This weekend Oregon's men and women's track teams emerged from the shadows of the NCAA powerhouses. What happened this weekend was nothing short of magnificent. It gave any red blooded Duck fan that feeling deep down in their soul, that cries out in defiance, "we are Oregon, the fabled track and field program". PRs, school records, and facility records dropped like flies. Just when we thought that we'd seen the miraculous, bigger miracles happened. Topping off this incredible track and field weekend in Corvallis and Tucson, the last event, the 200m competition, ended in a climax that was the highlight of the entire weekend.
Over the course of the past few months, these two teams have continued to improve. Today they took that quantum leap forward for which Oregon track and field teams are renown. If the NCAA Championships were to held next week, neither team would win the title, but the gap between the top teams and Oregon is closing rapidly.
Sport isn't just about winning. There is excitement, drama, and inspiration in the crusade for victory. This team is making a run at greatness. Many felt that the loss of stars like, Edward Chesserek, Raevyn Rogers, Deja Stevens, Kyree King, Hannah Cunliffe and Sasha Wallace would be too much to overcome. After a sluggish start, many felt that the comeback trail was just too ominous to expect much in the way of results this year.
Combine the losses from the program with the losses of some of the top athletes due to injury and many felt the expectations really required a further lowering of the proverbial high jump bar. They underestimated the fight, know how, and determination of this proud program.
No mater the outcome, I consider this team to be a team of champions. They are persisting to develop the hand that they were dealt. Do not feel sorry for the Oregon track program. They have a competitive spirit that more than makes up for their circumstances. Feel sorry for their competition.
