Six Champions Crowned on Day 1 of NCAA Championships
Sondre Guttormsen wins the NCAA Outdoor Pole Vault title at Hayward Field on Wedesday. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Cassie Cole
The NCAA Track and Field Championships kicked off Wednesday at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Day One of the collegiate competition featured men’s semifinals on the track and six event finals.
Waiting for the right time
Logan Blomquist of Southeast Missouri State took first place in the men’s hammer on Wednesday afternoon with a throw of 73.37m (240-8). The fifth-year senior is the first men’s track and field athlete to win an NCAA title for his school.
Blomquist’s winning throw, a personal best, was in stark contrast to his performance from 2019, where he threw “very poorly.” He credits his improvement to changes in his diet and technique in the last two years.
“I told myself at the end of sophomore year, I’m like, I’m gonna throw seventy meters before I die,” said Blomquist. “I dedicated so much time; I finally did it.”
Although Blomquist felt confident coming into the championships, he was still nervous about his performance.
“I knew I was capable,” said Blomquist. “But it didn’t matter, you have to show up and do it on the day.”
Blomquist’s winning throw was an emotional moment and a satisfying conclusion after his disappointment from 2019. “I just dedicated a huge part of my life to hammer throw—I’ve lived and breathed it the last few years,” said Blomquist.
Penn State’s Tyler Merkley was also satisfied with his efforts in the hammer throw. The senior finished second with a throw of 72.70m (238-6), a personal best as well.
“Coming in you knew it was gonna be a battle between basically everyone else at the finals,” said Merkley. He acknowledged that anyone who makes it to the finals is a strong competitor in the event. “Everyone’s always just trying to win,” Merkley added.
The finals were just as competitive as Merkley had anticipated, with the top three finishers all holding first place at one point in the competition. Merkley himself was in first until Blomquist’s winning throw in the final round. His shift to second place didn’t seem to bother him, however.
“It feels good,” said Merkley on his second place finish. “To see stuff come to fruition is really awesome.”
Hopes aiming high
The men’s pole vault turned into a four-hour competition that started Wednesday afternoon and concluded later that night. With 24 athletes in the field, some competitors had to wait over an hour between jumps. Princeton’s Sondre Guttormsen finished first in the event with a height of 5.75m (18-10.25).
The unusual length of the competition was a point of frustration for Guttormsen, who was hoping to break his Norwegian national record of 5.81m.
“It’s a little more difficult when you have to jump for that long and it’s kind of draining too,” said Guttormsen. “So I think that kind of hurt my abilities to go even higher.”
Guttormsen is a Norwegian Olympian and the reigning NCAA Indoor Pole Vault Champion. Despite not meeting his goal, Guttormsen was still satisfied with his result.
“It was tough so it’s kind of like a relief and joy that I’ve now won NCAA Championships twice,” said Guttormsen. “A championship is a championship, we come here to compete against each other and not necessarily the marks.”
Clayton Fritsch of Sam Houston State finished in second behind Guttormsen with a height of 5.70m (18-8.25). The two top finishers were at Hayward Field just two weeks ago for The Prefontaine Classic, where they competed against some of the world’s best professional pole vaulters.
“It was a heck of an experience to be able to go and jump with those guys,” said Fritsch on The Prefontaine Classic. “They’re doing what I’m wanting to do.”
Hayward Field is becoming a second home for Frisch, who will be returning to the venue again for the USATF Outdoor Championships in two weeks. He hopes to learn from his second place finish at the NCAA Championships and apply it at the national championships.
“We wanted to jump big,” Frisch said about his plan Wednesday. “We just gotta keep rolling with it, learn from it, and come back…in a couple weeks.”
Throwing motivation
The men’s javelin final was also held on Day One of the NCAA Championships. Marc Minichello of Penn took first with a throw of 81.17m (266-3), a new personal best.
“The journey has been long and lonely but at the same time a lot of people have been at my side,” said the senior.
Minichello is looking toward the USATF Championships later this month, and he already has a plan based on his performance Wednesday.
“The flight of the javelin is probably the biggest thing—I throw way too high,” he said. He believes he can meet the qualifying standard for the World Championships, especially after his performance at the NCAAs.
Jumping pride
Wayne Pinnock of the University of Tennessee finished first in the men’s long jump on Wednesday with a leap of 8.00m (26-3). This is Pinnock’s second NCAA title after winning at the Indoor Championships earlier this year.
Pinnock explained that although there was pressure to perform today, he was proud of his results.
“It was pretty hard but I just take a deep breath, just get the job done,” said Pinnock. “I love Tennessee and I would give my all for Tennessee.”
End of a journey
The NCAA men’s shot put was a bittersweet event for some of its top finishers as they wrapped up their final collegiate competition. For first place finisher Adrian Piperi, his final college meet was a good one.
“It was a great competition, I think the last round was awesome,” said Piperi after winning in 21.52m (70-7.25). The Texas senior also praised his competitors for their good throws and season bests. “I’m happy how it ended; you can’t really complain with a win,” he added.
Despite his victory, Piperi did go into the competition with some reservations.
“I’m always nervous. I might play it off but I’m always nervous,” he said. Piperi explained that listening to music helps him calm down and prepare before a meet. He also likes to come into the competition with a positive mindset to build on. “I always just kind of bank on myself winning,” said Piperi.
Third place finisher Isaac Odugbesan was also wrapping up his collegiate career on Wednesday. Odugbesan’s farthest throw was 20.48m (67-2.25). The University of Alabama senior had high praise for Piperi and second place finisher Turner Washington.
“In all honesty, they are on a different level,” he said, citing his opponents’ throwing consistency. Odugbesan was still content with his results, though. “I’m happy about it, I’m satisfied. It’s all good.”
Despite falling less than two-miles into the race, Notre Dame’s Dylan Jacobs storms back to win the NCAA 10,000m title on Wednesday. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
Kicks and Hicks
The last final on Day One was the men’s 10,000m race, but the last event was in no way the least.
The 10k kicked off with a strong push from Campbell’s Athanas Kioko, who ran ahead of the main group for much of the race and at one point had a near 100-meter lead on the chase pack.
“Kioko is an interesting athlete just ‘cause every race he does something to make you think about your tactics and your race plan,” said Abdihamid Nur. Nur, of Northern Arizona, finished third with a time of 28:14.51.
Despite Kioko’s strong start, he eventually was eaten up by the pack with less than 3k to go. Kioko held on to finish fifth in 28:17.17. Nur took Kioko’s place as the leader until the bell lap, when he was passed by Notre Dame’s Dylan Jacobs.
About 3K into the race Jacobs fell to the track after tripping over the inside rail. He got back up, however, and tried to pass Nur multiple times. He found his chance in the last 200m. Jacobs finished first with a time of 28:12.32, becoming the second ever men’s 10K national champion in Notre Dame history.
“I was trusting my kick and trusting my fitness honestly,” said Jacobs. “[The championship title] is better than I could ever imagine.”
“I’m so grateful,” he added.
Following closely behind Nur and Jacobs was Stanford’s Charles Hicks. Hicks won the Pac-12 10k title last month. Partway through the race, Hicks’ nose started to bleed.
“It was kinda like breathing through a snorkel for a bit,” said Hicks. He didn’t know the cause of the nosebleed but did explain that he is prone to them. The nosebleed didn’t appear to be too much of a setback for Hicks, who continued to run and ultimately finished sixth in the race.
“[It’s] part of sports, part of life and you gotta keep moving forward,” said Hicks, who took a positive message from his complicated race. “I come away with a lot of confidence in myself and pride that I was able to compete under the circumstances.”
Day Two of the NCAA Championships will feature women’s semifinal and final events. The men of track and field will return on Day Three for the remainder of the final competitions.
Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame induction kicks off NCAA Champs week
The inaugural class of the track & field and cross country Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Joe Zochert
The inaugural Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame Induction was held on Monday. 30 track and field and cross country athletes who have combined for 205 individual college titles, 99 world records, and 19 Olympic gold medals were honored at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene, ORE.
The ceremony was organized by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) and hosted by ESPN’s John Anderson. It was a great way to kick off the week as the 100th NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships, which begin Wednesday at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.
The list of inductees was headlined by Jesse Owens (Ohio St., 1934-36), Steve Prefontaine (Oregon, 1969-73), Carl Lewis (Houston, 1980-81), Jackie Joyner (UCLA, 1981-83,85) and Jenny Barringer (Colorado, 2005-09).
