APRIL 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Ben Blankenship...... 2 Coaches, Athletes Honored Business Members ...... 2, 3 First Call...... 3 The ’s Eric Jenkins led the Men of Oregon Fan Appreciation...... 3 was named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross with three All-American awards, while Jen- Event Calendar...... 4 Volunteer Spotlight...... 4 Country Coaches Association Division I kins and Will Geoghegan each picked up a IAAF...... 4 MASTERS NEWSLETTER Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Year as pair of honors. For the women, Jenna Pran- Vin Lananna...... 5 the men and women cleaned up in the indoor dini earned a trio of All-American awards Bend to Host XC Champs...... 6 Lavillenie at Pre Classic...... 6 postseason awards. with her strong performances at the indoor Butte to Butte...... 7 Run/Walk...... 7 The awards weren’t limited to the student championships. NCAA Meet Results...... 7 athletes, as Robert Johnson and Andy Pow- In addition, Jenkins was named to the ell were awarded the Men’s Head Coach and Bowerman Award watch list, joining team- Final Preview Run Assistant Coach of the Year awards. mates Cheserek and Prandini. Set for April 11 Jenkins won titles in the 3000 and 5000 at As the outdoor season got underway, The Eugene Marathon will host its final Preview Run on April 11. the NCAA Indoor Championships. He also won senior Sam Crouser was named the USTF- This run will cover the second 3000 at the with the eighth- CCCA’s National Men’s Field Athlete of the half of the full marathon course, fastest time in collegiate history (7:44.91). Week in late March after a strong debut at with options for 13- or 17-mile runs. Water and Gatorade will Ten men and seven women from the UO USC’s Trojan Invitational. Crouser threw the be provided, plus post run-mini earned All-American status from the USTF- javelin 259-feet at the meet, which would massages from Lane Commu- CCCA by virtue of finishing in eighth place or have been the best throw in the entire NCAA nity College students. Go to www. facebook.com/eugenemarathon better in the finals at the Indoor Nationals. field last year. for more details. Use Your Discount for All Races OTC Elite Advise TrackTown Youth OTC members receive $10 off To build off the excitement and en- the full or half and $5 off the Run ergy from this year’s Oregon Track and TrackTown 5K at this year’s Eugene Field Fan Fest, including the Run, Jump & Marathon. Use the code EM15OTC when registering for the full or half Throw Clinic, members of OTC Elite offer marathon, and EM15OTC5 for the some great advice for TrackTown youth: Run TrackTown 5K. Mac Fleet, member of OTC Elite since

Oregon Track Club Office July 2014. PRs of 1:46 in the 800, 3:56 in Hours: Monday-Friday, the mile. Competed for the University of 9:00 am to 3:30 pm PDT 2350 Oakmont Way, Suite 201 Oregon: “A quick tip to improving your fit- Mac Fleet wins the 1500 meter race NCAA title in 2014. Eugene, OR 97401 ness can be very simple and pretty fun at the same time: The most important key is to try Phone: 541-343-7247 Email: [email protected] and do some sort of physical activity every day, and to keep it fun. Don’t do the same routine,

OnTrack is published by the sport or exercise every single day. An hour of playing Ultimate Frisbee, soccer or even capture Oregon Track Club Board of Directors. Oregon Track Club, P.O. Box 11364, Eugene, OR 97440 the flag can produce positive physical results even though you’re playing a fun game.” Issue #51, April 2015 Distributed free monthly. www.oregontrackclub.org • [email protected] continued on page 8 OnTrack APRIL 2015 www.oregontrackclub.org OREGON TRACK CLUB

