TrackTown USA | Host for the 2012 Olympic Trials -

UPDATE: Closeout Sale of TrackTown12 Merchandise – Ends Friday 8/24

UPDATE: The sale of TrackTown12 merchandise is coming to a close this Friday, August 24.

Items can be purchased in person at the Travel Lane County Adventure Center just north of the Gateway Mall: 3312 Gateway St.,Springfield, OR 97477. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash or check only please. For those of your who live outside of Eugene and would like items shipped, please call the Adventure Center at (541) 743-8767.

Final Sale Prices will be as follows:

Banners = $10
T-Shirts = $5
Daily Program 8-Pack = $1
Water Bottles = $1
Lanyards = $.50

By Becky on August 21, 2012
This entry is filed under Uncategorized.

Letter from Vin Lananna after his time in London

Members of the TrackTown USA Community:

Today I returned from London and the greatest athletic contest in the world where many outstanding athletes from Oregon brilliantly represented their countries. In the 10k’s, Oregon alum Galen Rupp broke new ground for American distance runners by grabbing the silver medal behind training partner Mo Farah and Sally Kipyego showed incredible toughness in her silver medal performance. Galen, Mo and Sally are back again to challenge the best in the world in the finals of the 5,000 meters.

Looking like a seasoned veteran through all of the qualifying rounds, Matthew Centrowitz finished the competition with a gutsy race in the finals of the 1,500 meters. Nick Symmond’s strong finish and time of 1:42.95 was an incredible personal performance in the best 800 meter final ever. University of Oregon alumni Becky Holliday, Brianne Theisen, Rachel Yurkovich, Zoe Buckman, Cyrus Hostetler, Andrew Wheating and OTC Elite athletes Geena Gall, Bridget Franek and Jesse Williams were all strong and competitive in their respective events. And Keisha Baker will join the list of tough competitors representing TrackTown USA as she takes to the track today as part of Team USA’s Women’s 4×400 meter relay.

Ashton Eaton’s gold medal performance not only proclaims him as the World’s Greatest Athlete, it speaks volumes to the history, legacy, and authenticity of TrackTown USA. Harry Marra, Mark Rowland, Coach Gags, Dan Steele and Alberto Salazar, the U of O staff, the OTC and our entire TrackTown community can stand up and sing the national anthem during tonight’s decathlon award ceremonies and take pride in all that this moment represents.

As the 2012 London Olympic Games wind down we will continue to celebrate the performances of the Oregonians that have competed and performed so valiantly, and I am vividly reminded of our collective goal “to revitalize track and field in the State of Oregon” that began in July 2005, and was embraced by our entire community. Our hope was to bring together our collective resources and provide the spark that would ignite the passions for our sport in our country. Early on we started with sparks from the University of Oregon’s successes at the Pac-10’s and NCAA’s. We added kindling by hosting great meets at Historic Hayward Field and by bringing the world’s greatest athletes to train in our community. And now Ashton Eaton’s gold medal performance has taken our sparks to a flame and turned a flicker into a raging inferno.

As our TrackTown USA flame burns as brightly as ever, “What’s next for our community?” We are bringing the 2013 and 2014 NCAA Outdoor Championships to our community and the 2014 IAAF World Junior Championships to our country and our collegiate and post-collegiate programs will continue to build on the momentum that we have created. We must continue to seize the day and provide the fuel to feed the flame.

Today when Ashton stands atop the podium with the Olympic flame in the background, remember it started with a spark from you. Enjoy this moment, keep the fire burning and congratulations to our great athletes who represent us so capably!

Best regards….//v

By Nathan on August 10, 2012
This entry is filed under Uncategorized.

TrackTown12 Photo Tribute

The London Olympics are in full swing, which means TrackTown12 was finishing up a month ago. One of our wonderful photographers Dave Thomas, and his team of Alice Thomas, Benjamin Brayfield and Rachelle Hacmac from Maui Total Visual, put together a tribute video of photos that captured the energy and great performances of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field. So in between all the Olympic coverage, check out this video and get inspired for all the great Olympic track and field action to come. Also, stay tuned for more photos and videos of all the great action from TrackTown12!