Selection criteria was limited to men who completed collegiate eligibility before 2000, and women who completed theirs prior to 2010.
Steve Prefontaine
Prefontaine was the only former Duck to receive the Hall of Fame nod in the first class. He was represented by his younger sister, Linda Prefontaine.
When asked about her brother’s legacy, she couldn’t help but note how he has stayed relevant over the years in the world of sports.
“His quotes affect everyone, not just in track and field,” she said. “It’s pretty amazing that he is still talked about.”
When asked at the ceremony if anyone gets anything wrong about her brother, Prefontaine pointed out how some portray him as cocky and arrogant.
“When they say he was cocky and self-centered, I don’t think that’s accurate,” she said about her brother. “He was a caring, thoughtful, and compassionate human being, and I think that’s part of his legacy.
“He would definitely be humbled by everything that is still going on that is keeping his name afloat.”
Jenny Barringer (Simpson)
Simpson, a three-time NCAA steeplechase champion, notes that being the youngest of the inaugural class is an honor that isn’t lost on her.
“I have the incredible pleasure of being inducted into this so young,” Barringer said. “So many people in the class are people that played a role into me getting here.”
The former Colorado Buffalo highlighted Joyner, Suzy Favor, and Jim Ryun as fellow inductees who influenced her career when she was younger.
“I had no idea that I would literally follow in their wake,” said Simpson.
Carl Lewis
For Lewis, being included in this hall of fame class is special, as it celebrates the impact his collegiate career had on his life.
“This is an important one because if I hadn’t gone to the University of Houston, you probably wouldn’t know who I am,” he said before the ceremony. “This is probably the most important hall of fame that had a direct impact on my life, so it’s really special.”
His favorite memory of Hayward Field was qualifying for the 1980 Olympics at age 18. That same year, his sister Carol also qualified at the age of 16.
“I don’t know if anything kind of topped that,” he said, despite not competing in the Olympics because of the Olympic boycott. “Two teenagers in the family making the team, and so that was really special for me.”
With Lewis having a unique perspective as both an athlete and a coach, he couldn’t think of a better place than Eugene, Oregon to host the first ever world championships on U.S. soil.
“They have a great facility and the people love track and field here,” he said. “There’s a history there. I think it is a really unique place to have it for the first time.”
Jackie Joyner
The former heptathlete and longer jumper also shared similar sentiments about the world championships being hosted in Eugene.
“I think it could be one of the greatest experiences of all time to be able to have the world championships here on American soil here in Eugene,” she said. “Some of the best fans in the world are here.”
“I just think that people are going to have the experience of a lifetime and ask why it took so long to have it here.”
Erriyon Knighton has a unique approach to racing
Erriyon Knighton speaks at the 2022 Prefontaine Classic press conference. Photo by Mikeisha Kelly
By Joe Zochert
Making his Wanda Diamond League debut at The Prefontaine Classic, American teen phenom Erriyon Knighton placed sixth in the men’s 100 meters with a time of 10.14. It was a loaded field that featured fellow Americans Trayvon Bromell, who won in 9.93, and Fred Kerley, who finished second with a mark of 9.98.
Even though he finished fourth over 200m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Knighton still has not changed his approach to racing.
“I still got the same approach and the same mentality,” Knighton said. “I took every race seriously [last year]. You got to take every race and run it like it is your last one.”
This unwavering mentality has paid dividends as the 18-year-old put together an all-time performance at the LSU Invitational in April, running a personal best 19.49 in the 200m. Only Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake and Michael Johnson have run faster all time.
With these impressive performances and physical gifts, Knighton has drawn comparisons to Usain Bolt from fans and media ever since breaking Bolt’s 200m U20 record in 2021.
However, these comparisons are brushed off by Knighton as he won’t let them get to his head.
“You really don’t want to think about it too much,” he said about the Bolt comparisons. “I feel like when people think about it too much, they get a big head over themself.”
To help avoid letting the comparisons weigh him down, Knighton views himself as a villain going into every race. Just look at the background photo on his Twitter account.
Heath Ledger’s Joker is featured on Knighton’s Twitter profile. Ledger portrayed the iconic DC Comics character in Christopher Nolan’s 2008 film The Dark Knight.
This is a very intriguing twist on Knighton’s perception. He is a reserved and soft-spoken 18-year-old, who has done nothing to earn the label of villain.
Yet, he embraces this identity.
“I just feel like I’m the villain every race, so that’s the reason I picked it,” said Knighton about his Twitter background photo.
“Nobody don’t understand the villain until they really get to know them. Once you get to know them, they aren’t really that bad.”
With this antagonist mindset, his nickname, “Knightmare,” which his coach Jonathan Terry coined for him, also feels fitting.
Looking ahead on Knighton's young athletic career, the Florida native understands he has time to grow, even after his first taste of the world stage last summer.
As he continues to drown out the noise and focus on the big picture of his career, it seems like a matter of time before this self-appointed villain engulfs all of his competitor’s dreams of winning with “Knightmares” of trying to catch up to him.
10,000m Championships kick of 2022 Pre Classic
Joe Klecker (right) out-leans Grant Fisher (left) to win the USATF 10,000m Championships at Hayward Field on Friday. Photo by Mikeisha Kelly
By Joe Zochert
The Prefontaine Classic wasn’t only part of the Wanda Diamond League circuit this year, it also played host to the men’s and women’s USATF 10,000 meter championships on day one.
It was an epic night of American championship races with only three spots for each gender on the line to represent Team USA at the World Championships this summer.
Women’s
Bowerman Track Club’s Karissa Schweizer edged out On Athletics Club’s Alicia Monson for the U.S. title with a season best mark of 30:49.56. Schweizer challenged Monson on the final lap before pulling away on the final curve at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.
Schweizer ran only a mere two seconds behind her personal best of 30:47.99, which came as a surprise after having achilles surgery this past October.
“I’m just so excited that I was able to have that surgery and able to come back so quickly,” said Schweizer after the race.
“I definitely didn’t think that I was in that good of shape. I was very confident that I was in better shape than I was last year. So I’m excited to see where this continues to go.”
Monson, who placed second with a time of 30:51.09, qualified for her first World Championships after competing in the Tokyo games last summer.
The 24-year-old feels more confident after the valuable experience from last summer’s Olympics.
“I came into this 10k in such a different spot compared to last year going into the Olympic Trials,” said Monson. “I just feel like that I can put myself up there in a race and lead the race and be ready for a good finish.”
Karissa Schweizer (left), Alicia Monson (middle) and Natosha Rogers (right) finish first, second and third respectively in the women’s 10,000m championships on Friday. Photo by Mikeisha Kelly
Men’s
The final lap of the men’s 10,000m was a barnburner, with OAC’s Joe Klecker winning with a 28:28.71. Klecker outkicked the American record holder Grant Fisher down the homestretch.
The race had a dramatic twist as reigning 10,000m Olympic Trials champion, Woody Kincaid, dropped out of the event due to injury.
Even with one of the best kickers out of the field, it didn’t affect Klecker’s strategy.
“I’m not paying attention really to what other people are doing. Or like, who’s who, you know,” said Klecker about his mindset when racing. “It’s just like chess, you know, a bunch of pawns out there. I’m not looking at all that scratch.”
The battle for third came down to the wire. Fisher’s teammate Sean McGorty secured the final spot for the U.S. team after Emmanuel Bor fell to the track in the final five meters of the race.
It was a special moment between the two longtime friends Fisher and McGorty, who were also teammates at Stanford. McGorty was one of the reasons that Fisher chose to be a Cardinal, playing host to Fisher on his visit to the school.
With McGorty making the switch from the steeplechase to 10K, Fisher has been a big help to his long-time teammate’s adjusting to the new distance.
“I’m not a big advice giver,” said Fisher. “When you’re surrounded by guys that are used to the training, the grind and everything, I think it rubs off on each other.”
McGorty couldn’t have agreed more.
“I can always look to him as an example,” said McGorty about his teammate. “I think that composure and things like that are pretty calming.”
“He’s always just kind of someone you can base a race off of and know he’s going to be in the right place at the right time.”
Excitement Builds for the 2022 Prefontaine Classic
The Wanda Diamond League trophy and World Athletics Heritage Plaque on display at the 2022 Prefontaine Classic press conference. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Joe Zochert
With the 2022 Prefontaine Classic kicking off later tonight, Friday morning’s press conference was full of action as 15 athletes addressed the media about their season and plans for this Wanda Diamond League meet at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Here are some of the highlights from the presser below.