Business Members Running in Blankenship’s Genes AHM Brands Brown Contracting, Inc. For Ben Blankenship, running is in his Byrke Beller MD, - Pacific Women’s genes. Ctr Blankenship grew up in a small town C(IQ) Strategies in Iowa tagging alongside his father, who CAMERON MCCARTHY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS – ran to stay fit. His mother ran somewhat, CHAMPION SUPPORTER too, making running a family affair for the Cascade Dermatology Blankenships. Chambers Construction Company CORVALLIS HALF MARATHON & 5K – From that foundation, Blankenship has CHAMPION SUPPORTER emerged to become one of the country’s Creswell Health & Rehabilitation top milers. Center Blankenship ran at the University of Curtis Restaurant Equipment Custom Orthotics Minnesota and set the school’s indoor D2000 Safety, Inc. mile record (3:57.87) before eventually Dave Henry Real Estate Services, joining OTC Elite. He credits his friend, Inc. David E. Carmichael, Attorney mentor and college coach Steve Plasen- Jessica Gabriel and Ben Blankenship. Douglas Gallagher Law Office cia, a two-time Olympian and long-dis- Eclectic Edge Racing tance standout, for playing a key role in highest levels of the sport. Eugene Airport amplifying his self-motivation and pas- “Ben plays up to the role of ‘lone wolf’ Eugene Marathon sion for running. with a single-minded and focused ap- Eugene Physical Therapy, LLC – Supporter Member This has been a busy year already for proach - qualities that are a must to suc- Eugene Running Club Blankenship. At the 2015 New Balance ceed at being an elite athlete,” Rowland Eugene Running Company Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, Ben ran a said. “He has a consistent application to Eugene Wellness Center his training regime since joining the OTCE Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports personal-best 3:53.13 in the mile, placing Commission second. In February he won the AIT Grand and after (injuring his foot last spring), he European Touch Painting Co Prix: Deloitte Mile in Athlone, Ireland, has shown the tenacity to persevere with Fitness Link’s Performance and clocking 3:56.75. a methodical rehabilitation program. Ben Training Center Franklin R. Lulich, CPA, P.C. “He has performed fantastically well understands and appreciates the sport GANT Custom Homes – Supporter through this winter’s indoor campaign,” and is determined to maximize his poten- Member said OTC Elite Coach Mark Rowland. tial.” Garden Way Chiropractic Center Blankenship notes that while OTC Elite Gleaves Swearingen LLP, Attorneys Blankenship is currently in Flagstaff, at Law Ariz., for a month of altitude training with has a tremendous team environment, the Golden Realty his teammates. Though he hasn’t been elite side of running is highly individual- Health & Safety Institute able to enjoy much time in Eugene, he and istic and requires an intense focus and Home Federal Bank – Supporter Member his partner, Jessica Gabriel, and their dogs self-discipline. Hughes Financial Group of Wells Annabel and Tegan, try to spend their free But Blankenship also recognizes the Fargo Advisors – Supporter time outdoors visiting the Coast, Crater supportive network around him. “The Member Hutchinson, Cox, Coons, Orr & Lake or simply going hiking. Blankenship people in Eugene understand competitive Sherlock, P.C. credits Jessica with providing critical running. There is nothing that compares Kalen Electric & Machinery, Inc. support that keeps him on track. to this community.” Kathleen Dugan LMT Rowland says Blankenship has the nec- Kernutt Stokes LLP essary qualities one needs to excel at the