By Nathan on July 31, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials and tagged London Olympics, TrackTown12, U.S. Olympic Trials-Track and Field.

TrackTown12 Clothing & Materials for Sale!

8 pack of programs $10/set

UPDATE: We are working on a plan for on-line sales — hope to have details finalized in the next few days and we will post information here on the blog when it is ready! Thanks!

The crowds have vacated the stadium. The work crews have taken down every tent. The last of the fork lifts has lifted the last of the pallets.

But TrackTown12 is not quite over.

There are water bottles, jackets, and t-shirts. A few poster and lots of banners and two colors of hats. Lanyards and eight packs of programs and sweatshirts. All are commemorative TrackTown12 materials. All are filled with memories of races watched, implements thrown, Olympic dreams achieved.

And, all are for sale. All are on sale. All are available at great prices. And all are located at the Travel Lane County Adventure Center just north of the Gateway Mall: 3312 Gateway St.,Springfield, OR 97477. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash or check only please. Sorry, no phone orders or mail orders ; must purchase in person at the Adventure Center.

Here are some of the deals (see photos below):

TrackTown Relay sweatshirt: $20 (XS/S only in zip ups)
TrackTown Relay DriFit t-shirts $10
TrackTown Olympics Men’s DriFit shirt $15
Eugene 2012 Sweatshirt $20
Trials Eugene 2012 DriFit t-shirt $10
Hats $10
TrackTown Lanyards $1
TrackTown Tshirts (volunteer green) $10
TrackTown12 jackets (size L only) $30
TrackTown 12 water bottles $2
Daily Program Eight Pack $10
Large Banners $30
Small Banners $20

By Rita on July 7, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials and tagged clothing, TrackTown12, TrackTownUSA, volunteer.

Ashton Eaton: True World Class

On Saturday evening, Ashton Eaton did something that left him speechless and created a roar from the sellout Hayward Field crowd. The talented multi-event from Bend, Oregon broke the world record on the way to becoming the 2012 Olympic Trials champion.

Eaton was on world record pace from the time the gun went off in the 100m. Clocking a 10.21 Decathlon world record was just what he and coach, Harry Marra had hoped for. On his first leap in the long jump, Eaton flew out to 27-0 for his second consecutive Decathlon world record. A solid throw in the shot (46-7 ¼), a personal best in the high jump (6-8 ¾) and a rain-soaked effort in the 400 (46.70) wrapped up his first day in solid position. His first day point total of 4728 was a sign that big things were possible in Day 2.

A false start on the first event of Day 2 kept the field locked into the blocks and Eaton settled for a 13.70 in the 110m high hurdles. Solid throws in both the discus (140-5), javelin (193-1) and a personal best in the pole vault (17-4 ½) kept him within reach of the world record.

Going into the final event the 1500m, the announcer told Eaton and the 15,204 fans in the stands the task at hand. Eaton would need a personal best and a time faster than 4:16.37 to break Roman Sebrle’s world record.

The former Oregon Duck standout settled into a rhythm behind middle distance decathlete standouts Curtis Beach and Joe Detmer. Strong through 2 laps, Eaton fell a bit off the pace in Lap 3. Urged on by a supportive crowd and powered by his sheer force of will, Eaton closed the final lap in 62 seconds. Beach made way from him down the homestretch and Eaton crossed the line in 4:14.48 as the new world record holder in the Decathlon.

His two-day effort tallied 9039 points, beating Sebrle’s record by 13 points. With a world record in Eugene, London and the Olympics are next on his horizon.

By brawnerc on June 24, 2012
This entry is filed under Uncategorized.