Schedule Change
With weather concerns, some of Saturday’s events have been moved to Friday night. Men’s pole vault, women’s discus and women’s high jump have been rescheduled to the first day of the Pre Classic. It is a decision that both athletes and race officials made to help ensure the safety of the athletes.
“It was really a great collaborative effort to ensure that we were prioritizing the safety of the athletes,” said TrackTown USA CEO Michael Reilly about the decision. “Really putting them in the best possible position for great performances this evening.”
The new times for the three field events are as follows; Men’s pole vault has been rescheduled to 7:00 p.m., women’s high jump has been moved to 7:05 p.m. and women’s discus will start at 8:46 p.m.
Paralympics Return to Pre Classic
It has been 33 years since paralympic athletes have been featured at the Pre Classic. For paralympic athletes like Scout Bassett and Blake Leeper, the opportunity to compete and be represented at a Diamond League event is something that they don’t take lightly.
“I remember when I got the email, I had to read it a few times because I didn't think it was real,” said Bassett, who is competing in the women’s 100m T63.
Bassett, a two-time World Championship bronze medallist, hopes that fans get to see that behind every paralympic athlete there is a special story about why they are competing.
Scout Bassett
Blake Leeper
“Each one of us has an amazing story because something out of the ordinary has had to happen in all of our lives for us to even be able to compete at the Paralympics,” said Bassett about what she hopes fans can appreciate about paralympic athletes.
Leeper, a competitor in the men’s 400m T62, is also excited about this opportunity to make more fans of paralympic sports. He believes that the Pre Classic is a step in the right direction that could help bring more inclusion to the sport.
“Hopefully after this weekend, we'll gain so many more fans for life,” said Leeper.
Bowerman Mile
This year’s Bowerman Mile features reigning Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen as he faces off against a loaded field that includes Cole Hocker, Clayton Murphy and Timothy Cheruiyot.
Ingebrigtsen, last year’s Bowerman Mile winner, finished second in the 1500m at the Indoor World Championships earlier this year. The 21-year-old already has an Olympic gold medal along with two European gold medals.
With such an impressive resumé already, the next logical step would be to try to take a run at a world record. However, for Ingebrigtsen, breaking records isn’t his focus at the moment.
“My main goal is as always trying to improve and run faster than I've done before,” said Ingebrigtsen about his focus when it comes to setting a world record.
Olympic gold medalist Jakob Ingebrigtsen looks to defend his Bowerman Mile title this weekend. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
Nelson, Williams dominate sprints at Pac-12s
Oregon’s Kemba Nelson claims the Pac-12 100m title on Sunday, clocking a personal best 11.05. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Cassie Cole
Oregon swept the 100m and 200m dash at the Pac-12 Championships on Sunday, demonstrating their sprinting power. Both the men’s and women’s races were won by the same Oregon runner.
Nelson nonstop
Kemba Nelson won the women’s 100m with a season best of 11.05. The redshirt senior, who transferred to Oregon last year, came first in her prelim heat on Saturday running 11.23, the third fastest time overall among the finals qualifiers.
Cal’s Ezinne Abba and USC’s Celera Barnes took second and third place in the 100m, respectively. The two women gave Nelson a good push to the finish.
“I know the USC girl next to me is always a good starter,” said Nelson after the race. “Coach always says, ‘break them at the start and just keep going.’”
The women’s 100m wasn’t Nelson’s first race of the day, however—she ran the second leg of the 4x100m relay early Sunday afternoon. The Oregon women’s relay team finished first with a season best of 42.91.
Although Nelson had a busy afternoon of events, the relay didn’t slow her down.
“It was like a confidence booster going into the individual races,” said Nelson, who was able to celebrate with her relay team on the podium before preparing for her next two races. “The team was very positive.
The positivity stuck through the women’s 200m dash, where Nelson again took first place. Abba finished in second again and UCLA’s Shae Anderson finished third. Nelson’s winning time of 22.74 was a personal best, and a hard-earned one at that.
“It was harder, really 200 will always be a little bit harder for me,” said Nelson. She explained that the hard turn at the beginning of the race required a different strategy than the 100m. Nelson amassed a total of 22.5 points at the Pac-12 Championships this weekend and was named Women’s Athlete of the Meet.
Micah Williams sets a new Pac-12 championship meet record, 9.93, to win the 100m title on his home track on Sunday. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
Williams on winning
Oregon freshman Micah Williams also had a standout sprint performance on Sunday. Like Nelson, Williams began his day running the second leg of the 4x100m relay for the men’s team. The team finished third with a time of 39.39.
Williams then went on to win the men’s 100m. His winning time of 9.93 was a personal record and a meet record for the Pac-12 Championships. Williams beat out Stanford’s Udodi Onwuzurike and reigning Pac-12 100m Champion Davonte Burnett of USC, who finished second and third respectively.
But like Nelson, Williams didn’t stop there. Less than an hour after the 100m, Williams was back on the track to run the 200m. When asked if he heard the Hayward Field crowd cheering for him, Williams shook his head.
“I didn’t hear it,” said Williams. “I was dying. I was dying.”
“We had no rest,” Williams later added.
Back-to-back races didn’t stop Williams from winning the 200m, however. His time of 20.05 was another personal record to add to the books, but it was a close win. Onwuzurike, also running the 200m, finished just after Williams with 20.09.
“In the 200 I didn’t even know that I won,” said Williams. Onwuzurike and Williams ran so closely together that Williams didn’t notice he had won the race until he saw the times on the jumbotron.
“I didn’t expect that,” said Williams.
A new example
For Williams, there was a deeper message behind his sprint wins on Sunday.
“Oregon’s not historically known for our sprint state, but that’s all possible,” said Williams. He hopes to inspire other Oregon runners and open doors for them to be sprinters and win their races at Oregon.
“I try to be the inspiration for them,” said Williams.
Williams collected a total of 21.5 points at the Pac-12 Championships and was named Men’s Athlete of the Meet. The Oregon men and women’s teams both won the team title at the competition, marking the 10th sweep in program history.
Oregon busts out the brooms, sweeps Pac-12 titles
The Women and Men of Oregon celebrate after sweeping the Pac-12 titles in front of their home crowd at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon on Sunday. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Joe Zochert
The final day of the Pac-12 Championships wrapped up Sunday at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon and it was a day dominated by finals and stellar performances.
Oregon Takes Home both Men’s and Women’s Titles
The men won with 161 points to extend their 15-year streak, while the women scored 167 points to ruin USC’s dream of winning their fourth title in a row.
It was a great day for the Oregon Ducks in their home stadium. The team won 12 events over the three day meet, clinching seven of them on the final day on Sunday.
Having both teams win together for the first time since 2017 will be a memory that Oregon head coach Robert Johnson will always treasure.
“That’s definitely going to be one of the things that I remember out of this year and out of all my years here,” said coach Johnson.
Coach Johnson wasn’t only impressed by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers, he was proud of the depth that the rest of the team displayed over the past three days.
“You guys know that we have a balanced approach,” Johnson said after winning both team titles. “We got bullets everywhere.”
Another win, but still more work for van Klinken
For the second year in a row Jorinde van Klinken took the Pac-12 title in the women’s discus, winning with a throw of 60.87 (199-08) on Sunday. The 2021 NCAA discus champion dominated the field as all five of her throws would have won her the competition.
Even with the great performance, the 2020 Olympian still sees work to be done with the NCAA championships looming.
“We’re working a lot on technique right now,” she said. “So my rhythm is just so far off that I basically look like a snail throwing (the discus), just super slow.”
Oregon Dominates Sprints
The short sprints were where the Ducks scored the most points. They captured the conference title in each individual event and won the women’s 4x100m. Both the women’s and men’s side each scored a combined 93 points between the 4x100m, 100m and 200m.
Oregon sprinting stars Kemba Nelson and Micah Williams would go on to score the most points for their teams. Nelson had 22.5 of the women’s 167 points and Williams added 21.5 to the men’s 161 points.
Nelson dominated with wins in the 4x100m, 100m and 200m. The senior ran a personal best 22.74 in the 200m, a season best 11.05 in the 100m, and helped the 4x100m team get their best mark of the season with a time of 42.91.
Nelson credits the first win in the 4x100m relay as a “confidence booster” to start the day.
For the men, Williams captured the title in both the men’s 100m and 200m. In the 100m, he won with a personal best and meet record of 9.93, then he followed it up by setting another PB in the 200m with a mark of 20.03.
