Home
News
Blog
Tickets
 

“Preparing for the Best” with Britney Henry

Courtesy of Kevin Clark/ The Register Guard

Hammer Time is a special event being planned to kick off the U.S. Olympic Trials this summer. Instead of Eugene, Beaverton, Oregon will be the site of the competition. The Nike World Headquarters will be transformed to showcase these special athletes and lead everyone toward the later festivities down south. With Hayward Field being the historical and iconic site that it is, we wondered what the athletes really thought about this unique separation. Britney Henry filled us in.

Even being a two-time All-American, a PAC-10 champ and a University of Oregon school record holder, Britney has still improved by leaps and bounds since graduating from college.  She has since been ranked 2nd in the US and 14th in the World and thrown a personal best of 71.27 meters (233 feet, 9 1/2 inches).  Currently she spends most of her time in San Diego, training at the Olympic Training Center, where she is close to family and friends, but moves up to Eugene for one week every month to get one-on-one instruction from her throwing coach Lance Deal.  She is an active voice in the female athlete world, keeping a regular blog and doing all she can to raise awareness about sports and the importance of following dreams.

Were you training in Eugene in 2008 last time the Trials were here? Did you compete in them?

Yes I was living and training here and did compete in them.

Tell us a little about how your attitude and expectations might be different now coming into this meet than in 2008.

I had just graduated from college and was new to the career.  I am coming into this one with a much more stable mindset- more prepared to compete as a professional. I’ve learned how to think, train my mind, to calm my nerves, what I need to do physically and mentally to be ready on the day of competition. I see myself as a contender for this team.

How do you feel about Hammer Time and it being separated from the rest of the festivities in Eugene?

I’m really excited! I think any opportunity to get exposure for the hammer is great! This will showcase the event in a new crowd (Portland). It’s always fun for us to be able to show people what we do.

Aside from your competition, what are you looking forward to most about the Trials this summer?

(Laughs)…the Beer Garden! It will be fun to come down to Eugene after our competition is over and just chill out watching the races.

What do you foresee being the biggest hassle/challenge in the overall Trials experience?

I have it nice; when I come down to Eugene, I stay with my coach (kind of off the grid) which keeps me out of the crowds.  I would definitely encourage people to do that, check out restaurants outside of the main areas. Personally, the worst thing for me is the POLLEN!  It hits me pretty hard.

Do you think you have any advantages, being based and training in Eugene?

Yeah, people may still recognize my name from when I competed at the University of Oregon, but I think events here are fun for everyone because the track fan base really understands the sport.  They know what a good mark is and when to cheer and get excited!

Do you have anything/anywhere specific in Eugene that you would recommend other athletes and spectators check out when they visit this summer?

Cornucopia is definitely one of my favorites- the one on 17th, they have a good menu and good beer! I also like Roaring Rapids Pizza in Springfield.

Stay in the ‘ring’ with Brittany from now until the Trials by following her on

Twitter- @hammerlover

Facebook- Britney Henry

and her personal blog- http://britneyhenry.blogspot.com/

or her Project- http://thebritneyhenryproject.blogspot.com/

Courtesy of TheBrittanyHenryProject.blogspot.com

By bridget on May 18, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Hammertime, Preparing for the Best and tagged , , , , .

Monday Matters | Oregon sweeps the 2012 Pac-12 Championships

(Phil Johnson / TrackTownPhoto.com)

There may not have been a better two days in TrackTown USA than what we just had for the 2012 Pac-12 Championships this past weekend, especially in mid May. During a month that could have just as easily brought 50s and rain, this weekend instead saw lots of sun, 80-degree temperatures, and  a nice tailwind for the sprints and jumps. Combine that with the great crowd and amazing performances, and Hayward Field showed why it is like no other track and field venue in the country.

The Men and Women of Oregon proved their dominance in 2012  with a stellar day of finals to capture a history-making sixth and fourth straight titles respectively.  The men had to go against the form charts for their victory, highlighted by wins from Elijah Greer (800), Johnathan Cabral (110 hurdles), Sam Crouser (Javelin) and Dakota Keys decathlon victory from last weekend.  The rest of their 140 points came from a great depth of athletes who scored in 18 of the 21 events.