“Preparing for the Best” with Lucais MacKay

Courtesy of tracktownphoto.smugmug.com

Lucais MacKay grew up in the sport of Track and Field. He was raised by a track coach in the town of Modesto, CA, home of the one of the premier meets in the 1980′s and 90′s, the S&W Relays. He participated in football, basketball, swimming, volleyball and track through his youth and graduated high school as the #1 ranked discus thrower in the US. He was also an All-American in the Shot put and Hammer. He attended the University of Southern California on a football scholarship, transferred to Moorpark Community College to play football, basketball and track, and then went on to the University of Georgia to continue with track alone. He won a NCAA title in 2003 in the hammer throw and ended his career as a six-time All-American.

Since 2005, he has competed as a professional hammer thrower and has been ranked in the Top 10 in the U.S. for six years. He now lives and trains in Eugene. The 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials will be his third attempt at making the Olympic Team and he is excited and vocal about his goals and expectations…

What initially drew you to Eugene to train? Are you part of a group? Who is coaching you now?

Eugene, OR has held a mystique for me since I was a kid. My father, a track and field coach, had photos of great athletes on his office wall. One of those images was Mac Wilkins throwing the discus. I immediately fell in love! Mac attended the University of Oregon; therefore I had to see what it was all about. I first set foot on Hayward Field when I was 15 years old & HAD to live here.

After 7 seasons bouncing around as a professional thrower, I decided, enough is enough, packed up my car and drove from Ventura County, CA to Eugene, OR.

I joined the Oregon Track Club upon my arrival in Eugene to pay homage to my heroes that have done the same. I am currently being coached by Stuart Togher, the Scottish/American curmudgeon genius, who coached Lance Deal to an Olympic silver medal in Atlanta (1996).

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

I had not yet moved to Eugene in 2008, but had rented a 1-bedroom apartment for the month of June to become more entrenched in the town, hoping for inspiration and a PR. I cherished my time in Eugene during the Olympic Trials, taking in the weather, floating the Willamette River, renting a bike, and finding local coffee shops and eateries to enjoy. I failed to make the final, and was devastated but knew there was untapped potential below that result.

Tell us a little about how your attitudes and expectations now, after the past four years, might be different coming into this meet than they were going into that one.

After 2004, I became increasingly bitter towards the sport of Track & Field, feeling that I deserved some support for my efforts. After winning a NCAA title for Georgia in 2003 and becoming the first American to win a hammer title since 1973, I realized I was a man on an island. Over the past 8 years I have realized that there are a number of athletes that also live on this island. Although I feel wronged by my sport, I have come to grips with it. My attitude has become increasingly independent from USATF and my expectations are based solely on the body of work that I have produced up this point. When I lay my head down at night, I know I am living my dream of competing as a professional Track and Field athlete and that drives me daily. It takes a lot of guts to do what we do. I am disappointed in the lack of support the USATF shows for developing athletes and collegiate champions, and am working to bridge the gap between College – National – International athletic success. I have worked as hard as any other athlete and am very proud of my journey to the 2012 Olympic Trials.

How do you feel about the Hammer being up in Beaverton?

I am excited about the opportunity to compete with the best the U.S. has to offer in a pristine setting and a large number of fans in attendance. The day of the competition should make for a lifelong memory and hopefully an opportunity to make the final and the medal stand. As far as being forced to compete in the Olympic Trials in Beaverton, with a fan base made up primarily of Nike employees that aren’t necessarily Track & Field fans? I’m strongly opposed! … As frustrated as I am about the event, it will most likely be the best event I have competed in.

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

Being a spectator for nine days of some of the best track and field action in the world. Being a townie has so many advantages this time around, my home is two miles from the Hayward field and I can bike to & from the Trials. I have made so many friends in the sport over the last eight years, and being able to cheer for them means a lot to me. I also plan on hosting one heck of an after party, look for your invitation!

What do you foresee being the biggest hassle/challenge in the experience here in Eugene?

