2024 NCAAs: DAY 2

TrackTown, USA: The temperature has improved to a lovely 80 degrees and sunny. We didn’t need to be to the track until 5p, so went out in search of lunch again. This time we went to the Oakway area in Eugene, where they have many restaurants to choose from and tons of shops, salons, juice bars, ice cream. Well, you get the idea. They also have a hotel, housing athletes during the meet and have Welcome to TrackTown signs all over:

We went to a Mexican restaurant. It wasn't bad. It wasn't good. We had salads and each ate half of our lunches. Such a waste. Too much food.

Is this a problem with you, Dear Reader? I just couldn't imagine soggy salads would be appetizing after we return from the track late tonight, so didn't ask for doggy bags. Most times, we split our meals - and sometimes we still bring home left-overs, and we are not teeny people, dainty/picky eaters, and we exercise. Is because we are getting older? (There were sure a lot of empty plates on the tables surrounding ours.) It's a poser, for sure. Please comment below.

We were in our seats in Historic Hayward Field just after 5p today and were joined by Sierra, the daughter of Dave's college roommate (Bruce). Sierra has just graduated from Oregon! GO DUCKS! All four of his college roomies have only daughters. All of the girls have now graduated from college. Sierra, our last graduate, is the only child who has graduated from The University of Oregon. (Lisa was the first. She graduated college 21 years ago.)

If you were paying attention, you know today was the first day of the women's competition and the final day of the men's decathlon. And there were 14 Ducks in the women's competition today, which made for more interest for DT and myself. At the end of the day 13 of the girls made it into the final competition Saturday, so My Driver is very happy this evening.

Number One reason for Dave's happiness is Duck shot putter, Jaida Ross. Ross won the shot put, scored 10 points for Oregon, and will hopefully make the US Olympic Team. Oregon women moved on to compete in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, one racer in the 1500m, 100m, 200m, steeplechase, and 400m hurdles Saturday. That's a lot of points, people, if the Women of Oregon can pull it off.

But the biggest story of the night was the men's decathlon. Oregon's Rafael Raap of The Netherlands - who was in 18th place after the first day - killed it in the discus, pole vault, and javelin today - and finished 13th in the 1500m - to earn 6th place in the NCAA. The frosting and cherry and candle on the decathlon cake, however, belongs to Texas (by way of Germany) decathlete Leo Neugebauer. He earned a ridiculous 8961 points, breaking Ashton Eaton's college record and breaking the German national record. Neugebauer won outright FIVE of the decathlon events. (Our own Leo was watching the meet on television in Los Angeles and was so excited when "he" won.)

We didn't get back to our RV until nearly 10p this evening. Another individual appetizer plate dinner whipped-up by yours truly while we re-watched the meet via our DVR. Day Two, and we are already in a routine.

Again, using my great great great grandmother's fine bone china, I served Trader Joe crackers with the Trader Joe Spanish cheese selection (sold pre-cut and sliced) with olives, radishes, cukes, mixed nuts, and Sister Gina's dried organic figs (from their orchard). Cocktails were consumed.

Until my next update, I remain, your "I'm sorry, Ashton" correspondent.

MEET INFO:
Meet schedule
Results
TV Broadcast Information

Campground Information: Premier RV Resorts - A bit confusing, as we have a frequent-flyer discount card, but we are paying about $78 per night. The park is full-service, with every amenity (though the pool is teeny) and is very dog-friendly - with a dog wash. Small shop with limited groceries, RV supplies, Duck stuff, ice cream and ice. It is right on I-5 so quite noisy. The most conveniently located campsite for a visit to Eugene, but is isn't really very convenient. We stay here all the time. Like, really, all the time.

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