The Duck Women made history with 200 1/2 points scored, over 70 points ahead of second place Stanford. UO claimed the 4×100 relay, 100 and 200 (English Gardner), 400 (Phyllis Francis), 800 (Laura Roesler), 1500 (Jordan Hasay), 10k (Alex Kosinski), Triple Jump (Lauryn Newson) and last week’s heptathlon by Brianne Theisen.  In the 200 and the 800, not only did Oregon claim the victory, the Ducks’ swept the top 3.  In the 200, Gardner led Francis (2nd) and Newson (3rd), while the 800 was won by Roesler, followed by Becca Friday (2nd) and Claudia Francis (3rd). Newson won the Triple Jump in only her second time competing in that event. Combining that with her 100 and 200 finishes, and a leg of the 4×100 relay, Newson was the highest individual scorer of the event with 26.5 points.

Other notable highlights from the weekend were Arizona’s Brigetta Barrett’s victory and near misses at the collegiate record in the High Jump; Stanford’s Chris Derrick gutsy race in the men’s 5k and Arizona State’s Jordan Clarke, who dominated the throws and was the men’s high-point scorer.

Full Results of the 2012 Pac-12 Championships PDF | HTML

Pac-12 Championships Links:

UO Women with their fourth straight title  – Register Guard

Duck Men use a never quit mentality to achieve their sixth straight crown – Register Guard

Ducks trampled the form charts and competition to sweep the meet – Oregonian

Photos:

The Oregonian Photo Essay Day 1 | Day 2

The Register Guard Slideshow Day 1 | Day 2

Phil Johnson & TrackTownPhoto.com

Rick Russel Photography Day 1 | Day 2

The Daily Emerald Day 1 | Day 2

Pac-12 Conference Slideshow

Videos:

Runnerspace.com Interviews

The Oregonian Interviews

You can catch Fox Sports Networks coverage of the Pac-12 Championships this week on your local station. Click here for a detailed listing of all the times it will air.

 

By Nathan on May 15, 2012
This entry is filed under Monday Matters and tagged , , , , .

“Preparing for the Best” with Jordan Scott

Picture Courtesy of KU Athletics

As if watching pole vault is not entertaining enough, Jordan Scott has been making it even more interesting the past few years by adding a unique and individual flare…..hair designs! Extravagant color and style pulled him out of a small personal slump, helping him bring home a NCAA title his senior year for Kansas University, and he has been nurturing his creative side ever since! (Source: statesman.com) His personal record for the pole vault is 18 feet, 8 3/4 inches, which was set in 2010. The 2012 season has been healthy and productive so far, and Jordan is ready for more. His hair is a way to keep things light and remember how much fun he is having doing what he loves.

Check out some of his recent favorites on his website (here). But better yet, come out to the Trials and watch him compete in the Men’s Pole Vault Prelims on June 25th at 5:30, and in the Finals on June 28th at 5:05 (complete Trials Schedule here). Not only will the competition be tight, but you can rest assure that at the Best Meet Ever, Jordan just might have the Best Hair Ever!

Courtesy of jscottpolevault.com!

What is your best track memory from past meets at Hayward Field and Eugene?
I would have to say my best track memory from Hayward Field was when I won the NCAA Championships in 2010, but also qualifying for the finals in the 2008 Olympic Trials was pretty memorable as well! I’ve had several unbelievable experiences at Hayward Field. It’s easily one of my favorite places to compete!

Was this your highest finish here?
Again, I think my 2010 NCAA Championship was my highest finish at Hayward Field. Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, just being in that stadium, with its unbelievable fans, and family in the stands, it is one of my best memories ever to win that challenging meet.

What most impressed you about the Trials in 2008?
The professionalism and “high-class” feel that Hayward Field offered during that event was unmatched. The security was phenomenal, the fans were incredible, and the energy was indescribable.

Are there any changes from previous meets at Hayward that you hope to see for the Trials?
I can’t think of anything I would change about any experience I’ve ever had at a Hayward Field competition. They really know how to run a meet!

As an athlete, what do you foresee to be the biggest hassle/challenge in your experience in Eugene this summer?
Parking is the only hassle around Hayward Field. It is always a challenge to park remotely close to the facility.

Aside from your competition, what are you looking forward to most about the Trials this summer?
The vibe of positive energy I always get in Eugene. The city has so many great track and field fans and I’m always excited to get to compete there.

