TrackTown, USA: Another gorgeous sunny day! Super lucky as we can remember many soggy NCAAs. Today is (you should know this!) all finals for men and Day 1 of the women’s heptathlon. It is also the date for the annual Lame Duck reunion, where Oregon track and field alumni brag about how many miles they are riding on their bikes as it is too painful to run any more. (Only being a bit sarcastic about this.) There was also some heart ablation discussion.
The 2024 reunion was the best-attended to-date. There were several attendees in their 90s! We spent some time with Dave’s college coach, Bill Dellinger, and enjoyed catching-up with so many of Dave’s teammates from the 1970s. Everyone looked so good, and so many Women of Oregon attended as well (they didn’t have a team until the 70s).
We went over to the track this evening to watch the only Duck in the finals tonight. (GO DUCK). Elliot Cook finished in second place, being passed at the finish line by a Washington Husky. Rude.
We also followed and cheered athletes coached by our friend, Vin Lananna, at the University of Virginia. So many great races tonight by college athletes who are not American - we will see (on television) several of these athletes at the Paris Olympics, competing for their home countries.
In the end, Florida men are the NCAA Champions with 41 points, beating Auburn by one point. USC was third with 33 points. Oregon men were way down the list with only 10 points.
Tonight’s late-night repast was what I call a “sandwich salad” as it contains everything one may find in a sandwich minus the bread: lettuce, blue cheese dressing (instead of mayo), sliced smoked turkey, cheese (shredded in a bag), and tomato. Since I MUST garnish, there are a few black olives.
The Women of Oregon show us what they have tomorrow, the last day of the competition. The hep will conclude tomorrow, with the Duck women in 4th and 10th after today.
Until my next update, I remain, your hopeful 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.