With the end of the track & field season, it's officially the offseason for Oregon athletics. But hey, we're less than two months away from fall camp. Here's your quack
- The Oregon women were one lap away from winning their first outdoor track and field championship since 1985. In the final lap of the final event (4x400 relay) of the meet, Oregon and Texas A&M were tied at 39, with Oregon runner Laura Roesler just ahead of Texas A&M’s Jessica Beard. Unfortunately, Roesler couldn't hold on, and Beard (who also won the 400m crown) brought her team the national title with the fastest split in meet history. The Ducks posted the fastest time in school history in the 4x400, but it wasn't enough, as the Ducks came in second.
- Unfortunately, the Ducks suffered just enough setbacks earlier in the meet to keep them from getting the title. Jordan Hasay went for it all, running in both the 1500 and 5000, and that gamble ultimately didn't pay off, as she took 4th in the 1500, and 8th in the 5000.
- The Oregon men didn't have quite the showing, coming in only 10th, but the highlight for the men was Matthew Centrowitz. He's a three time Pac-10 champion in the 1500, and now he's an NCAA champion. Centrowitz is now the 10th UO champion in the 1500 or mile.
- While the end of the season is a bit disappointing, next year could be something very special for the Ducks. For the women, they return every athlete who scored points at the NCAA championships this year. And 28 of Oregon's 45 points came from freshmen and sophomores. The Ducks also may get the return of two time NCAA heptathalon champion Brianne Theisen, who was forced to redshirt this season due to a back injury. The men will have more holes to fill, but are bringing in what Vin Lananna believes to be his best recruiting class at Oregon.
- Phil Steele has Oregon #4 in his Top 30 countdown (warning: link is to PDF Preview). He says Oregon has his top rated running back unit in the country. With LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner, Lache Seastrunk, and De'Anthony Thomas, that seems about right. Overall, Steele expects Oregon's units to match last years production despite some loss of experience, and win the Pac-12 title.
With the offseason upon us, how are you gonna pass the summer? Also, leave any other links in the comments. GO DUCKS!