Are you planning on getting here early or staying after your event?
Yes, I will be arriving several days before my qualifying and staying a few days after the final round in hopes that I have a lot of Team Sign-up and paperwork to do!

Do you have anything specific you like to do when you come to Eugene for meets?
I love using the public bus transportation system to get around. You just can’t beat it! I can get wherever I want to get in a timely manner for only a couple bucks. I usually check out the mall and see a movie while I’m there.

Have you heard anything about the London Pub, the SuperBlock exhibits/vendors, the live performances, etc being planned for the meet?
I haven’t heard of any special events going on at the Trials this year yet, but if it’s anything like 2008, a good time is on its way!

Get to know Jordan better and follow him through to the Trials…..

Twitter: @jscottpolevault

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jscottpolevault

Personal Website: http://www.jscottpolevault.com/

Blog: http://www.jscottpolevault.com/blog/

Picture courtesy of KU Athletics

By bridget on May 10, 2012
This entry is filed under Preparing for the Best and tagged , , , .

‘Behind the Scenes (Mic)’ with the Voice of Hayward Field, Paul Swangard.

In order to create the Best Time Ever at TrackTown12, a lot of time and coordination is being spent on the run of show for each day inside Hayward Field.  Everything besides the results is carefully planned, including, among many things, the opening ceremonies, award ceremonies, and TrackVision video content. One other key elements for the run of show during the U.S. Olympic Trials  – Track and Field lies with the individuals behind the public address microphone.  Luckily for TrackTown USA, we have one of the best around. Paul Swangard, a long-time track and field announcer at Hayward Field, has a growing reputation as one of the premiere announcers in the sport, and for the first time will be one of the lead announcers for the Olympic Trials during TrackTown12.

Photo from Lundquist College of Business

 

Swangard grew up in Eugene as a track and field fan. He attended South Eugene High and holds both his Bachelors and MBA degrees from the University of Oregon.  When Swangard isn’t behind the mic, he is serving as the the Managing Director of the James H. Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business.  We recently caught up with Paul to give us some ‘behind the mic’ insights as he prepares for the Olympic Trials.

A little Swangard History…When was your first Hayward experience and when was your first time behind the mic?
PS: I was born in Eugene in the late 60s and grew up a track fan in TrackTown USA. My parents viewed spring meets at Oregon like a daycare center. We’d be dropped off before the first event and spend the entire day at Hayward Field. I still have a shoebox of autographs from the 1980 Trials and a lot of great childhood memories. After some success sprinting at South Eugene, I was lucky enough to be asked to walk on at Oregon in the mid 80’s but lasted only a season. Later, I transitioned into a career in sports broadcasting and was asked to audition for the Hayward PA job in the early 90’s after Wendy Ray stepped down. It’s hard to believe I’m approaching 20 years in the role but it’s been a great run so far!

What is the Hayward Field experience like from the booth?
PS: It’s controlled chaos in the booth. I’ve always said it is like being a ring master at a circus doing our best to keep the crowd in tune with what is going on and providing perspective on how well the athletes are performing. The sight-lines are good though the television platforms can make announcing the jumps a bit of a challenge. What is great about being in the booth is we are all fans of the sport and are all focused on delivering a great experience for the fans and for the athletes regardless of affiliation.

Looking back to Eugene08, in your opinion, what made it so special?
PS: I think Eugene08 was both a great track and field meet and a great event. That was the difference as the organizers sought to elevate the Trials into a broader entertainment experience. People came to be a part of it with or without a ticket. I think they’ll elevate it again in 2012.

You have announced meets all over the country, how do the other experiences and venues compare to Hayward Field?
PS: Each venue has its own distinct personality.  I’m biased to Eugene only because its home and the spectators always seem to be the most educated and understand the role they play in supporting the athletes. The magic of Hayward Field is as much the fans as it is the venue. Still, I’ve enjoyed the chance to announce in other venues and look forward to doing more in the future.

Do you prepare for the Trials differently than any other meet you announce?
PS: I’ll be teaming up with Garry Hill (editor of Track and Field News) to announce the Trials. We’ve now worked several meets together (Pre, USATF Championships, Pac-12 Championships) so I think we have a good chemistry. With two “voices” it allows us to do a lot more homework and we’ll be able to give each event full coverage. In some meets there is almost too much going on to keep track of, but at the Trials all of the athletes deserve to be on stage.