The influx of people creating massive crowds, traffic, long lines & basic chaos. Living in Eugene for two years, one gets used to the pace of the town & for the two weeks of the Trials, that pace will be drastically changed. Athlete seating as a spectator is a topic I hope will not be an issue with the expected sell out crowds in attendance.

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

Alton Baker park: walk/jog Pre’s trail. Get to the top of Spencer’s Butte for a great view. Visit Pre’s rock. If the weather permits, rent tubes and life vests from the UO Outdoor program and float the Willamette/McKenzie river on one of the off days. Rent a bike from the Center for Appropriate Transportation (catoregon.org) and see the town without traffic or take a ride along the McKenzie River. Make sure to visit eugenecascadescoast.org for all of the local information, the staff is very helpful and provide insider information as well as local maps and opinions on where, what and when to get the best value for your buck.

Follow Lucais as he prepares and competes this week!

@ Lucfrom209 on Twitter

or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lucais.mackay.

Extra word from him: Keep your ears to the ground for my website promoting the hammer throw and accompanying non-profit organization in the coming months.

Courtesy of ImageofSport.com

By bridget on June 20, 2012
This entry is filed under Preparing for the Best and tagged catoregon.org, Eugene, eugenecascadescoast.org, Hammertime, Lance Deal, Lucais MacKay, Moorpark Community College, Oregon Track Club, Stuart Togher, TrackTownUSA, University of Oregon, University of Southern California.

“Preparing for the Best” with Stephanie Rothstein

courtesy of Flotrack.com

Many, many elite distance runners migrate to Flagstaff, Arizona for high altitude training throughout the off season. One group, however, claims this town as its permanent residence. For several years now, McMillan Elite has been building prestige and gaining recognition as one of the top distance training groups in the country. Athletes from the 5k to the marathon enjoy a positive training environment coached Greg McMillan and supported by adidas and the community of Flagstaff.

After bouncing around to several different training locations, including a few years in Eugene, Stephanie Rothstein has found success and happiness within the group. After a slightly discouraging go-around at the marathon Olympic Trials this winter, she is ready for a second chance on the track. Not only is she a dedicated runner, she is also the second half of the duo that developed the increasingly popular natural energy bar, PickyBars. Her fiancé, Ben Bruce is also excited to make it back to Eugene to compete in the 3k Steeplechase after having left the OTC Elite last year in order to be closer to Steph. We steal a moment of her precious time to ask her opinions and advice on the upcoming Trials…

Can you tell us a little more about McMillan Elite and some of the benefits it offers to its members?

McMillan Elite was started by coach Greg McMillan with the support and funding from adidas. It is intended to help post collegiate athletes pursue a professional running career by offering housing, adidas gear and travel for races.

Many athletes on the team train primarily for longer distances and road races, about how many athletes from the team will be coming to Eugene to compete in the Trials this summer?

There will be 4 athletes competing at the trials- Ben Bruce (steeplechase), Aaron Braun (10,000/5,000m), Stephanie Rothstein (10,000/5,000), and Kellyn Johnson (10,000/5,000m).

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

I was training in Eugene under Brad Hudson and ran the 10,000m placing 12th.

What do you remember most about the general experience, aside from competition, back then?

The festival along Agate and on campus was full of energy as well as the post race celebrations at a popular pub on Villard Street.

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

I’m looking forward to being back in a town where track and field is so revered and loved that you feel everyone cares about what you are trying to achieve.

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

I don’t foresee many hassles in Eugene.

Do you think you have any advantages, having lived and trained in Eugene? How so?

I think my knowledge of the town will help us with where to run for training, knowing several people there and being comfortable in a high pressured competition. Knowing the best coffee shops and restaurants also helps.

Where are some of your favorite places to visit when you come back into town? Do you have anything/anywhere specific that you would recommend other runners and spectators check out when they visit this summer?