2 OnTrack APRIL 2015 www.oregontrackclub.org OREGON TRACK CLUB

First Call: Membership Value Business Members Let’s Move LLC by Erin Regali, OTC President April 11 at . For more details, Lile/Eugene Moving & Storage This is a great time read the article below. Locklear Leatherworks LLC LPL Financial - Kelly G. Higgins, to be a member of the I am very proud to be a part of Oregon Financial Advisor Oregon Track Club and Track Club and honored to work with so Marilyn Milne at Public Relations support TrackTown many great people in our community. Services LLC – Supporter Member USA. The University Mark Stapleton DMD, MSD, PC of Oregon track and Dentistry For Children field teams did an out- Member Appreciation Michael Keller Realty of Spokane, WA – Supporter Member standing job at the NCAA Indoor Cham- at Pepsi Invitational Musgrove Mortuaries & Cemeteries pionships in Arkansas in March. The men The Oregon Track Club will again host National Fire Fighter – Supporter scored a big win and the women placed Member its popular members-only appreciation second. Congratulations to our Ducks! Norman Investments event at the Pepsi Team Invitational on On , Inc. These exciting performances will lead Saturday, April 11, at Hayward Field. OREGON DENTAL CARE – CHAMPION us into the outdoor season at Hayward Join with other members of the OTC SUPPORTER Field, with the U of O hosting the NCAA Pink Buffalo Racing for light refreshments at 2:30 p.m. while Outdoor Championships June 10-13. If you Postal Pharmacy, Inc. watching the compete Prichard Partners, Inc. do not have your tickets yet, get them against University of Kentucky and Pac- RANDOM LENGTHS – CHAMPION quickly. 12 rival Washington. SUPPORTER As always, this time of the year is busy RBC Wealth Management, Todd G. There is no charge to attend the party, Bosworth with planning for our annual Hayward but you will need to purchase a ticket to Rexius Forest By-Products Classic (April 26), the meet unless you are a season ticket Rogue Ales & Spirits– Supporter (May 29-30), Aquafina Butte to Butte Member holder. Tickets are available on GoDucks. (July 4), OTC All Comers Meets (Wednes- Runnin’ Wild com. Sapient Private Wealth days and Thursdays beginning July 1) and The social will be held on top of the Management our Pre’s Trail XC Challenge (August 21), Weights and Measures Building at the Sightline Property Inspections which raises funds for Pre’s Trail main- SLOCUM ORTHOPEDICS, PC – southeast side of Hayward Field. For ac- tenance. All of these great events are a CHAMPION SUPPORTER cess, just check in with the volunteers at Sports Conflict Institute reminder of the community programs and the base of the stairs. They will have a Springfield Area Chamber of work brought to life by the Oregon Track Commerce current list of members. Club. The Carpet Company The meet gets underway at 1:50 p.m. TRACK TOWN PIZZA – CHAMPION Memberships in the Club strengthen with the men’s discus. After a masters SUPPORTER these programs, so we value your mem- exhibition mile and 100-meter races, the TRACKTOWN ORTHODONTICS – bership greatly. We hope to see you at CHAMPION SUPPORTER first running event is the women’s 5000 the OTC membership appreciation event Trisha Kluge, LMT at 2:28 p.m. TYREE OIL, INC. – CHAMPION In its fourth year, the social gives SUPPORTER members of the Executive Committee Univera - (Molly England) Wildish Land Company – and Board of Directors an opportunity to Supporter Member say “thank you” to club members and to Wilson Sound and Lights answer any questions regarding the club World Wheelchair Sports – Supporter Member and our activities.

3 OnTrack APRIL 2015 www.oregontrackclub.org OREGON TRACK CLUB

