Track Town, USA

Eugene loves its track and field. When I came to the Univ of Oregon from UCLA for grad school and attended my first track meet at Hayward Field, I was blown away. At UCLA only a smattering of fans typically showed up for a track meet. Here there were thousands in the stands! I thought this was amazing. This was the Prefontaine era, a very exciting time for Oregon track.

So the Olympic trials in Eugene now have a special feeling. The 800 final tonight was the local hit to date, all 3 qualifiers for the Olympic team being local runners. I was reminded of the time, at a twilight local meet when I was in grad school, than 4 or 5 local runners all broke the 4-min. mile in the same race. It made the cover of Sports Illustrated. Yes, Eugene loves its track and field.

clipped from oregonianextra.com 2008 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials Symmonds, Wheating finish 1-2 in 800 final Nick Symmonds of Oregon Track Club Elite and Andrew Wheating of the University of Oregon roared from the back of the pack in the final 200 meters and took the top two spots in the 800 meter final. Christian Smith, also of OTC, finished third. → Gallery: Photos from the 800 final → Clay sets Olympic trials record in decathlon win; Pappas third