The Portland-born athlete came in with a solid plan for the weekend.
“Ultimately, I was wanting to execute my race and just give my team a chance,” he said.
Williams was also very happy to see the Oregon women dominate the Pac-12's alongside the men’s team.
“I’m just happy that we’re winning on both sides; guys 15 years in a row, girls for the first time in four years,” he added. “I’m excited to come home and represent wins on both sides.”
Colorado’s Women complete Distance Sweep
The Colorado women swept the distance events at the Pac-12’s as Micaela DeGenero won the 1500m, Madi Boreman became a two-time champ in the steeple and Abby Nichols took both titles in the 5,000m and 10,000m
On Sunday, Degenero won the women’s 1500m with a season best 4:13.26. It was a patient race for the graduate student as she worked her way into the winning position at the bell lap and never looked back.
“I felt pretty prepared for whatever situation that the race threw at me,” she said about her mentality going into this race.
“If it went out fast, I was ready to run hard and it would have been nice to go for time, but at the same time, I have a strong kick. So the slower races usually play to my strengths more”
In the 5,000m, Nichols secured her second conference title after setting the meet record in her victory in the 10,000m on Friday.
After finishing runner up in both of these events last year, she can only see how she has improved as a runner.
“It’s a way to see that I’ve gotten better by getting a place higher,” Nichols added as she acknowledged how strong all the women are in the Pac-12.
“The Pac-12 women are so strong, you never know what’s gonna happen and they definitely make you work for the win,” Nichols said after winning the 5,000m. “I’m just happy to be a part of such a good conference.”
Discus Record Falls
California’s Mykolas Alekna won the conference title in the men’s discus with a personal best of 68.73m (225-06), setting a new meet record.
He beat the 2013 record of 65.41m (214-7) by UCLA’s Julian Wright on his second throw and continued to extend on his fourth and fifth throws of the competition.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, the freshman broke his own collegiate discus record and has climbed to second in the world in the event. Alekna only trails the reigning Olympic champion Daniel Stahl in the world rankings.
Cooking in the 800m
Oregon’s Elliot Cook was victorious in the men’s 800m final with a PB of 1:48.81. He credited Saturday’s prelims for playing a part in his strategy today.
“From the prelim perspective, yesterday, I kind of realized that taking out from the gun and being in first through that first 200 meters allows you to dictate the race a little bit more,” said Cook about his preparation for the final.
The freshman also talked about the hometown crowd at Hayward, providing an atmosphere unlike anything he has ever heard.
“If you’re in first or you pass someday, you can hear that roar,” said Cook after the race. “It’s something else, you don’t see that anywhere else.”
Ross breaks Oregon school record, finishes second at Pac-12 champs
Oregon’s Jaida Ross finishes second in the Pac-12 Championship shot put, breaking the school record with her first attempt throw of 17.55m (57-7). Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Cassie Cole
The shot put may be an individual event, but the theme for the Pac-12 competition this year was teamwork. The women’s and men’s shot put were held Saturday afternoon at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.
An Oregon record falls
Arizona State’s Jorinde Van Klinken took first place with a throw of 18.31m (60-1). The Dutch thrower competed in the discus at the Tokyo Olympics last year and will also be competing in the discus event on Sunday.
Jaida Ross of Oregon threw a school record of 17.55m (57-7) to come in second place. For Ross, breaking the school record was the most important achievement of her Saturday performance.
“Even when I was getting recruited, I was like, ‘I wanna go to Oregon and I wanna be one of the best to walk on here, I want to be a part of that,’” said Ross. She may have achieved her goal, but Ross believes there’s more to come.
“It just feels like a process, and it’s been building and building,” said Ross about her training. “I’m feeling a peak coming.”
Ross’ training has been elevated by teammate Mine De Klerk, who came fourth in the shot put with a throw of 16.98m (55-8.5). The two athletes pushed each other to improve during training and Ross is excited for the friendly competition between them.
“I have an amazing teammate right behind me. She’s gonna push me and she’s gonna beat me one day,” said Ross. Although she’s happy about her school record, Ross acknowledged that it may be broken again. “It’s a competition and it’s a happy competition and I can’t wait for it.”
“Everybody wants to, like, ‘we hate each other’ or something like that—we love each other! And I’m cheering her on and I’m right behind her every time,” Ross added.
Cal’s Josh Johnson earned his spot atop the podium with his 19.95m (65-5.5) put on day 2 of the Pac-12 Championships. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
Team victories
Ross wasn’t the only shot putter to credit her success to teammate competition. Cal’s Josh Johnson, winner of the men’s shot put, also discussed the impact of his team. Johnson’s winning throw of 19.95m (65-5.5) was a personal best for the Golden Bear.
“They push me every day to just be the best I can be and I hope I do the same for them,” said Johnson. “It’s honestly, like, the best group in the country, I’m not gonna lie.”
Johnson explained that his teammates made Cal “an amazing environment to train in,” highlighting teammates like Camryn Rogers, who came first in the women’s hammer throw, and Jeff Duensing, who took third in the men’s shot put.
“I feel like you need that camaraderie, that family, if you want to do great things as a team,” said Johnson.
Looking forward
The emotions seemed to be high for many of the shot putters on Saturday, including second place-finisher Jacob Wilson. Wilson, of UCLA, has been dealing with a groin injury and had a “really tough season.” His farthest throw in the competition, 19.28m (63-3.25), was a season best.
“This has been plaguing me all season so it was really emotional for me to go out there, you know, my very last year, and put out a second place throw,” said Wilson.
Wilson’s throw was the turnaround he needed to get ready for regionals and nationals, where he believes he’ll be able to go for a top spot once he heals completely. Saturday’s Pac-12 competition, which Wilson has been thinking about for months, was a satisfying first step.
“I just felt it, I was like, ‘oh my gosh, I really did this,’” said Wilson. “To actually make that realization is just one of the greatest feelings.”
Stellar steeplechases highlight day 2 at Pac-12 champs
Colorado’s Madie Boreman wins her second Pac-12 steeplechase title at Hayward Field on Day 2 of the championships. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Joe Zochert
The second day of the Pac-12 Championships were highlighted by the women’s and men’s 3,000m steeplechase. The weather was perfect for competitive racing on Saturday as seven women recorded personal bests and the top-three finishers in the men’s race ran top-10 marks in the nation for the season.
Bookend Titles
In the women’s steeplechase, Colorado’s Madie Boreman secured the Pac-12 title with a personal best of 9:42.22. It was a full circle moment for the graduate student as she also won the steeple at the conference championships her freshman year in 2017.
“I knew it’d be kind of a full circle moment today,” said Boreman as she reflected on her victory. “So to come back in, win it after a tough two or three years of injuries is more than I could ask for.”
Bookending her collegiate career with Pac-12 titles is a special moment, but the woman who won this year is a different person from five years ago.
“I’m definitely a little bit more mature,” said Boreman, who is now ranked No. 5 in the nation in the event.
“As far as racing, I think freshman year I kind of was just like, I was gonna do everything for fun and now I am more aware of what my strengths are and how I should respond to react in a race.”
Both of her Pac-12 titles in the steeplechase came at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Each time has been special as she experienced victories in both the historic and reimagined venues.
“Winning in Hayward is so special,” she said. “Being able to do it in the old one and now the new one is really cool, especially in the same event.”
Mitchell Finding a new Gear
Oregon State’s Kaylee Mitchell came in second place in the steeplechase with a season best 9:48.79. The junior put together a gutsy performance, leading the front pack for the first mile of the race.
However, her leading early in the race wasn’t what she had planned for Saturday’s final.
“I was not planning on doing that at all, but I was already up there,” said Mitchell about her fast start. “It’s not like I’m gonna stop and just like go to the back.”
Despite the impromptu start to the race, Mitchell still has her coach Louie Quintana believing that she has the potential to find a new gear to win these big races.
“There’s always this moment in a race where she kind of doesn’t necessarily push to get closer,” said Quintana about Mitchell’s race. “Now, it’s just kind of like believing that she can really stay in on the front pack and give herself a chance to be competitive.”
Saturday’s performance by both Mitchell and her teammate, Grace Fetherstonhaugh, who finished fourth with a 9:57.42, is an encouraging sign for Quintana that both his steeplechasers can make it to the NCAA Championships.
“I think they’re setting themselves up well, I think both of them can run in the 9:30’s,” added the Oregon St. Coach. “It gives themselves a chance to possibly make it to the NCAA meet.”