EVENTS CALENDAR Volunteer Spotlight: Maureen Pollock (Always confirm event with event host) When Maureen Pollock and her husband, this summer. And we’re looking forward April Goetz Klopfer, de- to seeing her smiling face at future OTC 1......  OTC Board Meeting, 7 a.m., cided to retire, they events. Valley River Inn, Eugene 4...... Shotgun Trail Blast, Marcola picked the place If you know an unsung hero whose vol- 5...... Easter Egg Stash Dash, where Goetz had unteer activities should be highlighted Eugene made the Olympic in this column in future OTC Newsletters, 7......  TrackTown Tuesday, 6 p.m., Downtown Athletic Club, team more than 40 please contact Rita Radostitz at rjra- Eugene years ago. [email protected]. 9......  Run/Walk Series, 6 p.m., They had met in Alton Baker Park Maureen Pollock 11...... Corvallis Half Marathon 5K, race-walking compe- Corvallis titions in California, so Eugene was an ob- IAAF Championships 11...... UO Pepsi Invitational, vious choice when they were looking for a Hayward Field One Year Away 12...... Bridgeway House Run for retirement community where they could Preparations for the 2016 IAAF Indoor Autism, Eugene continue to enjoy their passion for run- World Championships at the Oregon Con- 12...... Corvallis Half Marathon, ning and race walking. Unfortunately, it vention Center kicked up a notch with an Corvallis 16-18...... UO Oregon Relays, didn’t turn out quite as Maureen planned official “One Year Out” event held at the Hayward Field – she suffered an ankle injury which end- competition’s venue last month. 25...... Save the Bee 5K, ed her long racing career. To stay involved The biennial meet will be held for only Richardson Park, Fern Ridge in the sport, Maureen began to volunteer 26......  Hayward Classic, the second time on American soil when it Hayward Field. at local road races and joined the Oregon gets underway from March 18-20, 2016, at 26...... Willamette River Run, Track Club as a way to meet people and the Moda Center in Portland. Springfield volunteer at other events. The design for the new 200-meter in- May Maureen has been a volunteer most of door track was unveiled in a conceptual 1...... OSU High Performance Meet, her life, and shortly after she and her hus- drawing and prominently features green Corvallis band moved to Eugene, she helped out at and yellow, thus ensuring former Ducks 5...... TrackTown Tuesday, 6 p.m., Downtown Athletic Club, the Eugene Women’s Half Marathon. And competing at the meet should feel they Eugene what a gift of a volunteer she has been are on their home turf. 8...... UO Twilight Meet, Hayward Field since then! She has volunteered with OTC In addition, a free men’s and women’s 14......  OTC Run/Walk Series, 5K XC at the monthly OTC Run/Walk Series, the pole vault festival will be held March 17 Pre’s Trail, Alton Baker Park All Comers Meets, and as an official at the inside the Moda Center, with high school Do you have an event to add to the UO and South Eugene High School track events preceding the World’s competi- calendar? Contact Jim Murez at [email protected] with the day, time meets. She has helped out at the Hay- tion. A free Fan Experience Festival will and location ward Classic and during the Olympic Tri- held in Portland’s Pioneer Square through- als with credentialing and uniform distri- out the meet that will include entertain- bution. Maureen has also volunteered at ment and interactive events. the Butte to Butte and Eugene Marathon It was also announced that the 2016 each year since 2012. USATF Indoor Track & Field Championships Although she is no longer able to com- will take place at the Portland Convention pete, Maureen keeps active. She loves to Center March 11-12. The meet will select the travel and recently returned from Cuba. members of Team USA that will compete at She’s looking forward to a trip to Europe the World Indoors the following week.