What are you most excited about this year during TrackTown12?
PS: This is actually my first Trials as one of the lead announcers. In 2008, the late Scott Davis (longtime Pre Classic and Mt. Sac Relays announcer) and Garry Hill shared the microphone. I did the opening ceremonies, some interviews on the Festival stage and the hammer events outside the stadium. Turned out I was announcing the men’s hammer at the same time as that legendary Men’s 800m finish. Never heard Hayward Field louder but didn’t actually see the race! This time I get the best of both worlds. I will be in Portland to announce Hammer Time at the Nike campus and then join Garry in calling all the events in the venue. I’m just excited to be able to have a role in staging a great event and being one ingredient to the atmosphere of TrackTown USA.

You may have seen this video before, this time close your eyes and listen to the passion and excitement from Paul Swangard!

By Nathan on May 7, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Behind The Scenes and tagged , , , , .

“Preparing for the Best” with Team Run Eugene

Athletes from across the country in all different events have been hard at work training for the Olympic Trials this summer.  Meanwhile, here in the community of Eugene, Oregon, a.k.a. TrackTown USA, we also have been preparing for the event we claim will be the “BEST MEET EVER”.   For the past few weeks we have been catching up with some of these competitors to ask them how they are “Preparing for the Best” and what they are anticipating this summers experience to be like.

Throughout the country, post collegiate training groups have been popping up all over.  These groups vary in the level of support they are able to offer members as well as the event disciplines they specialize in.  Last week we took a look at Team USA Minnesota through athlete Heather Dorniden-Kampf. This week, we would like to introduce two members of a local professional training group, Team Run Eugene.  1500m specialists, Ian Cronin and Jordyn Smith are here to tell us a little about their team and what its like for them to train in Eugene.

Check out these other links for more info!

Twitter:  @teamruneugene | @ian_cronin

http://teamruneugene.org/

Tomorrow is the last day to purchase your All-Session Pass. Single day tickets are still available to the U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field. Get them today and be part of TrackTown12! Order yours now

By bridget on May 3, 2012
This entry is filed under Preparing for the Best and tagged , , , . | 1 Comment

Monday Matters | Follow Your Favorite Athletes

The U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field take a lot of work and preparation for many individuals.  As a Local Organizing Committee, we have been working hard for years to make TrackTown12 the Best Meet Ever.  The athletes have also been  putting in a lot of time, sweat and effort to get themselves ready.  For some athletes that means working hard to get a qualifying mark and for those who already have it, it is making sure they are ready, come June 21-July 1, to perform at their best.  We want TrackTown12.com to be the website you come to get all your Olympic Trials information, including information about your favorite athletes who will be Eugene this summer.

One way to do this is to check out Oregon Track Club Elite Steeplechaser, Bridget Franek’s weekly blog, ‘Preparing for the Best’ , where she has some some Q&A with athletes who will be coming to Eugene for the Trials.

Recently added to our website is a section giving you the links to your favorite athletes blog, website and social media accounts.  Here you can find athletes such as Tyson Gay, Sanya Richards-Ross, Lopez Lomong, Lauren Fleshman, Reese Hoffa, Aretha Thurmond and many more.  Head to Athlete Websites for the whole list and sort by event, name, location or club/sponsor.

For a different kind of preparation, be sure to check out the Andrew Wheating and Russell Brown collaboration Behind the Stands to see what two local TrackTown USA athletes do with their spare time.

TrackTown Tuesday

Come out to our next TrackTown Tuesday tomorrow from 7pm-8pm at the Oregon Electric Station.  Sponsored by Deschutes Brewery, Dutch Bros. Coffee, Mercedes Benz/Eugene, Dari Mart stores and Lochmead Dairy. “TrackTown Tuesday” is free and open to the public. Come hear from Ashton Eaton and six-time NCAA champion Brianne Theisen, as will 2008 Olympian Andrew Wheating and the Ducks’ Dakotah Keys and Trevor Dunbar. Click here for More Information.

By Nathan on April 30, 2012
This entry is filed under Monday Matters and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , .

“Preparing for the Best”- with Heather Kampf

 

While competing for University of Minnesota she was better known as Heather Dorniden.Picture courtesy of myathleticlife.com

 

Eugene, Oregon is not the only city in the United States that is proud of the professional track athletes that train there.  Groups of endurance athletes have popped up all over the country throughout the last few years and, with help from the community, are making it work. Local sports aficionados ban together to offer their services, funding, and flexible side-job opportunities to allow runners to continue chasing dreams after college and to explore how far they can go.

Team USA Minnesota, based in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, is one of those places. Since it was officially named a ‘USA Distance Training Center’ in 2001, this team has produced an Olympian and 17 National Champions under the direction of Coach Dennis Barker. A Board of Directors, made up of dedicated community members, help with the small details of the club, including much of their fundraisers. In return, athletes are expected to attend various activities throughout the community and, of course, prepare to be competitive at the highest level in their event. Heather Kampf has been a member of the team since she graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2009.  As a Gopher, she was a nine-time All-American and set nine school records. She has been a semi-finalist in the ultra-competitive 800-meter distance at the USA Championships for three of the past four years.  In recent years she has also run and done well at the USA Indoor Championships, as well as the USA 1-Mile Road Championships.  We caught up with her to talk about the team and her excitement for the Olympic Trials this summer.

It sounds like you have it pretty nice, being able to train and compete with the group.  How does it compare to a college team?
HK: Team USA Minnesota is an awesome training group to be with, though it is VERY different from a college team. We’re a smaller group, and the training that we do is more individualized to each athletes’ specific needs. I am one of the few middle distance runners on the team (most everyone else does longer stuff), but we compliment each other well, and benefit from each other’s strengths at practices.

As I understand, several athletes on the team train primarily for road races, about how many athletes from the team will be coming to Eugene to compete in the Trials this summer?
HK: It is true that my teammates do well on the roads, but I am thinking anywhere from 6-8 of us might take a shot at London this summer. A lot of it depends on how things go earlier this spring, but in my eyes, the more the merrier!

How supportive is the local community to your team?
HK: The local community is not only incredibly supportive to our team, they are quite knowledgeable and active in the sport as well. Having fans and supporters who “get it” is so cool, and it makes it much more fun for us to give back to our running community as well.

What types of activities throughout the year are you guys expected to do to give back?
HK: We get to work at a lot of kids’ running events, helping them warm up, cheering and handing out medals to finishers- that is probably my favorite activity to be involved in. We also have opportunities to speak at big events like the Twin Cities Marathon, and High School State Meets. Another highlight is participating in big community races. It doesn’t seem like much effort for us to come and run with people, but I have been told often enough how meaningful it is, so we’re glad to make appearances.

Personally, what is your best track memory from past meets at Hayward Field and Eugene?

HK: My favorite memory isn’t necessarily anything about my own performance. Rather, the thing I remember most fondly is the fans at Hayward Field. They are the best and most involved fans you can find, no matter where an athlete is from, you get the star treatment in Eugene.

You were a semi-finalist in the Trials in 2008.  What most impressed you about the town/meet- competition wise and also outside of your competition (the festival, the crowds, the trails in town, etc.)
HK: I was still in college in 2008, and honestly felt like I was just there for the ride. Therefore, I was impressed with EVERYTHING! The athletic medical staff were incredible, the hospitality they had set up for the athletes was more than I could have ever asked for, and as I mentioned earlier, the fans make the meet.

Are there any changes from previous meets at Hayward that you hope to see for the Trials?
HK: Yep! I hope to make the podium this time ;)

As an athlete, what do you foresee to be the biggest hassle/challenge in your experience in Eugene this summer? OR Is there anything aside from your competition that you are worried about (call rooms running smooth, transportation through Eugene with all the people, restaurants being crowded, rain….etc.)
HK: Nerves will be the biggest challenge for me. I will need to remind myself that I am not an inexperienced college athlete there anymore, and to take to the track with pride and confidence in how far I’ve come, ready to compete with the best we have to offer in the US of A!

Will your team travel and stay together when you come? Are you planning on getting here early or staying after your event?
HK: I believe a lot of us are staying in a house together that our coach rented out. It will be nice to be able to cook meals for ourselves rather than going out all the time. I am planning to come in just a couple days before the start of the 800 competition, and if I were to miss out on a chance to compete in London there, I will stay to make a shot in the 1,500 in the second half of the Trials.