Washington’s Brian Fay takes the Pac-12 steeplechase title in his first time ever competing at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
Fay’s Hayward Debut
Washington’s Brian Fay pulled out the victory in the men’s steeplechase with a mark of 8:32.47, which is the seventh best time in the nation. He beat out Stanford’s Ky Robinson and Washington St.’s Colten Johnsen, who finished second and third respectively.
The senior from Ireland was relieved to win his first ever steeplechase for Washington after transfering from Dublin University this past year.
“I’m kind of happy and kind of relieved,” said Fay after the race. He is happy to be part of a “phenomanal squad” at Washington.
The Pac-12 Championship was also Fay’s first time visiting Hayward Field. The venue did not disappoint for the Irishman.
“I think it’s an incredible facility, it’s probably the best facility I’ve ever ran in,” he said about his first experience at Hayward.
With this conference title, Fay is feeling confident. He believes he is fit enough to be competitive in multiple events at nationals depending on what the team needs.
“I’ll see whatever my coach, Andy Powell says,” he said. “I really like the 5k, I like the 1500 as well.”
“I’ll do whatever I’m told to do. I like all the events and I like how I have the range to be able to choose from whatever.”
With a wide arsenal to pick from in order to score for the Huskies, Fay hopes that he can continue his season after the collegiate championships.
“I would like to go back and race in Europe through June and July, but we’ll see what the plan is and what’s in store.”
Oregon javelin throwers earn 22 points at Pac-12 Championships
Ty Hampton brings home the first Pac-12 title for the Ducks in 2022, winning the javelin on Friday night. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Joe Zochert
On a rainy day one of the 2022 Pac-12 Championships, Oregon’s Ty Hampton shined on his second attempt with a throw of 73.86 (242-4) to capture the conference title in the men’s javelin.
Even with the weather conditions at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon, it did not hinder the North Bend native as he threw farther than anyone on all six of his throws.
“Throw for feel,” he said about his approach. “That’s all I went out there and did.”
These results show the progress that the redshirt freshman has made since last year. Hampton missed all of the 2021 season due to a back injury and was unable to compete in 2020 after the season was canceled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s kind of crazy to think last year I was not considering being in this position,” said Hampton, who watched last year’s championships from home. “I’m happy I made the safe road to recovery and I’m able to perform.”
Despite his individual success this season, Hampton is just the tip of the iceberg of Oregon’s depth with javelin throwers.
In Friday's final three other Ducks scored in the event. Hampton’s three teammates; sophomore Eric Lyon, junior Dalton Rasmussen and freshman Asher Krauel, all finished in the top eight with him.
The quartet scored 22 of Oregon’s 28 points on day 1 of the conference championship, providing momentum to a team looking to win its 15th consecutive Pac-12 title this weekend.
Hampton credited the special bond between him and his three teammates for both individual and team success this year.
“I have not had a better dynamic than that, this year,” he said. “We are the number one jav-squad in the nation and it proves today.”
Hampton credits encouragement as the reason for the positive environment that allows the four of them to excel.
“We all feed off of each other, all of us are hyping each other up,” he added. “It’s a very cohesive dynamic and I can’t ask for anything better. I love my team.”
Oregon’s Eric Lyon finished third in the javelin at the 2022 Pac-12 Championships, throwing 66.29 (212-1). Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
Lyon, Hampton’s teammate, agreed with the sentiments of this special dynamic they have all made.
“It’s an incredible training group, I wouldn’t want it to be any other way,” said Lyon, who finished third place with a throw of 66.29 (212-1). “We all push each other. Hype each other up.”
Even with the differing success and experience between these four, Hampton doesn’t see a hierarchy or anything dictated by egos among the group. He believes this mindset is what makes it so special.
“None of us are looking down on each other because someone has a better PR,” he said about the respect that they have for each other.
“All of us can learn from each other and I think that’s what makes us different from other Jav-squads out there.”
Meet record falls in 10K on Day 1 of Pac-12 Championships
Colorado’s Abby Nichols breaks the Pac-12 10,000m record at the conference championship meet at Hayward Field, clocking 32:27.25. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Cassie Cole
A little rain didn’t stop the runners from achieving meet and personal records in the 10,000m on Friday evening at the Pac-12 Track and Field Championships. Day One of the championships at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon wrapped up with the women’s and men’s 10K races.
Meet Record for the Nichols
University of Colorado’s Abby Nichols ran her way to victory in the women’s 10k with a personal record of 32:27.25. This was a meet record as well, shaving 11 seconds off the previous mark of 32:38.73 from 2021. The Friday evening race was Nichols’ first 10k of the season and a satisfying win after finishing second at last year’s Pac-12 Championships.
“It’s just a lot of fun, you know, to get out there and see your hard work pay off,” said Nichols. “I’ve had a year to get even better and stronger and learn more about my strengths.”
Although University of Washington’s Haley Herberg led the women’s 10k for most of the race, Nichols stayed tucked in close behind, ultimately taking the lead in the final lap. For the Colorado standout, waiting until the last moment to move to the front was a gamble.
“I trusted that I had another gear or two, but you never know what the other runner has either,” said Nichols, explaining her race plan. “I didn’t know if I left it too long.”
Nichols wasn’t the only runner with a fresh take on the distance. Friday’s 10k was a first for Oregon’s Alessia Zarbo, who came in second with 32:28.57. The redshirt sophomore surprised herself with her time after coming into the race free of expectations.
“I was thinking it was gonna hurt real bad but I felt comfortable through 8k,” said Zarbo after the race. “Definitely happy with my race though.”
Colorado’s Emily Covert finished third and Herberg finished fourth. Both women ran a PR and the top four finishers all ran faster than the previous meet record.
Final Lap Frenzy
The men’s 10k also experienced a heated final lap. Although Stanford’s Charles Hicks finished in first with 28:11.17, Aaron Bienenfeld of Oregon led for much of the race. Hicks and Washington’s Kieran Lumb ran closely behind. Lumb ultimately finished second and Bienenfeld finished third.
Bienenfeld, who had not run a 10k in over a year, led the men’s race for 22 laps. He was cautious, however, knowing that it would come down to the final lap.
“You can lead the race for 24 laps and you can still end up in fifth, sixth,” said Bienenfeld after the race. “I was ready for anything the last lap.” Hicks and Lumb passed Bienenfeld right at the bell.
Stanford’s Charles Hicks soaks it all in on his bare-foot victory lap around Hayward Field after winning the Pac-12 Championship 10,000m on Friday. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
Help From the Jumbotron
Hicks knew the competition he was up against. Even as the defending Pac-12 10,000m champion, Hicks explained that he felt “a little scared” over the challenge of beating Bienenfeld and Lumb.
“I knew coming into this race that Lumb had an exceptional 1500, mile pedigree,” said Hicks. “I knew Bienenfeld as well was a very strong runner over long distances.”
“I was kind of fighting both sides of the coin of 10k talent, so to speak,” Hicks added.
As Hicks took the lead, he knew that Lumb was behind him. But Hayward Field’s new jumbotron, brightly lighting up the venue, revealed Lumb was closer than he thought.
“I look up there and he’s holding, step for step,” said Hicks. It took one last surge for Hicks to ensure victory over Lumb, who ran a PR of 28:11.49.
For Lumb, the race went according to plan. He knew that Hicks, who ran 27:40.16 in a 10k last month, was going to be the runner to follow.
“I just wanted to stay close with him and stay in contact and just try to stay as smooth as possible so that if and when he did make a move, I was there,” said Lumb.
Nationals on the Horizon
For the men and women who ran the 10k last night, the focus now turns to the national championships next month. The NCAA Championships, taking place in just three weeks, will also be held at Hayward Field. The race Friday night was a dress rehearsal of sorts for many of the athletes competing.
“It’s a good test for the next coming races like nationals,” said Nichols, who isn’t yet sure if she will run the 10k at the championships. Nichols also runs the 5,000m and will be competing in Sunday’s race.
Hicks has his eyes on nationals as well. “What I really wanted to come into this race doing was getting ready for nationals,” he said. “Especially because we’re at the venue, against great competition.”
With the competition of Friday’s 10k races alone, the NCAA Championships next month promise to be an exciting show.
Luis Peralta gets back on track with victory at Oregon Twilight
Oregon’s Luis Peralta (left) out-leans Olympian Cole Hocker (right) to win the 2022 Oregon Twilight 800m on Friday. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Joe Zochert
At Friday night’s Oregon Twilight, Luis Peralta raced with a different perspective than normal. “It was either race, or my season was over.”
