TrackTown, USA: The day was cloudy, but no rain was predicted. (No rain was predicted yesterday either.) We didn't need to be to Historic Hayward Field until late afternoon, we decided to go downtown Eugene for lunch. Our favorite place was not open until 3p (I think these are COVID hours, because it used to be open for lunch.), so we went with option two, The Steelhead Pub. I used to like their fish and chips. However, times have changed, and instead of soggy fries and crispy fish, I was served yukky fish and wonderful chips. Slaw is still not worth eating. We should have gone to McDonalds for a fish sandwich.
No more Steelhead Pub for us. Terry, you have a perfectly good kitchen and a well-stocked fridge in your RV!
Besides food, our other need was a rain jacket for me, which was easily located in rainy Eugene. We grabbed a few game-day ponchos as well, just in case, at the UO Bookstore.
Back at the RV, we had a visitor! This little goldfinch was admiring itself in our mirrored window. The bird stayed for over five minutes, before figuring out the reflection was not a possible mate.
Not as many fans today... but it was a Thursday. Later, more people came to the stadium - probably after work.
We were on ESPN today! Well, our friends in Portland recognized us on their television and snapped a photo.
Though the Thursday events were devoted to the women's competition, today was also the final day of the men's decathlon. Estonian Karel Tilga, of the University of Georgia won, and he also won the decathlon high jump, long jump and javelin. Oregon's sophomore Max Vollmar, of Germany, finished 8th. Vollmar captured the shot put victory.
Oregon senior, Carmela Cardama Baez (of Spain), won the 10000 meter race:
Baez screamed down the last 200 meters, outpacing her rivals and winning in a personal-best 32:16. The girl was on fire!
Our seats are in front of the long jump pits, so we were able to watch this great competition. Oregon freshman Alysah Hickey finished 5th. Ms Hickey is pictured below, conferring with Oregon head coach (and jumps coach) Robert Johnson:
But the star of the long jump was Tara Davis of the University of Texas. Not only is she darling and a fabulous long jumper, she is bubbling with personality, making dramatic flourishes after her jumps and flashing a radiant smile to the crowd. After winning the NCAA title with a 6.70 meter jump (nearly 22 feet), she donned a pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat and strutted her stuff around the stadium - with wild cheers from the fans:
Hook'em Horns!
Another fabulous day at the track - and not a drop of rain. After the meet finished, the staff and crew who had organized previous Olympic Trials and the World Championship Indoor in 2017, gathered together at a local restaurant. It was wonderful to see everyone again.
If you are interested, the University has a great video about the new Hayward Field, and give a tour of the training facilities beneath the stadium. Unbelievable. It is six minutes long, on YouTube: The Home of Oregon Track & Field.
Tomorrow, we do it again... except with 70% chance of rain.
Until my next update, I remain, your geared-up correspondent.
RV PARK: Premier RV Resort. Full service 50 amp pull-through and pull-in sites. On-site store, swimming pool and spa (in season), weekend breakfasts, tipis for rent, dog wash station, dog parks. We paid $61 per night.
Wow! That video shows all the grandeur of the new Hayward Stadium. That should continue into the future to bring the best of the best to be Oregon Ducks. It’s an entire track and field world in one place.
Thanks for sharing that video. I never knew and I live in Southern Oregon. What an amazing opportunity for future athletes. Go Ducks!