INDIANAPOLIS — It didn't come as a surprise to anyone within the Portland State cross country program when Katie Camarena's name was called as an individual qualifier for next week's NCAA Cross Country Championships on Saturday's NCAA Selection Show. Everyone knew that was coming after she placed fifth at Friday's NCAA West Regional in Sacramento. However, it was still cause for celebration nonetheless, as Camarena becomes the first Viking ever to qualify for the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships.
 
Saturday's official selection puts the week ahead in clear view for Camarena. The women's 6k will start at 7:20 a.m. PT / 10:20 a.m. ET next Saturday, Nov. 20, at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Fla.
 
Camarena earned her spot on the national stage, after a gutsy run Friday at the NCAA West Regional. The grad transfer stuck her nose in with the leaders throughout the race, never falling lower than eighth at any split of the race. Camarena was still within a second of the overall leader four kilometers into the race, and kicked past two other runners over the final two kilometers to finish fifth overall. 
 
The Vikings had a strong tradition at the NCAA Division II national meet – totaling 13 All-Americans between the men and women – but hadn't had a runner qualify for the Division I national meet since moving up to the top level of collegiate sports in 1996. Dave Robbins also won the individual national title at the NCAA College Division Championships in 1968. 
 
Next Saturday's NCAA Division I National Championships will be broadcast live on ESPNU, starting at 7 a.m. PT.