The Duck was able to rise to the occasion with a thrilling 800m win, clocking a 1:49.12 to barely edge out Cole Hocker in head-to-head battle. Hocker placed second with a 1:49.15.
Despite the big win over the 2020 Olympian, the opportunity for Peralta to even race on Friday night was more important than the victory.
The Twilight meet at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon was a do-or-die situation for his season as an injury threatened to hold him out of his last chance to qualify for regionals.
“I’ve got a little (calf) strain, I’ve been doing a lot of cross training,” Peralta said of his injury he sustained two weeks prior to the meet.
After being added to the 800m field late on Thursday, Peralta knew that his goal was to get a qualifying time and earn his spot at regionals.
“I was focused on getting 1:50 to go to regionals,” he said.
With that time, his season should continue as it will likely secure him a spot in the West Region’s top 48 in the event. In May, the top athletes will get to compete at the West Preliminary Rounds in Arkansas and fight for their spot in the NCAA Championships at Hayward Field.
Friday’s result will definitely come as a sigh of relief for the Oregon redshirt sophomore. Peralta can now prioritize getting healthy.
“I feel good right now,” he assured after his 800m win.
This race could be a sign of progress for Peralta, who has been bitten twice by the injury bug this season, also straining his hamstring at the end of his indoor season.
His performance at the Twilight was a season’s best time and marked his first sub-1:50 run for the season. Peralta broke that mark eight times in 2021, but he still came up short of his goals in the Olympic year.
“I was less than a second away from the Olympic standard,” said Peralta about his 2021 season. “So I am very motivated to work hard and make it to Worlds.”
Even with last season providing motivation, there is another thing that goes through his mind to help distract him from his injuries when racing.
“Winning. I just focus on winning.”
Carrie Dimoff Completes BTC’s Marathon Sweep
Nike footwear developer Carrie Dimoff wins the 2022 Eugene Marathon in 2:43.51. Photo by Logan Hanningan-Downs
By Cassie Cole
Bowerman Track Club’s Carrie Dimoff ran her way to first place at the Eugene Marathon on Sunday. Dimoff’s time of 2:43:51 was the second win of the day for BTC after teammate Tyler Morse took first place in the men’s marathon with a time of 2:20:29.
The win was bittersweet for Dimoff, who came in thirteenth in the women’s marathon at the World Athletics Championships in 2019. She was hoping to meet the marathon qualifying standard of 2:37.00 to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Trials. Partway through the marathon, Dimoff realized that she wouldn’t be able to reach her goal.
“We felt like it was just tough from the start,” said Dimoff. Dimoff, a Nike footwear developer, ran the marathon with fellow athlete and coworker Kaitlyn Peale. “We just refocused around halfway and said, ‘we’re just gonna finish.’”
“It was a struggle the whole way,” Dimoff added.
Finishing in itself proved difficult, however. Dimoff struggled after mile nine and at times didn’t know if she would be able to complete the marathon. “There were times when I was like, ‘I really don’t feel good, maybe I should drop out,’” Dimoff said. “And it’s like, I’m leading the race! You can’t drop out when you’re leading!”
Sunday’s Eugene Marathon is the first time the race has been held in-person since 2019. The marathon weekend included the 5k race on Saturday and the half and full marathons on Sunday. All three races ended in Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. The race weekend has not been held in Hayward Field since 2018, before the stadium was rebuilt.
Running fans were able to enter Hayward Field without tickets or cost during the race weekend to cheer on the runners as they finished their race. Fans and family members also lined the course across Eugene, cheering on the runners with cowbells and homemade signs.
The cheers grew louder as Dimoff entered the stadium and approached the finish line. “Once you get into the stadium it’s like free energy, the crowd will give you all the energy,” said Dimoff.
Although she ran the 10k in the Olympic Trials at Hayward Field last summer, this was Dimoff’s first time running the Eugene Marathon. Her favorite parts of the marathon course included the Eugene bike paths and running through Alton Baker Park.
For Dimoff, the Eugene marathon experience held an important lesson for runners and watchers alike. “You never know, someone might be running fast, but everyone’s hurting out there. We’re all just trying super hard,” she said.
"We’re out here competing ultimately against the other runners and today’s not our day with the time. We’re just gonna run our best, leave it all out on the course.”
The Oregon O means a little more to Justin Gallegos this weekend
University of Oregon Alumni Justin Gallegos (front) and his father Brent (back) running the 2022 Eugene Half Marathon. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Joe Zochert
Participants of the 2022 Eugene Marathon crossed the finish line at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon on May 1st. Among the finishers was Justin Gallegos, who has been a consistent source of inspiration in the running community over the years.
In 2018, Gallegos became the first sponsored Nike athlete with cerebral palsy and has been running half and full marathons ever since.
With the Eugene Marathon back on, he was very excited to finish his third Eugene Half Marathon in a time of 1:56:48.
“It’s really good to be back and running and finishing on Hayward,” said Gallegos after completing the half marathon.
Even though he is no longer sponsored by Nike, he is working hard and running races in hopes of finding new ones.
“I’m looking for new sponsors. I’m reaching out (and) still running races,” said Gallegos about his current sponsorship status.
Gallegos’ father, Brent, has witnessed his growth and hard work over the years through running.
Brent has been there running by Justin's side since summer cross-country camp his freshman year of high school. Even now, he is nothing short of amazed at what his son has done through running.
“He always just continues to amaze, impress, inspire and motivate,” said Brent about Justin’s impact through running. “Today was supposed to be a nice Sunday run and ended up almost being a PR.”
Gallegos’ hard work has not only translated into running, but also into school. Last year, he graduated with a degree in Advertising from the University of Oregon.
“It’s just impressive with his determination and his willing[ness] to work,” said Brent about his son’s work ethic.
After crossing the finish line in 1:56:48, Brent Gallegos (right) places a finisher medal around his son Justin’s neck, a tradition they have maintained at every half or full marathon the duo have run. Photo by Jake Willard
During his race, the former UO running club member was wearing a yellow Oregon singlet. But this kit meant more on the day. Gallegos was wearing the singlet to celebrate being featured in the Hayward Hall museum, which is located inside the tower at Hayward Field.
Gallegos and his family did not even know about this honor until they made an impromptu visit to Hayward Hall over marathon weekend.
When Gallegos saw his photo in the museum, he felt honored to be highlighted among the track and field greats.
“That was a very emotional moment,” he said. “I am very honored to be featured in the museum along with some of the greatest athletes and coaches of all time.”
His picture is next to Oregon decathlete Ashton Eaton and Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, who is the world record holder in the marathon.
With years of hard work under his belt, Gallegos now has a permanent place in Oregon track and field history to help remind him of the tremendous influence that he has had on the running community.
“It made me extra proud to be a Duck,” said Gallegos. “And knowing that I made that much of an impact in Eugene and Track Town, it's an honor.”
Hocker, Teare, West, Wisner run second fastest 4xmile ever at Oregon Relays
Cooper Teare breaks the tape for Duck Track Club in the 4xmile relay, stopping the clock at 15:52.05, the second fastest time ever run. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Cassie Cole
Hayward Field at the University of Oregon was filled with track fans Saturday night—and not just in the seats. Attendees at the Oregon Relays were invited to stand in lanes 7-9 to cheer on four former Ducks as they attempted a world best in the 4xmile.
Oregon running alums Matt Wisner, James West, Cole Hocker and Cooper Teare were planning to run the fastest 4xmile ever on Saturday. The time to beat was 15:49.08, a world best that has been held by Ireland since 1985. The relay team was unable to beat the mark, but are now second all-time after getting the baton around in 15:52.05.
“To come in here, really the goal was just to have fun,” said Teare after the race. “We decided why not, so to give a crack at it and be number two all-time is really cool.” Teare, who ran the final leg of the relay, finished his mile in 3:53.24.
The “Duck Track Club,” as the former Ducks named themselves, was joined by two teams of current Oregon runners as well as a fourth, unattached relay team. Duck Track was aiming for an average mile time of 3:57. Pacing lights along the track were programmed separately for each leg to match the preferred pace of the runner. Wisner opened things up with a 3:59.68 split.
Hocker, running the third leg of the relay, had never run with pace lights before. He explained after the race that he found them helpful, albeit difficult to catch up to once the lights were ahead of him. The lights remained in the lead throughout Hocker’s 3:57.31 leg but by the time he passed the baton off to Teare, the lights were off entirely.