My favorite eating places are Wandering Goat coffee, Off the Waffle, Hideaway Bakery, Sweet Life and Pizza Research Institute. As for entertainment heading to some of the local wineries is always a must when in Eugene- Sweet Cheeks and King Estate.

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 the London Pub but have heard of the SuperBlock and I’m sure it will be amazing.

Follow Steph and her teammates and friends leading up to their events in Olympic Trials.

Twitter: @stephazona, @mcmillanelite, @mcmillanrunning, @pickybars,

Websites: McMillanElite, McMillanRunning, Pickybars,

courtesy of teamrunflag.blogspot.com

Courtesy of PickyBars.com

Courtesy of McMillanElite.com

By bridget on June 15, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Athlete Profiles, Preparing for the Best.

“Preparing for the Best” with Monzavous Rae Edwards

Courtesy of photorun.net

This week, we caught up with sprinter, Monzavous Rae Edwards. He is a veteran on the USA track and field scene and will be coming to Eugene for his third career Olympic Trials! Since 2000, when he was a JUCO and USA Junior National Champion in the 100 and 200, he has steadily cut time off of both event PR’s. His current bests are 10.00 in the 100m (NY, 2010) and 20.17 in the 200m (Belem, 2009). He has suited up as a member of Team USA for the 2007 NACAC team, the 2007 and 2011 Pan American Games, and the 2009 World Championships. From the sounds of it, Edwards is primed and ready for another chance to qualify for the coveted Olympic Games!

What is your best track memory from past meets at Hayward Field and Eugene and your highest finish here?

My best track memories are how in-touch and loving the fans are. They really love the athletes. My highest finish was third in 2009 to make the World team in the 100m dash.

What most impressed you about the Trials in 2008?

How organized and prompt everything was.

Are there any changes from previous meets at Hayward that you hope to see for the Trials?

(laughing) Unless you can promise the weather will be nice, there isn’t much you can do.

As an athlete, what do you foresee to be the biggest hassle/challenge in your experience in Eugene this summer?

Out-competing and out-doing my opponents.

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

Just the experience all over again. Its my third time and every time I have gotten closer to making a team!

Are you planning on getting here early or staying after your event?

I plan on doing both.

Do you have anything specific you like to do when you come to Eugene for meets?

Not really.

Have you heard anything about the London Pub, the SuperBlock exhibits/vendors, the live performances, etc being planned for the meet?

Haven’t heard about any of them but it should be extremely fun!

Get to know Rae better before the Trials by following him on

Facebook (Monzavous Rae Edwards)

or- Twitter @superphantom30

courtesy of allathletics.com

courtesy of Facebook

By bridget on June 7, 2012
This entry is filed under Preparing for the Best, Uncategorized and tagged Eugene, Monzavous Rae Edwards, Olympic Trials.

Monday Matters | TrackTown12 New Look and Spectator Information

There are only 17 days before the U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field and we want to make sure that you the spectator are prepared for your time here in Eugene. We have recently updated our Spectator Section of our website with some useful information.

- Get around TrackTown USA with the City of Eugene Map
- Do you know how you are getting to Hayward Field? Here is the Spectator Parking & Shuttle Information, including a Shuttle Map.
- Now that you are at Hayward Field, use the TrackTown12 Map to get yourself around the entire event.
- Before you enter the Festival Gates, here is a list of Prohibited Items that aren’t allowed in.
- Have some free time and want to get a run in. Check out TrackTown’s awesome trails using the TrackTown USA Runner’s Map.
- If you still need tickets, take a look at the Competition Schedule and buy your tickets now!

Continue to check back to TrackTown12.com for updates, including highlights of the Festival and Entertainment lineup.

TrackTown12 New Look
As you can see with the website, TrackTown12 has recently launched it’s new creative look for the U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field. Headed by Creative Director Tyler James from AMH Brands, the new look can be seen on the website, our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter & YouTube) and in different displays around TrackTown USA, including billboards and street banners.

Here are some of the banner’s that are up now!