4 Oregon Track Club Masters APRIL 2015 Masters Races at Alison Wood, UO Track Meets OTC Athletics Team Once again, OTCM will put on exhibition races for masters Alison Wood, Oregon Track Club Athletics Team member, com- athletes (age 40 and up) at UO track meets. peted at the Willamette Opener Meet March 7. As this issue of OnTrack goes to press, there are a few slots Alison currently leads the USATF 40-year age group in the available for the 100m masters race at the Pepsi Invitational on high jump, and plans on competing at the Hayward Classic April 11, as well as the 3000 and the 400 masters races at the Meet and other meets this summer. Oregon Twilight on May 8. Check the Masters section of the OTC website for the latest information. If you are not competing, be sure to cheer on our masters runners!

Alison Wood is now getting career-best high jumps. Congratulations! Photo courtesy of Kelvin Watkins Photography Hayward Classic Athletes Face Mid-April Entry Deadlines April 11th - last date entry received without a late fee. April 18th - last date for late entries.

Masters runners prepare to run at a University Track Meet.

Finishing on the hallowed track of Hayward Field.

MASTERS 1 Volunteers Needed 33rd HAYWARD CLASSIC rd for Hayward Classic 33 HAYWARD CLASSIC Sunday, April 26, 2015 Sunday, April 26, 2015Would you would like to help out with Hayward Field, Eugenethe ORHayward Classic Meet? Hayward Field, Eugene OR Please contact our volunteer coordi- Presented by OREGON TRACK CLUB MASTERS Presented by OREGON TRACK CLUB MASTERS nator, Mike Cahn, at [email protected]. Your efforts will be appreciated and ENTRY FEES: $25.00 for first event ($20.00 for OTC members), $10.00 for each additional event. Early entries must be received by April 11th. Late entries must be received by April 18th and include the $30.00 therelate fee .are ALL manyENTRIES ways RECEIVED to AFTERcontribute! APRIL 18th WILL Officials volunteering at a recent Hayward Classic. Volunteer handing out medals. BE RETURNED UNOPENED. Open to all athletes age 30 and over. ENTRY FEES: $25.00 for first event ($20.00 for OTC members), $10.00 for each additional event. Early entries must be received by Facility: All-weather track and runways (spikes ¼” Max) Implements: OTCMThank mayApril provide 11you,th some. LateTrisha throwing entries Kluge implements. must and be Bettina received by April 18th and include the $30.00 late fee. ALL ENTRIES RECEIVED AFTER APRIL 18th WILL Packet Pickup: Phoenix Inn 5:00 – 6:30 pm on Saturday April 25, Huber,or HaywardBE RETURNEDmeet Field co–directors.on Sunday, UNOPENED. April 26th Open to all athletes age 30 and over. Meet Headquarters: Phoenix Inn, 850 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR 97403. Call 1-800-344-0131 for room reservations. www.phoenixinnsuites.com/hotels/eugene/ Facility: All-weather track and runways (spikes ¼” Max) Implements: OTCM may provide some throwing implements. Hospitality: Sponsored by OTCM, during the meet. Packet Pickup: Phoenix Inn 5:00 – 6:30 pm on Saturday April 25, or Hayward Field on Sunday, April 26th Awards: Medals awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Sanctioned by USATF. Meet Headquarters: Phoenix Inn, 850 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR 97403. Call 1-800-344-0131 for room reservations. Relays (4 x100, 4x400): Enter event on site. Contacts: website: www.haywardclassic.org email: [email protected] www.phoenixinnsuites.com/hotels/eugene/ Hospitality: Sponsored by OTCM, during the meet. website:Awards: www.haywardclassic.org Medals awarded for 1st, 2nd , 3rd Sanctioned by USATF. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE – FINAL SCHEDULE TO BE POSTED AFTER ENTRIES CLOSE Relays (4 x100, 4x400): Enter event on site. email: [email protected] Contacts: website: www.haywardclassic.orgVolunteers Grace email: Bakari, [email protected] Tom Heinonen and 8:30 5000m Run Javelin M30-69, Hammer M70+/W30+ friend during a break at a Hayward Classic. Volunteers at the Clerk’s Circle. 9:00 3000m Race walk Long Jump M30+ & W30+ 9:30 2k/3k Steeplechase 9:45 Javelin 70+/W30+, Hammer M30-69 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE – FINAL SCHEDULE TO BE POSTED AFTER ENTRIES CLOSE 10:00 800m Pole Vault M30+/W30+ April Birthdays 10:15 10:30 Short Hurdles 1 8:30Victor Mann5000m Run 70-74 Javelin12 M30Michael-69, Hammer Cahn M70+/W30+65-69 22 George Hanson 40-44 10:45 3000m Run Triple Jump W30+/M30+ 2 9:00Wayne Sabin3000m Race walk80-84 Long12 JumpBob M30+ Livak & W30+ 65-69 22 Michael Jones 35-39 11:00 Weight M70+/W30+, Shot Put M30-69 11:15 100m 2 9:30Dennis Staples2k/3k Steeplechase70-74 12 Natalie Hanson 35-39 24 Michael W. Bober 65-69 12:00 1 mile Race walk High Jump M/W30+ 2 9:45John Tasker 60-64 Javelin13 70+/W30+,Tana Bailey Hammer M30-6950-54 25 Les Castle 65-69 12:15 Weight M30-69, Shot W30+/M70+ 10:00 800m Pole Vault M30+/W30+ 12:30 400m 4 Kevin Marbury 55-59 13 Megan Banks 45-49 26 Doug Wilson 60-64 1:00 age graded mile 4 10:15Kathi Bean 50-54 14 Rebel Marsh 55-59 26 Stephan Willow 45-49 1:20 Long Hurdles Discus W30+/M30+ 5 10:30Don YashShort Hurdles 50-54 14 Jeffrey Smale 30-34 27 Craig McMicken 85-89 1:45 200m 10:45 3000m Run Triple Jump W30+/M30+ 2:00 1500m 6 Kevin Coluccio 55-59 15 Laura Lee 35-39 27 William McChesney 85-89 11:00 Weight M70+/W30+, Shot Put M30-69 2:15 6 Alec Fedorov 45-49 16 Brent Cottong 55-59 27 John King 75-79 2:30 Relays (4x100, 4x400) 11:15 100m 6 Dan Guzman 40-44 17 Stuart Roach 70-74 27 Rob Harvey 60-64 12:00 1 mile Race walk High Jump M/W30+ 7 Hal Huestis 65-69 17 Yannick Boco 30-34 27 Brenton Coleman 40-44 12:15 Weight M30-69, Shot W30+/M70+ 8 Kay Froemming 65-69 18 Marilyn Nippold 60-64 27 Katherine Washington 35-39 12:30 400m 8 Bill Kelly 60-64 18 Craig Godwin 45-49 28 Richard Hickman 65-69 1:00 age graded mile 8 1:20Gary JusseaumeLong Hurdles 60-64 Discus18 W30+/M30+David Elliott 40-44 28 Julie McKenzie 65-69