Teare wasn’t fazed. “I’m honestly probably happy they didn’t have them on,” said Teare. “Just knowing I kind of did it myself, I think it kind of shows where I’m at fitness-wise.”
Cole Hocker (left) receives the baton from James West (right) in front of a large crowd of fans lining the track at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
Positive energy is exactly what the Duck Track Club team needs after the past week. Despite the only recent announcement of the team’s attempt at a world best, the runners received a lot of negative feedback online.
“I feel like if I had to read all that all the time, I would be so unconfident and stressed out,” said Wisner. He clarified that much of the negative attention comes from people pitting Duck Track Club against On Athletics Club for not joining the latter at the Penn Relays 4xmile attempt next week.
“The other guys who are gonna attempt [the world best] next week are my friends and I really want them to do well,” said Wisner. “It’s kinda weird to be pitted against people you like.”
“I was feeling really terrible about it all,” Wisner added.
Once the runners arrived at Hayward Field, however, the crowd helped turn up their confidence. In continuing a tradition started during the last 4xmile world best attempt at Hayward in 2009, fans were encouraged to come down from their seats and stand on the track for a front-row view of the race.
The cheers of the crowd brought the Hayward energy to life. “It’s just an explosion of noise,” said Hocker.
Although the Duck Track Club was unable to run a new world best in the 4xmile this weekend, they still have their eyes on the record. In a post-race interview with the group, West, who ran 4:01.81 in his split, expressed his hope to make the 4xmile attempt a tradition at the Oregon Relays.
“I’m sure next year we’ll get our record,” West said.
Matt Wisner (left) and Cooper Teare (right) celebrate after running the second fastest 4xmile relay ever at the 2022 Oregon Relays. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
Attempting the record at Hayward Field, a place that is no stranger to big meets and big records, with fans surrounding the track is quite the experience for all involved. But for the Duck Track Club, their most important experience is the team itself.
“Doing [the race] with guys I train with every day is super cool and it doesn’t get much better than this crowd,” said Teare. “Doing it with a group of guys, a ragtag group of guys who are just out here trying to have some fun.”
Holdsworth’s Dress Rehearsal in the men’s 800m
Derek Holdsworth captures his second 800m victory at Hayward Field in 2022, breaking the tape in 1:47.59 to win the Oregon Relays on Saturday. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Joe Zochert
Coming into the final lap of the men’s 800m at Oregon Relays, a tight pack of collegians and pros passed the Bowerman Tower and began jockeying for position with 200m remaining. It was a moment Derek Holdsworth had been practicing for.
As they made the turn into the home straight, Holdsworth, 26, opted to swing to the outside lanes to avoid getting boxed as Wisconsin sophomore Abdullahi Hassan and Brooks Beast TC’s Brannon Kidder were surging. The Bell Lap Elite athlete powered home in 1:47.59 to take the victory at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.
“Wherever I knew I had a chance [to win], [that’s] where I wanted to be,” said Holdsworth about what made him decide to move out to the third lane.
His gamble paid off as it put him in the position to nudge past Hassan, who placed 2nd with a mark of 1:47.66. Kidder held on to 3rd place with a time of 1:48.30.
Thanks to the performance at Oregon Relays, Holdworth now has two victories in the 800m at Hayward Field this season.
Three weeks ago, he won the Hayward Premiere with a season best 1:47.20 in a competitive field of college runners.
“Winning races is really key,” he said about his two recent wins at Hayward. “Hopefully, I can get in the same race with Donovan [Brazier] or something like that and try the same stuff.”
Even though the outdoor season is still young, Holdsworth knows how important they can be as the season progresses.
“You might not win, but you get a time,” he said about his mentality for these early season races. “I would really love to keep on rehearsing of what I have been doing.
For the rest of the season, Holdsworth will be rehearsing for the big stage like the USATF Championships this June.
Meets records fall on day two of Oregon Relays
Mia Brahe-Pedersen from Lake Oswego sets the meet record in the girls 100m and 200m, and anchors her team to victory in the 4x100m relay at the 2022 Oregon Relays. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Joe Zochert
The Oregon Relays ended Saturday night at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. The meet was full of highlights as it had athletes from middle school, high school, college and the pros converge on Track Town U.S.A.
Oregon Relays was a great showing of the talent at every level as a combined 31 new Oregon Relays’ meet records were set on both days. Day two of the Relays featured fantastic field events and a great day of relays that included a world best attempt in the 4xMile.
Here are some of the highlights from the final day.
High School
6A OSAA State Championship Rematch
The Hayward crowd was given a treat in the 800m. In a state championship rematch, Jesuit’s Chloe Foerster beat out Summit’s Magdalene Williams with a 2:05.8. Williams finished 2nd in 2:08.51.
With Foerster nationally ranked No. 3 in the 800m, she noted the pressure that Williams brought in the race on Saturday.
“She caught up around 500m and you could hear her behind you,” Foerster said about the race. “I think that really helps push me a little more.”
Distance Medley Relay Madness
The DMRs were a sight to behold as teams delivered some of the nation’s fastest times of the year.
On the boys side, Clovis High School narrowly edged out Tualatin High School at the finish line with a 10:03.43. Clovis is now ranked No. 2 in the nation in the DMR. The field was deep with talent as the top six teams in the race are now all ranked among the top 10 in the country.
For the girls, Mira Costa beat out Buchanan running U.S. No.1 11:43.8. Buchanan placed 2nd with a mark of 11:45.05 and is ranked No. 2 in the nation in the DMR.
Lake Oswego Sophomore dominates sprints
Mia Brahe-Pedersen from Lake Oswego stole the show at Oregon Relays, helping her team win the 4x100m relay and setting meet records in both the 100m and 200m. On Saturday, the sophomore ran a personal best 11.34 in the 100m.
Despite being nationally ranked #3 in both the the 100m and 200m, Brahe-Pedersen believes she can still improve this season
“I know if I keep on pushing and pushing, I’m actually going to get those goals that I set for myself,” Brahe-Pedersen said.
College/Pro
Wisconsin’s Schaefer beats Oregon duo
Wisconsin’s Josie Schaefer won the women’s shot put on her very first throw of the competition, throwing 17.01m (55-9.75). The junior set the Oregon Relays record, beating out Oregon’s Jaida Ross, who threw 16.88 (55-4.5). Mine De Klerk, Ross’ teammate, placed third with a throw of 16.57 (54-5).
Schaefer had a fantastic showing at the Oregon Relays this weekend, placing 2nd in the women’s discus with a 53.34 (174-8).
Duel in Hurdles
The women’s 100m hurdles had Saskatoon’s Michelle Harrison set a new Oregon Relays record with a mark of 13.17. Harrison beat out the 2nd place finisher, Wisconsin’s Destiney Huven, who ran a 13.30.
Katzberg Dominates
In the men’s hammer throw, Ethan Katzberg won on his third throw of the night with 74.16m (243’3”). It was a meet record as he beat the previous Oregon Relays record which was set by Rudy Winkler in 2015.
Katzberg won by a comfortable margin as he beat 2nd place finisher Mason Strunk from Oregon by over 10m.
Attempt at World’s Best 4x Mile
The Oregon Relays were highlighted by University of Oregon graduates Matt Wisner, James West, Cole Hocker and Cooper Teare. The former Ducks took a run at the world’s best 4xMile time of 15:49.08.
However, the quartet of Ducks came up just short, breaking the tape in 15:52.05.
Despite not getting the world’s best time, they are now second all time in the record books and they came away with a positive experience.
“This is one of those things that wasn’t a big deal. It was a last minute thing,” said Teare about the world best attempt. “To get a crack at it and be number two all time is pretty cool.”
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The Australian Izzy Thornton-Bott has found a home at Hayward Field
Oregon’s Izzy Thornton-Bott ran a lifetime best 4:13.75 in the Invitational 1500m at Oregon Relays on Friday. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Cassie Cole
The 1500m Invite at the Oregon Relays proved to be a close race between its top finishers. Angel Piccirillo of Oregon Track Club Elite cinched the win with her time of 4:13.45, but it wasn’t without a bit of pressure from Oregon's Izzy Thornton-Bott.
Hayward Field at the University of Oregon has been good to Izzy Thornton-Bott. The redshirt junior from Sydney, Australia may be new to UO Track and Field, but she’s made herself at home at Hayward.
A middle-distance specialist, Thornton-Bott competed in the 1500m Invite on Friday, her second outdoor 1500 at Hayward Field.
