WARNING: Below you will find a whole buncha photos of runners. Sorry. It isn't the first time you have found photos of runners on this website and it won't be the last.
This morning, DT and I woke early and drove two hours south to Eugene to attend the 5th Annual Bill Dellinger Invitational Cross Country meet. Bill Dellinger was Dave's coach when he ran track & cross country at the University of Oregon. Now retired, this meet is held each year to honor Dellinger's famed running and coaching legacy.
Coach Dellinger, age 76
The Duck men in a pre-race conference at Alton Baker Park in Eugene, Oregon
And they're off!
Teams racing today were the University of Oregon Ducks, University of Idaho Vandals, University of Guelph (near Toronto, Canada) Gryphons (their spelling), University of Portland Pilots, Portland State University Vikings, Willamette University (Salem, Oregon) Bearcats and my new favorite college team - the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Why am I suddenly so enamored with the Badgers? Their football team knocked-off #1 Ohio State this evening, possibly making the #2 Ducks the #1 Ducks tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
(NOTE: Can any of my readers - several of whom I know are Portland State alumns - explain to me why a university in Portland, Oregon has a Viking for a mascot?)
Luke Puskedra & Matthew Centrowitz, Jr.
It should not be a surprise to anyone that the Duck men won the competition. Luke came in first, Matt was second. They had the pack by a very substantial advantage. Matt's dad ran cross country and track with DT in the 1970s.
Danny Mercato
Ummm... anyone curious as to why the normally-green-and-yellow Ducks were sporting pink? The team wanted to make a statement for October's Breast Cancer Awareness. GO DUCKS!
Real men wear pink.
Jesse Thomas & DT
Our friend, Jesse, led the racers around the course on his bicycle! Jesse was the official "pace car"! Jesse is a professional triathlete.
I'm turning pro as soon as blogging, cooking and martini-drinking become sports.
Next it was time for the ladies (this race switches back-and-forth every year... men go first one year, then the ladies go first the next). Pay attention!
It should not be a surprise to anyone that the Duck women won the competition. The Duck women raced against the University of Guelph, University of Idaho, University of Portland, Portland State University and - ta da - the Oregon State Beavers.
This photo is purely gratuitous. Alex Kosinski is simply beautiful. Inside and out.
Time for the awards ceremony - the Duck team poses with coaching legend Bill Dellinger.
Andrew Wheating & Ashton Eaton
Look who the University asked to help present the awards to the winning racers - Duck alums and professional athletes Andrew Wheating and Ashton Eaton. Both men are currently residing and training in Eugene.
Eugene isn't called "Track Town USA" for nothing, people!
Bill Dellinger, Jordan Hasay, Andrew Wheating & Ashton Eaton
Duck sophomore Jordan Hasay tied with Alex Kosinski for the win today. Also known for her gorgeous golden braids, Jordan certainly had the attention of the gentlemen presenters!
After the races, everyone was chatting with friends and the fans were lining-up for autographs from the runners.
Matt had quite a line of fans wanting his autograph.
Matt & AJ posed for photos with fans.
Matthew Centrowitz & AJ Acosta
Andy Wheating and his lovely girlfriend, Chera
Oregon distance coach Maurica Powell with her second baby, Jake - age 2 weeks
Baby Jake
AJ Acosta with Baby Jake
It was a great meet and great to see everyone again after a much-too-long break. It is going to be a great cross country season for My Ducks.
Thank you for indulging me all the photos of runners!
Until my next update, I remain, your happy correspondent.