CHARLESTON, W.Va. – University of Charleston's Jack Mastandrea is set to compete in the NCAA DII Indoor Track & Field Championships in Pittsburg, Kan. on Friday evening at Pittsburg State University.
 
Last week Mastandrea learned that he qualified for the 5000-meter championships after posting a time of 14:17.20 to become one of 16 student-athletes competing for the DII title. The junior posted the Atlantic Region's fastest indoor times in the mile, 3000 meter, and 5000 meter runs this season, but it was his 5k time that put in the national championships.
 
By qualifying for the DII National Championships, Mastandrea became the first Golden Eagle men's track & field athlete to advance to a track and field championship.  Jack had this to say about qualifying for nationals, "To bet the first Golden Eagle man to represent UC at NCAA's is a privilege and thankful to have Coach Bias by my side.  It just goes without saying that if you put in the work and do the little things right, you really can achieve a lot. I fully believe with the training I put in throughout the season, I think top-8 is a very realistic goal.  I know what I'm up against and I'm ready to bring it.

 His 5000-meter race is scheduled to be ran on Friday, March 8 at 7:15 ET. 
 
Coach Bias is excited for Jack and the program being represented for the first time at the NCAA DII Indoor T&F Championships. "We are honored to at the biggest stage for NCAA DII track and field.  This is huge for our whole athletics program and everyone on our team.  This is the best of the best and we know Jack belongs here.  His hard work and dedication make him an elite runner. We talk a lot about consistency in training with the team and he has definitely portrayed that since he stepped foot on campus.  Jack has had an excellent season and we believe that will continue on Friday in the men's 5000 meter championship.  He's prepared to race with the best."

The 2019 NCAA DII men's and women's indoor track and field championships will be held Mar. 8-9 in Pittsburg, Kansas at the Robert W. Plaster Center, home of the Pittsburg State Gorillas. Pittsburg State and Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau join as co-hosts for the event. 
 
The DII track and field championships are available to live stream at NCAA.com. Follow along from start to finish for the latest results, news, and highlights from Pittsburg.  Watch Live