8 1:45Mark Harless200m 45-49 18 Norianne Randall 25-29 28 Pamela Duncan 50-54

9 2:00Gregory Ryan1500m 60-64 19 Mike Spangler 50-54 28 Nancy Garboden 45-49 9 2:15Sarah Cochran 35-39 21 Lawrence Newby 65-69 29 W. Keith Schilit 60-64 10 2:30Ron SherriffsRelays (4x100, 4x400)80-84 21 Bill Manning 50-54 29 Megan Collins 30-34 10 Carolyn Petersen 50-54 21 Scott Henrikson 50-54 29 Lexie Meyers 30-34 10 Nicole Cordeiro 35-39 22 Judy Harold 70-74 30 Mike Speer 75-79

11 Jeff Todahl 50-54 22 Thomas Huntsberger 65-69 12 Dick Lamster 70-74 22 James Murez 45-49

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OnTrack APRIL 2015 www.oregontrackclub.org OREGON TRACK CLUB Vin’s TrackTown: NCAA Champs Return by Vin Lananna tertainment, youth activities, interactive exhibits, a replica As you know, TrackTown USA – thanks to the rich tradi- track, flag display, food, beverages and much more. tion and history which has been fostered and advanced by Volunteer information is already available at the Port- the Oregon Track Club – is expanding its land2016.com website. We’ll make ticket information avail- footprint within the state. able at our next event at the Pioneer Courthouse Square in Last month, we drew an overflow late May. crowd of more than 100 VIPs, city of- It was fitting that just two days before our media event at ficials, elite athletes, coaches and the OCC on March 16, the Oregon men’s and women’s track fans to the Oregon Convention Center and field programs continued their unprecedented success in Portland for a “One Year Out” media at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, Ark. event designed to raise awareness for Vin Lananna is the Associate­ Ath- The UO men claimed their second consecutive NCAA in- the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Track & Field letic Direc­tor at the door title behind a talented distance crew which scored 70 Championships. University of Oregon of the team’s 74 points in four events: the mile, 3000 me- and President of It was an unqualified success. TrackTown USA. ters, 5000 meters and . Redshirt se- We were able to generate true excitement for this historic nior Eric Jenkins won individual titles in the 5K and 3K, while meet, and the city of Portland, from Mayor Charlie Hales to sophomore Edward Cheserek won the mile and anchored the the Oregon Convention Center staff, showed it is more than victorious DMR. ready to step up and own this event. The Duck women actually scored more points than last The 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships, which are ex- year’s NCAA champions – 46 ½ to 44 – but saw their five- pected to draw nearly 700 of the world’s best track and field year NCAA Indoor Championship reign come to an end with a athletes from up to 213 countries from around the globe, will second-place finish to host Arkansas. UO junior Jenna Pran- be held March 18-20. dini scored a total of 23 points, including an individual title The athletes who attended our media event were unani- in the long jump, runner-up finish in the 200m and fourth- mous in their enthusiasm at having an opportunity to com- place in the 60m. pete for medals on a world stage in front of their own fans Cheserek, Jenkins and Prandini all ended the indoor sea- in the United States. And, like everybody else, they were son on the 2015 men’s and women’s “Watch List” for The wowed by the first official renderings of the new indoor Bowerman, collegiate track and field’s highest accolade. track and 7,000-seat stadium. Congratulations to head coach Robert Johnson and his en- As a huge bonus, it was announced that the 2016 USATF tire staff for a job well done! On both sides, the UO student- Indoor Championships – the Team USA selection meet for athletes were tough, poised and competed like champions. World Indoors – will be held at the same site on March 11-12. They were extremely well-prepared by the coaches, medical Besides giving our athletes a chance to get a feel for the team and all of the other support staff. competition venue in advance, it makes travel plans much They’ll do it again at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field easier. Championships, June 10-13, at Hayward Field. As a thrilling kickoff to World Indoors, we will hold a Both teams will be in title contention, and you won’t want free Pole Vault Festival at the Moda Center on March 17 in to miss any of the action, especially under the new competi- which our first men’s and women’s world champions will be tion format in which each gender will crown team champions crowned. on separate days: the men’s events take place on June 10 Throughout the entire meet, the public will be invited to and 12 and the women’s events will be contested on June 11 the Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland where and 13. a spirited “Fan Experience” will unfold each day with live en- continued on page 6

