A Race To The Starting Line
Supple raindrops drip on a deserted Hayward Field this wet winter as athletes and spectators gear up for what promises to be a spectacular track and field event this summer. This June, for the first time in 28 years, the University of Oregon will play host to the U.S. Olympic Trials in Track and Field. In only 168 days, one of the world’s most storied track towns will be teeming with thousands of the country’s elite track and field athletes. In each event, from 100-meter sprints to the hammer throw, no more than 32 athletes will contend for a handful of positions on Team USA. The winners in Eugene will travel to Beijing, China, along with athletes in 28 other sports.
There will be some phenomenal athletes to watch at Hayward Field this June. Soon sprinting into the Emerald City will be young Chanelle Price of Easton, Pa. Few athletes have the chance to make the Olympic team while still in high school, but Price is the teenage trackster with the best shot. Price’s 800m dash puts many professional runners to shame, needless to say she dominates in high school competitions. Many fans and followers project that she will be making a run at the national record in the 800m dash, which Maria Mutola set in 1993.
Another young star to put your money on is Robert Griffin from Baylor, Texas. Griffin is looking for two national records this summer. Last year he nearly set the record in the 300m hurdles, finishing only .05 seconds off. His magical mark in the 110m hurdles finished .16 seconds off the national record, which automatically qualified him for the trials.
Many Eugene locals have been following their own distance running duck, Galen Rupp. 2007 was a banner year for Rupp, who scored his second NCAA runner-up finish last June in the 10,000m. He then followed with a runner-up USA finish two weeks later. He finished his season at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan, finishing 10th in the 10k run.
Rupp will be comfortable competing on his own stomping grounds; however, Hayward Field has seen some upheaval and preparations. Renovations on the facility began in 2006.
Contractor Jeff Jones said: “The facility still needs a lot of work before spring hits. I can imagine we may still be around when the early workouts begin, but when the paint dries and we finally put our tools away, this field is sure to bring the most exciting events Eugene has ever seen.”
So far in the renovation, lights have been installed for TV broadcasting and infrastructure improvements have been made. In the next few months, the infield will be reconfigured and new dual runways for high jump and long jump will be set, as well as dual rings for shot put and other throwing events. The grandstands will also be re-painted a mallard green and lightning yellow before the gates are officially open. GoDucks.com heralds the future Hayward Field as the premier track and field facility in the world.
Speed-hungry sprinters and dare devil jumpers will be happy to sink their spikes into such a sensational track, and spectators from across the nation will be here to watch. This summer’s Olympic Trials beginning June 27. Tickets are on sale now at 1-800-WEBFOOT and http://www.Eugene08.com.
Sara Thompson is a senior in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon, majoring in public relations.