Do you have anything specific you like to do when you come to Eugene for meets (favorite restaurants/bars, etc.?)
HK: Cafe Yumm was introduced to me the last time I was in Eugene. We don’t have those in Minneapolis, and I’ve been craving one of those bowls of goodness ever since!

Have you heard anything about the London Pub, the SuperBlock exhibits/vendors, the live performances, etc. being planned for the meet?
HK: Nope, but sounds exciting!

To find out more about Heather and to follow her up through the Trials, check out these other links:

Personal Profile on Asics.com
Personal Profile on Team USA Minn
Personal Blog: This is where I am-This is where I’m meant to be
Twitter: @HeatherRaeKampf

 

Picture courtesy of asics.com (http://216.139.245.131/sports/team/trackfield/athletes_tf.aspx)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By bridget on April 26, 2012
This entry is filed under Preparing for the Best, TrackTown Tuesday and tagged , , . | 2 Comments

Monday Matters | Oregon Relays Recap

 

Photo Courtesy of Nate Barrett/Oregon Daily Emerald

 

High school, collegiate and professional athletes came to TrackTown USA for the Oregon Relays this past weekend for a terrific two days of competition (and weather). Highlighted by personal bests, meet records, top ten marks and even a fastest outdoor time in the world this season, the 2012 Oregon Relays showed that it is becoming one of the premiere events in the country. Click here for the full results of the Oregon Relays.

This weekend also saw some of the best weather TrackTown USA has seen this year, not only did it make for a great meet, but it provided photographers with a great opportunity to get some awesome photos.  Here are a few of the photos taken from this weekend.

Photo Courtesy of TrackTownPhoto.com & Phil Johnson
Photo Courtesy of TrackTownPhoto.com & Phil Johnson

 

Photo Courtesy of Doug Beghtel/ The Oregonian

 

For more photos from the 2012 Oregon Relays, check out the following sites and photographers.

Rick Russell Photography

TrackTownPhoto & Phil Johnson Day 1 | Day 2

Nate Barrett Photography and the Daily Emerald

Doug Beghtel and The Oregonian Day 1 | Day 2

News from USA Track and Field

Today, USA Track and Field Board of Directors announced that they have selected selected Max Siegel to serve as new CEO. He will become the fourth CEO in the organization’s history when he assumes his duties on May 1 as part of a two-year contract. Read the full release from USATF.org

Be sure to get your Tickets to the U.S. Olympic Trials.  Single Day Tickets are on sale now. Buy Yours Today.

By Nathan on April 23, 2012
This entry is filed under Monday Matters.

“Preparing for the Best” with Ian Dobson

Growing up in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Ian Dobson’s decision to land in Eugene as a member of the Oregon Track Club was an easy one.  He was first drawn out of the state for college, where he had an amazing career for Stanford.  He was an All-American nine times and made his first US National team his senior year in the 5k.  He continued running and made the 2008 Olympic Team while a member of the Mammoth Track Club.  It was here that he met his future wife, NC State Alum, Julia Lucas. Together they made the decision to leave California and head north. Their journey brought them to Eugene where they have become not only distinguished members of the Oregon Track Club, but also valued members of the community.  They coach a running group open to the public every Thursday night and actively participate in club and neighborhood events whenever their schedule allows.

What is your best track memory from past meets at Hayward Field? And what was your highest finish here?
ID: Finishing 3rd at the 2008 Olympic Trials.  It was fun in part because it was somewhat unexpected success.  People like Bobby Curtis, Chris Solinsky, Bolota Asmerom, and Jonathon Riley were all in the race and running really well at the time. It was fun having a lot of local supporters, having grown up in Oregon.  I had run at Hayward Field several times through high school but it never seemed to go well there.  I was happy to finally break through that streak.

What most impressed you about the Trials in 2008?
ID: How much the entire town changes for Track and Field- all the billboards, the festival…Eugene is unique in that it is the perfect size to be completely transformed for a few weeks by the energy of the meet.  I don’t think any other town could pull it off like that.

As an athlete, what do you foresee to be the biggest hassle/challenge in your experience in Eugene this summer?
ID: I worry about people (friends and family) coming into town at the last minute and asking to stay with us because everything is booked or too expensive. I don’t like not being able to help them out but I want them to know that this is business for me.

