Cal State LA Athletics

2018: Had a strong season for the Golden Eagles in his final year with the program. Had the team’s best times in the 1,500 meters (4:23.05), 3,000 (9:50.94) and 5,000 (16:17.19). Earned a CCAA Spring All-Academic Award and a 2017-18 CCAA All-Academic Award. Was one of two Cal State L.A. recipients of the 2017-18 Dr. Hal Charnofsky Memorial Award from the CCAA for academic and athletic accomplishments. For his career, had best times of 2:03.33 in  the 800, 4:17.31 in the 1,500, 9:50.94 in the 3,000 and 16:17.19 in the 5,000. Concluded his cross country career in the fall. Ran in eight races. Finished 82nd in the CCAA Championships with a time of 31:07.01 over 8,000 meters. Also placed 165th in the NCAA West Regionals with a time of 37:21.6 over 10,000 meters. Earned a CCAA Fall All-Academic Award.

2017: Competed for Cal State LA’s cross country program in the fall. Ran in six races. Finished 83^rd at the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championships with a time of 28:52.2 over 8,000 meters. Was 173^rd at the NCAA Division II West Regional with a time of 35:00.9 over 10,000 meters. Earned a CCAA Fall Academic Award. Competed for a second season with the Cal State LA track and field program in the spring. Had a best time of 4:17.31 in the 1,500 meters. .

2016: Was one of the top cross country runners for Cal State LA in the fall. Competed in seven meets. Finished 86^th in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championships with a time of 29:49.5 over 8,000 meters and was 155^th at the NCAA West Regionals with a time of 35:16.01 over 10,000 meters. Picked up the athletic department’s Academic Achievement Award (male) for 2015-16.

2015: Showed steady improvement during his first year with the track and field program. Recorded his best time of the season in the 800 meters at the conference championships with a mark of 2:03.33. Also had a best time of 4:37.78 in the 1,500.

At Wasco High School: Competed in cross country, soccer and track and field. Was the team captain and Most Valuable Runner on the cross country team in 2014. Was the Most Improved Athlete in track and field in 2013.

Personal: Son of Jose and Consuelo Puga. Majoring in marketing management. Enjoys bird watching, long walks on the beach and watching sunsets. Lists getting the opportunity to compete in intercollegiate athletics as his most exciting experience in sports.