WALNUT, CALIFORNIA – Chase Rathke, the defending national champion in the 1500m, ran his first 1500m race of the year finishing first at the Mt. SAC relays in California Friday afternoon.
 
"(Chase) Rathke looked smooth from start to finish", said Tarleton head coach Pat Ponder.
 
Rathke finished the race with a season best time of 3:46.08 finishing first over all amongst a field of 71 athletes.
 
The Crawford native who won a national championshiplast year in the 1500m is currently ranked No. 3 in Division II behind Oliver Aitchison of Adams State (3:40.77) and Drew Windle of Ashland (3:45.92).
 
Tarleton travels to Commerce to compete in the East Texas Invite Saturday April, 18.