Though basketball season is over, there's quite a bit going on in Eugene this weekend. Track and baseball are hosting big events, and spring practice is in full swing. Here's your quack:
- Oregon Track and Field is hosting the Pepsi Invitational this weekend, and Oregon star Jordan Hasay is looking forward to her first run at Hayward Field this year. One of the most interesting events of the weekend will be the women's 1500m, which features Hasay, Oregon's Becca Friday, Washington's Katie Flood, and Nebraska All-American Stephanie Marcy. Hasay is feeling good about her chances, now that she's recovered from her epic performance in College Station a few weeks ago.
- While Hasay will be the main storyline of the meet, there are a number of new Ducks that look to make an impact. Sprinter English Gardner has already set the indoor school record in the 60m and her performance will be very important in Oregon's push for the national title. The men have their own up and coming sprinter in Mike Berry, who will be running the 200m and 400m.
- Oregon baseball needs some good news, and fast. They sit at 0-3 in conference play and host Washington this weekend. They aren't panicking yet, and Washington and their staff ERA of 5.50 will give them a good chance to get those bats going.
- George Schroeder caught up with Pat Kilkenny to discuss the hiring of Dana Altman. One year ago, Kilkenny and the Oregon athletic department were being blasted over a coaching search that was perceived as floundering and overreaching. And in many ways, it was. But Kilkenny's hard work during that time is paying off in a big way. The Altman hire is being universally praised, even by opposing coaches. Now, one year later, it's interesting to hear Kilkenny's side of the story. There were so many rumors about the search that were not really true, but they were certainly played up in the media.
- One of the big questions that was discussed in the quack fix yesterday was Oregon's wide receiver situation this coming fall. With only two returning receivers having more than 4 receptions, someone will have to step up. Justin Hoffman is one candidate to fill the void left by Jeff Maehl and D.J. Davis. Like the other Ducks, he's working on improving each day, and hopefully that will pay dividends.
That's it for now. If you have anything else to share, leave it in the comments. GO DUCKS!