Academy of Art University Athletics

Graduate student Pierre Fontanarosa literally stepped up in a big way at the NCAA Division II West Regional Championships on Nov. 5 in Montana. Registering the second-highest finish by a Academy of Art men's cross country runner at the meet to date, he helped lead the Urban Knights to qualify for their first-ever NCAA Nationals appearance.

Calmly braving 37-degree conditions at the start of the morning's 10k, Fontanarosa remained with the front pack and ended up taking ninth overall with a time of 30:27.42. His contribution also helped ART U surpass No. 16 California Baptist, something the program had not done before. Both he and teammate graduate student Gatien Airiau were named All-Region by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) after finishing in the top 25.

"The men exemplified cross country at its best today," said director of track & field/cross country Torrey Olson. "Pierre notched the program's second highest finish ever in West Regional history, and did so in a very competitive year for the men's West Region."