“My main goal going into the bell lap before—and what I feel like I did really well in this race—was I wanted to stay connected to the leaders,” said Thornton-Bott. She maintained a third place spot for the majority of the race, following behind Bowerman Track Club’s Vanessa Fraser and Piccirillo.
The three runners held the lead for the first 1000m, but Piccirillo began to pick up speed in the last lap. Coming around the final curve with 200m to go, Piccirillo finally passed Fraser to move into first. Thornton-Bott followed suit, pulling around Fraser on the outside and tucking in behind Piccirillo.
Thornton-Bott, who finished second in the 1500m at the Hayward Premiere, knew that she had to take a chance. “This is it, now we’re gonna get going,” said Thornton-Bott after the race, explaining her mindset in the last lap. Her kick in the last 100m moved her close enough to Piccirillo that the latter began to worry about her lead.
“I could feel [Thornton-Bott’s presence] a little bit and I was like, ‘Oh!’” said Piccirillo. Thornton-Bott finished just barely behind Piccirillo with a time of 4:13.75.
Piccirillo, who joined Oregon Track Club Elite last year, didn’t have big expectations for the race.
“OTC was just at altitude so we’re just trying to see how the benefits of that paid off,” said Piccirillo. “Where we’re at, what we need to work on.” With her first place finish on Friday, it seems like Piccirillo’s altitude training is paying off so far.
“It’s nice to win one,” Piccirillo added.
Oregon Track Club Elite’s Angel Piccirillo breaks the tape in 4:13.45 to take the victory in the invitational 1500m at the 2022 Oregon Relays. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
For Thornton-Bott, Friday’s 1500m race was a reflection of her fitness. Her finishing time took nearly three seconds off her previous best of 4:16.56 from the Hayward Premiere earlier this month.
“I felt like I’m fitter than I was even two weeks ago,” said Thornton-Bott.
Although Thornton-Bott finished second in the 1500m Invite, she’s happy with her performance. “I’m just here to give it my best shot,” she said. “And my best shot tonight resulted in another PB.”
Action packed day one at Oregon Relays
Christian Noble of Lee University runs 3:36.00 at Oregon Relays to break the DII collegiate record. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Cassie Cole
The Oregon Relays have taken off at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Day one of the meet featured middle school, high school, collegiate and professional athletes as well as broken meet records and personal bests.
Here are some of the highlights from day one.
Heavy Discus Competition
We start in the field with the men’s and women’s discus. Wisconsin freshman Jason Swarens took first place in the men’s discus with a throw of 48.92m (160-6). Teammate Andrew Stone came in second after a close final throw of 48.59 (159-5).
The Ducks took first, third and fifth place in the women’s discus, led by freshman Mine De Klerk. De Klerk fouled on three of her six throws but threw the winning distance of 53.27 (174-9) on her second attempt.
First Javelin Throws Break Meet Record
Australian national champion Cameron McEntyre took his javelin win thanks to his first attempt of 81.96m (268-10), a meet record for the Oregon Relays. Curtis Johnson broke the previous meet record as well with his own first throw of 81.73 (268-1).
Ducks Take a Run
Back on the track, Oregon freshman Ella Clayton broke the meet record in the 400m dash. Her winning time of 53.19 was followed by teammate Shaniya Hall with 54.38 second place finish.
Wisconsin Takes the Wins
Lawrence Johnson of Wisconsin won the men’s 100m dash with 10.52, followed by Oregon’s Pierce LaCoste, Kwabena Lynn and Max Vollmer. LaCoste ran a personal best of 10.69.
Wisconsin’s Lawrence Johnson takes the victory in the men’s 100m at the 2022 Oregon Relays, breaking the tape in 10.52. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
It was a good day for the Wisconsin Badgers, who also came in first for the women’s 100m dash and the men’s and women’s 400m hurdles.
Freshmen Ducks Lead the 1500m
The Ducks went 1-2 in the open men’s 1500m, led by freshmen Thomas Palfrey and Matthew Erickson. Palfrey ran 3:45.25 and Erickson ran 3:47.66.
Thornton-Bott Runs PR
Oregon Track Club’s Angel Piccirillo won the 1500m Invite after moving into the lead in the final lap. Her winning time of 4:13.45 was closely followed by Oregon’s Izzy Thornton-Bott, who came in second. Thornton-Bott ran a personal best of 4:13.75, nearly three seconds faster than her previous best.
A Noble End to the 1500m Record
The top three finishers in the men’s 1500m Invite broke the Oregon Relays meet record on day one. Christian Noble of Lee University ran 3:36.00, a Division II collegiate record. Oregon’s Reed Brown came in second with a lifetime best 3:36.44 and Wisconsin’s Adam Spencer finished third with 3:37.40.
Close Steeplechase Race Gives OSU a New Record
Oregon Duck and Olympian Aneta Konieczek ran her way to first place in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. The race came close in the last 100m, when Oregon State’s Grace Fetherstonhaugh nearly passed Konieczek for first. The two came in at a narrow 9:44.72 and 9:44.76. Fetherstonhaugh’s time is a new OSU school record.
A photo finish in the women’s invitational 3000m steeplechase at Oregon Relays. Oregon’s Aneta Konieczek holds off Oregon State’s Grace Fetherstonhaugh, taking the victory in 9:44.72. Photo by Logan Hanningan-Downs
Ferlic Flies Fast
Another Olympian won in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, this time by Mason Ferlic. The Adidas Very Nice Track Club athlete broke the meet record—as did the next seven runners. Ferlic’s winning time was 8:23.92 and is currently the third fastest time in the world for 2022.
Hacker Takes 5k to New Heights
The women’s and men’s 5000m races rounded out the first night of the Oregon Relays. Oregon sophomore Alessia Zarbo secured a first place win with 15:58.07, followed by Badger Shea Ruhly at 16:01.12 and Maor Tiyouri of Israel at 16:05.91.
Wisconsin ended their day with another first place finish. Senior Olin Hacker not only broke the meet record with his 13:19.34 time—he also took 16 seconds off his previous best. This places Hacker third in the NCAA.
The top five finishers in Hacker’s race broke the meet record. Tom Anderson ran his own personal best of 13:28.07 to come in second and Oregon’s Aaron Bienenfeld finished third with 13:28.13.
Preview for Day 2
Day two of the Oregon Relays is Saturday, April 23. Field events start with girls’ javelin at 10 a.m. and events on the track start at 11 a.m. with boys’ 800m open. With event finals and a world record attempt later in the day, day two promises for an exciting conclusion to a record-breaking meet.
Wisconsin's Olin Hacker breaks meet record in McChesney 5000m
Olin Hacker takes 16 seconds off his lifetime best and dips under 13:20 for the first time to win the Bill McChesney 5000m in 13:19.34 at the 2022 Oregon Relays. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs
By Joe Zochert
Wisconsin’s Olin Hacker ran away victorious at the Oregon Relays to set a new personal best of 13:19.34 in the 5,000-meter McChesney Memorial run, blowing open a big lead with a little under three laps remaining.
Hacker felt comfortable in the leading pack of five runners. Throughout the race, he could sense his competitors trying to pick up the pace but didn’t have the legs to make a move.
“I felt strong and I knew I could push it hard and see who could come with me,” said Hacker when asked about his move with three laps remaining. “I just wanted to close it out and I was looking at the clock and just watching for 13:20 on the last couple of laps.”
With a little under 1,200m left, he decided to take the race over and pass Oregon’s Aaron Bienenfeld for the lead at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.
The senior finished with a blazing 59.57 split on the bell lap to keep Club Northwest’s Tom Anderson and Bienfeld out of kicking range. Anderson finished in 2nd place with a 13:28.07 and Bienfeld took 3rd in 13:28.13.
The top-five finishers all broke the Oregon Relays meet record, making Hackers win all the more impressive. The previous mark belonged to Oregon’s Shadrack Biwott, who clocked 13:36.25 in 2015.
Hacker not only broke the meet record in his first 5,000m race of the 2022 Outdoor season, he also took 16 seconds off his personal best and broke the 13:20 barrier for the first time in his running career.
“To come back and be able to do this in my opener and run 20 second faster than I opened last year, it feels like redemption,” Hacker said.
The senior already has a long list of accomplishments this year as he placed 30th in the NCAA XC Championships in the fall and won the Big 10 Indoor Track and Field Championships in both the 3,000m and 5,000m in February.
Knowing that this is his final collegiate season, he plans to make the most of it this spring.
“Win a National title. That’s what everybody wants.”