I also hope that local restaurants and businesses will respond to the crowds and schedule.  I remember in 2008 after the meet, everyone would want to hang out and socialize when they were finished competing and there were a few places that stayed open (Villard Pub, no longer there) and had special hours so that people could do that.  It was a lot of fun!

Aside from your competition, what are you looking forward to most about the Trials this summer?
ID: The weight off.  So much energy and focus over the course of the last few years has gone into this one event.  There are so many different ways it could go, when it is done, no matter the outcome, we will know and be able to plan the next step.

Do you think you will have an advantage living and training in Eugene with OTC? In what way?
ID: It will be nice to not have to rely on coaches and staff for transportation around town, to the race, etc.  We will be able to warmup like a regular workout.  There will just be more ‘controls’ for us than if we had to go away.  And having the Oregon support and the community connections there cheering us on will be great.

Do you have anything/anywhere specific in Eugene that you would recommend others runners and spectators check out when they visit this summer? (restaurants, entertainment venues, parks, etc?)
ID: You should definitely go to Hideaway Bakery in town near Amazon Rexius.  If you don’t mind exploring outside of town a little, check out the McKenzie River Trail.  We also love the restaurant PRI (Pizza Research Institute).

 

Picture courtesy of Shamrockshuffle.com

Picture courtesy of Shamrockshuffle.com

Julia Lucas, as she crosses the finish line after her most recent victory at the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago.

 

By bridget on April 19, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, News, Preparing for the Best, Team USA, TrackTown Spotlight and tagged , , , , , .

‘Preparing for the Best’ with Leonel Manzano

 

Photo Courtesy of Phil Johnson

The marquee event at many track meets has traditionally been the infamous men’s mile. Within this domain, Leonel Manzano has become a household name. Known for his tenacity and fight despite his small stature, he exploded onto the national scene as a freshman for the University of Texas by winning the 1500 NCAA Outdoor title in 2005.  Since then, his accolades have continued to rack up, with numerous records and titles in individual as well as relay events. He finished his collegiate experience as a nine-time All-American and four time NCAA Champion. His international experience started while still a college junior, when he made the USA National team and traveled to Osaka, Japan to compete in the IAAF World Championships. This would give him valuable experience for the following year in which he represented his country at the 2008 Olympic Games. He has placed in the top three at USA National Championships the past five years.

What is your best track memory from past meets at Hayward Field and Eugene?
LM: My first track memory in Eugene was when I was a freshman at the University of Texas. I had never really been out of the state and when I came to compete in Eugene I was blown away on how great the fans were!

Highest finish here?
LM: I won my race as a freshman, I believe it was one of the Oregon invites.

What most impressed you about the Trials in 2008?
LM: What impressed me the most about the Trials in 2008 was the amount of participation from the Fans and the International TV coverage.

Are there any changes from previous meets at Hayward that you hope to see for the Trials?
LM: I think it would be great if they could have live music while we ran. Other than that I think it would be hard to make the meet better.

As an athlete, what do you foresee to be the biggest hassle/challenge in your experience in Eugene this summer?
LM: I think the biggest hassle would be the travel. Eugene is great but sometimes the flights into and out of Eugene are very limited.

Aside from your competition, what are you looking forward to most about the Trials this summer?
LM: The one thing I really look forward to is the excitement of the fans inside Hayward Field. There is a lot of energy and the fans are very knowledgeable.

Are you planning on getting here early or staying after your event?
LM: I am arriving about two days before my event. I am trying to be as focused as possible. At the end of the day it is a job and I have to do it to the best of my ability. Hopefully no distractions for me this time around. But maybe things will change afterward.

Do you have anything specific you like to do when you come to Eugene for meets (favorite restaurants/bars, etc you always eat at, places you like to stay)
LM: I like to go to Dutch Brothers Coffee in the morning and there is an organic burrito place I really love. The name escapes me.

To find out more about Leo and to follow his racing schedule this spring, go to his links on the web:

Website:  http://runleo.com/

Twitter: @leomanzano

Facebook: Leo Manzano Fan Page

 

By bridget on April 12, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Preparing for the Best and tagged , , , .

Older Entries »