5 OnTrack APRIL 2015 www.oregontrackclub.org OREGON TRACK CLUB

Bend to Host Air Lavillenie Ready to Fly Again 2016-17 USATF Renaud Lavillenie has a rendez- vous with the Prefontaine Clas- Cross Country sic on May 30. But this one is no Championships secret. He is the only five-time USA Track and Field has Diamond Race winner in any event selected Bend to host the and reigns as the Men’s Athlete of 2016 and 2017 USATF Cross the Year by Track & Field News. His Country Championships. fourth European Indoor title this The course will be set month in Prague gives him twice as around River’s Edge Golf many as any other in the event. Course, and will be similar His stature in the pole vault is to the one used for the 2013 legendary – he has been ranked No. USATF Club Cross Country 1 in the world every year since 2010 Championships with a few by T&FN, a streak of years exceed- ed only by former world-record changes to the routing. The Renaud Lavillenie meet will take place in early holders Sergey Bubka of Ukraine February. and American Bob Richards, the from the 2013 World University Games. Bend’s efforts in hold- event’s only 2-time Olympic gold medal- More world-class talent is in the Pre ing the Club Cross Coun- ist. Classic field, which consists of nothing try Championships in 2013 Lavillenie, who has set Diamond League but 19-footers. played a role in USATF se- meet records in 11 of the circuit’s 14 meets, Tickets are available now at www.Go- lecting the central Oregon achieved the U.S. all-comers record – 19- Ducks.com as well as from 1-800-WEBFOOT. city to hold the individual 6¼ (5.95) – in his first Pre Classic victory cross country champion- in 2013. If he’d like to scale over 6 meters Lananna ships in 2016 and 2017, of- (19-8¼), Hayward Field is welcome ter- continued from page 5 ficials said. The champi- ritory – it is the only American site with Let’s make sure we support both teams onships have been held in more than one such clearance. in their quest for NCAA championship tro- Boulder, Colo., the past two Only an injury and countback on misses phies. When you buy tickets, be sure to years. has kept Lavillenie from a major interna- bring a friend, so we can pack Hayward In addition to competi- tional gold since the London Olympics. Field with sold-out crowds throughout tions for the elites, races Konstantinos Filippidis of Greece won the entire meet. will also be held with open gold when Lavillenie was sidelined with an And don’t forget – the 10th annual UO categories for amateurs and injury at last year’s World Indoor Cham- Alumni Homecoming will be held on Friday, youth. pionships. Raphael Holzdeppe of Germany won the 2013 World Championships gold June 12, immediately following Day 3 of as Lavillenie also cleared the same height. the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Sam Kendricks, the newly crowned U.S. You can access the 2015 NCAA Outdoor indoor champion, will be another name to Track & Field Championships timetable watch in the field. He has twice won in online at ncaa.com/trackandfield and Eugene, taking the NCAA crowns for Mis- purchase tickets at goducks.com/track- sissippi in 2013 and ’14. He also has a gold tickets.