Example of the billboards put up around TrackTown.

Get ready for the Best Time Ever!

By Nathan on June 4, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Monday Matters and tagged TrackTown USA, TrackTown12, U.S. Olympic Trials-Track and Field.

“Preparing for the Best” with Brigetta Barrett

Courtesy of USATF.org

Singer, Song-writer, Actress, Blogger, and finally, WORLD CLASS HIGH JUMPER! Unlike many other competitors vying for a spot on this year’s U.S. Olympic Team, Brigetta Barrett will be approaching the Trials with a perspective beyond the high jump mat. Many of her teammates from last summer’s World Championships in Daegu remember her more because of her stunning performance at athlete skit night than her spectacular 10th place finish at the meet. With a summer like this, it was easy to forget that she would be coming home to finish a Theater Arts degree and another collegiate season at the University of Arizona (you may have seen her valiant attempt at the Collegiate Record two weeks ago at the PAC-12 Championships).

This year, while continuing with all these demands on her time, she has also managed to start up a blog about her fellow athletes. Their camaraderie and friendship are what fuel her and keep her excited about discovering her own potential. You will quickly find that the answers she gave for the questions we have been asking many of the other athletes are quite different- a testament to her unique and special approach to the sport.

What is your best track memory from past meets at Hayward Field and Eugene?

My best memory from past meets at Hayward Field was not necessarily competition related. It was the time I sang the national anthem for our PAC -12 conference meet. After I finished singing I went into the stands to watch the rest of the meet because I was not competing on that day. As I stepped into the stadium everyone in the stands stood up and gave me the most heartfelt round of applause I have ever received. It meant so much to me because I know that Hayward track fans are huge fans of the sport. But I had not competed yet and they gave me so much love just for singing. My second best memory was when I became a U.S. National Champion for the first time in my life. It was my biggest platform of my life at the time and to receive that much love even though I was not a Oregon Duck was unbelievable.

Did you come to the Trials in 2008?

I did not come to the trials in 2008. I was a junior in high school and although I qualified to jump at the Trials I did not go. I strained my neck and felt it was smarter to rest than to possibly hurt myself more. So I rested and remained determined that I would go to the Trials four years later, fully prepared to make the team.

After doing so well here in 2011, how will this year be different?

The only difference that I hope this year will bring is an even greater performance than last year. This year I will be defending the national championship and I know that many girls have been training with the intent of trying to take it away from me. But I know that God has a plan for my life and for my sport. So this year I will be jumping on faith and believing in the talent and abilities that I know God has given me. It is not about me this year; it is about everyone that has been supporting me, all of the people that look to me and my life for inspiration, and it is for the chance to wear that USA uniform at the Olympic Games.

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

I have started a blog (born2bgr8.tumblr.com) where I interview other track athletes about their sport and their outlook on life because of their sport. So at the Trials I will have a lot of chances to speak with my fellow friends and track athletes and get a lot of material for my blog.

Will you be coming to the meet this summer with your college team?

Yes. We have a lot of athletes who have a great chance to make this year’s Olympic team. I am honored to have such inspiring and talented teammates. They push me to be better.

Are you planning on getting here early or staying after your event?

I know that we will be getting there early but I am unsure of how long we will be staying afterwards.

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, the Saturday Market…..etc??)

I like to experience the restaurants that are close to the track. There is also this ice cream place that makes their own ice cream. I would like to give it a try. But I really look forward to being reunited with my fellow track athletes, who I would not get the chance to see if it weren’t for Olympic Trials. They also inspire me and track athletes are so nice and down to earth — I just like being around people that share the same passion that I have.

Want to know more about bubbly Brigetta (better known as Bebe), show her your support by checking out some of these other websites and CHEER HER ON!

ASU Profile: Brigetta Barrett

USATF Profile: Brigetta Barrett

Twitter: @bebe3114

Blog: http://born2bgr8.tumblr.com/