Valparaiso University track & field rising junior Ferdinand Rosa (Toa Alta, Puerto Rico / American Military Academy) represented his home territory on a national stage last weekend as Rosa took part in Campeonato Nacional FAPUR 2026 at Manuel Gonzalez Track in Puerto Rico.
 
"It felt a little weird since I hadn't competed in Puerto Rico in two or three years because I had a big injury last year with my hamstring," Rosa said. "I basically didn't run last year. This whole year was a perseverance year and overcoming that. It felt great being back home and having the opportunity to run at a national level. I almost made an international meet with my time, but was a little off. It was an amazing experience."
 
Rosa ran the 800 and finished fourth, just off a podium finish with a time of 1:53.66 in the tactical race.
 
"I recently moved to that event," Rosa said. "I've always been a 400 runner. Two and a half months ago, my coaches saw a great potential for me in the 800, and I switched it up. I did very well and almost had the school record in the 400, but in the 800 I've been improving way better. I've been adapting to that event, which is different for the body. I matched my PR, but the way that I ran the race, I even split both laps, which is not ideal for an 800. I was a little trapped throughout the race and had to do a slingshot to try to position myself in the top three."
 
Rosa has continued a tradition of Puerto Rican runners at Valpo that started with Ignacio Veloz Bonilla and continued with rising senior Alejandro Chaves and Rosa.
 
"I did not expect that I would be studying in the U.S., I thought I would be studying here in Puerto Rico," Rosa said. "Coach (Vincent) Walker knows that runners from Puerto Rico have the ability to come to the States and compete. I'm grateful to wear the brown and gold, and I can't wait to do it for two or possibly three more years. The coaches have put a lot of trust in me, and (assistant coach Ricardo) Torres was with me at nationals. Next year is going to be a big year having a full year on the 800 and being able to show the potential that Coach Walker and Coach Torres have told me that I have."