanding season for the Golden Eagles in his final year with the program. Had best times of 3:58.74 in the 1,500 meters, 8:46.72 in the 3,000, 9:02.96 in the 3,000 steeplechase and 15:38.19 in the 5,000. Qualified for the NCAA Championships in the steeplechase and finished 18th in the nation. Earned All-West Region honors in the steeplechase and finished sixth in that event at the CCAA Championships. For his career, had best marks of 2:01.61 in the 800, 3:58.74 in the 1,500, 8:46.72 in the 3,000, 9:02.96 in the 3,000 steeplechase and 15:13.64 in the 5,000. Finished his career No. 3 all-time at Cal State L.A. in the steeplechase.Â
2013: Had a second strong season with the Golden Eagles. Had the team’s best times in the 800 meters (2:01.61), 1,500 (4:03.41), 3,000 (8:51.27), 3000 steeplechase (9:27.84) and 5,000 (15:13.64). Finished third in the CCAA in the steeplechase and earned All-CCAA honorable mention.
2012: Had an impressive first season with the Golden Eagles. Had the team’s best times in the 3,000 steeplechase (9:31.14) and the 5,000 (15:44.64). Also had best times of 8:56.51 in the 3,000 and 4:05.66 in the 1,500. Finished eighth in the CCAA in the steeplechase.
At Norwalk High School: Was a two-time Suburban League champion in the two-mile and captured one league title in the mile. Was a CIF Qualifier in cross country and track and field. Has personal best times of 4:36 in the mile, 9:50 in the two-mile and 15:21 in the three-mile.
Personal: Son of Bernardo De La Cruz and Josephine Betancourt. Majoring in Kinesiology. Enjoys running, coaching, soccer and biking. Lists winning championships as an athlete and a coach as his most exciting experiences in sports.
