ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico athletic department and track & field program are saddened by the loss of former Lobo track great Steve Caminiti, who passed away Sunday, July 1, in Thousand Oaks, California.
Caminiti starred for the Lobos on the track during the 1960s, qualifying to two NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 1966 and 1967 and stamping his name across the New Mexico track & field record books.
During his time at UNM, Caminiti was a two-time qualifier for the NCAA Outdoor Championships, finishing 10th in the 100-yard dash in 1966 and 18th in the same event in 1967.
Caminiti also won a Western Athletic Conference title in the 440-yard relay in 1967, and won three straight WAC team championships during his time as a Lobo from 1965-67.
He also finished his New Mexico career ranked in a number of events in school history.
Caminiti finished tied for first all-time in both the 100-yard dash and the 60-yard dash indoors, sharing that distinction with teammate Rene Matison. Caminiti also was ranked second in the 330-yard hurdles, eighth in the 440-yard hurdles, 10th in the 120-yard high hurdles and ninth in the long jump.
He was also part of the school-record 440- and 880-yard relays, and played a role in the Lobos’ fourth-best mile relay.