6 OnTrack APRIL 2015 www.oregontrackclub.org OREGON TRACK CLUB

Butte to Butte Around Corner UO Men The Oregon Track Club Aquafina Butte To Butte is right around the Defend Title corner! Once again on Saturday, The University of Oregon July 4, we’ll toe the starting line men successfully defended of the most long-standing commu- their title and the women nity road race. nabbed second at the NCAA New this year is a flat and fast National Indoor Champion- USATF-certified 5K course com- ships last month. pletely downtown, starting and The men became the first finishing at Skinner Butte Park. team to ever win four dis- There will be prize money and time tance events in a single bonuses for the 5K. We are excited to have Track Town Pizza NCAA meet. And while the Online registration is open at ButteTo- and live music at the finish line and we women fell short in vying for Butte.org and we encourage you to regis- look forward to another memorable Or- their sixth consecutive na- ter early and invite your friends and fam- egon Track Club Aquafina Butte To Butte! tional title, they surpassed ily to register as well. Paper entry forms their point total from last are available at Eugene Running Company Run/Walk Draws year in placing second to (116 Oakway). host University of Arkansas. Packet pick up and registration will be 127 participants Eric Jenkins earned titles at the Hilton Hotel the three days lead- One hundred twenty-seven runners and in the 5000 and 3000. In the ing up to the event, Wednesday, July 1, walkers turned out for the first event in latter event, Jenkins and through Friday, July 3. Information about this year’s Oregon Track Club’s Run/Walk teammates Edward Che- the second annual Eugene Skinner loo- Series, which was held under sunny spring serek and Will Geoghegan kalike contest on July 2 at the Hilton is skies. swept the podium. Cheserek available on the website. Jonathan Pinney won the 5K held March added a title in the mile and This event calls for 175 volunteers on 12 in Alton Baker Park in 16:53, edging Pe- anchored the Ducks’ winning race day as course marshals and fin- ter Stice (17:00) and Nick Strasser (18:23). team in the distance medley ish line help. If you are not participating Melissa Todd was the first-placed wom- relay. and would like to help on race day, please an and finished fourth overall in 18:27. For the women, Jenna email [email protected] or Rachel Cackett was the second woman Prandini earned the crown call (541) 484-9983. All volunteers are across the line, nabbing 10th overall in in the long jump, and fol- eligible for random prizes and will receive 19:48. Kristi LeBlanc was the third wom- lowed up with second in the a commemorative OTC Aquafina Butte To en’s finisher, claiming 14th overall (20:26). 200. She nabbed fourth in Butte official’s T-shirt. The participation exceeded the turnout the 60-meter dash, finishing On race morning, a free shuttle by LTD in last year’s first event of the series (121 just behind teammate Jas- will take participants from downtown competitors). mine Todd. Sophomore Brit- Eugene to the 10K & 4.5-mile Mayor’s The next stop in the series is a 5K/10K tany Mann went from eighth Walk starting lines. In fact, all ridership April 9 at Alton Baker Park. Registration to third on her final throw throughout the Eugene/Springfield area is from 5-5:15 p.m. The run/walk gets un- in the shot put, setting a is sponsored by OTC on July 4. derway at 6 p.m. The event is free for OTC school record in the process. members and $5 for non-members.

7 the University of Oregon. Has a personal best of 1:44.91 in the OTC Elite Advise continued from page 1 800: “Improvement comes from hard work and is driven by pas- Tom Farrell, member of OTC Elite since sion. The heart can accomplish things the 2014 after running for Oklahoma State Uni- body doesn’t believe it can. But it comes in versity. PR of 13:15 in the 5000: “(Take) part small steps.” in sport or find any exercise that you enjoy. Tyler Mulder, member of OTC Elite since Something that your friends also take part June 2009, moved to Eugene in 2010. Com- in is a great way to stay involved. Or go to a peted for the University of Northern Iowa. new club or sport where you can meet new PR of 1:44.34 in the 800: “My stepmom got people” Tom Farrell me involved in running and all other sports Elijah Greer Lauren Johnson, member of OTC Elite by asking me what recreational leagues since 2012 after competing for Hunting- I wanted to be signed up for, one of those ton (Ind.) University. Has PRs of 2:02 in the events being Hershey’s track meets. She 800, 4:10 in the 1500 and 10:00 in the stee- encouraged me to go for runs every day. plechase: “Fitness should not be work, it And although it wasn’t much at the time should be fun. If you hate running, don’t run. — a couple times around city blocks — but Find something else you like. The most im- eventually those blocks turned into miles. portant thing is just to stay active, so just Lauren Johnson And the strides got longer as I grew and was Tyler Mulder go with whatever activity motivates you.” able to work on running as smooth and easy as possible at a young age. Elijah Greer, member of OTC Elite since 2013 after running for

Many thanks to Erin Regali, Bill Kelly, Kari Westlund, David Wilkins, Rita Radostitz, Nathaniel Teich, Phil Sutton, Jennifer Touchette (graphic designer) and Jim Murez (editor) for their support of this newsletter. Please contact Jennifer Touchette at [email protected] or Jim Murez at [email protected] if you have newsletter questions, comments or content.