TrackTown, USA: A relatively quiet morning around the old RV park. A little exercise, a little coffee. Catching up on emails. Today was the last day of school for Leo and Lucile. Each were promoted - Leo to 4th grade; Lucile to 2nd. Bubba and I are so proud of how well the children handled this most challenging school year, and even prouder of how their parents took it all in stride, sitting patiently with each kid as they Zoom-schooled. Hopefully, next September will find all children back in school, safe and healthy.
We were joined at the track this afternoon by another college roommate, and teammate, Terry, and his wife, Rosie. They drove down from their home in Washington for a day of The One True Sport... but first we all met for lunch at the North Fork Public House. Three roomies together, along with their wives:
Clock-wise: Lisa, Terry, Dave, Bruce, Terry, Rosie. We all see each often (well, not this past year!) and have so much fun together.
After my disappointing fish & chip situation yesterday, I gave it another go today. Much better! I did, however, make the big mistake of opting for the parmesan-garlic fries. The garlic was pretty over-whelming. Poor Rosie, who sat next to me at Hayward Field all afternoon.
The events at the track this evening were short and sweet. It was the men's turn, and every event was a final. You can find the meet results here, but I will spoil the surprise for you to report LSU won the 2021 NCAA Championship with an amazing 84 points. Oregon was second with 53. LSU won titles in the javelin, 100m, high jump, long jump, 400m hurdles, and 4x100 relay. One Tiger, JuVaughn Harrison, won the high jump AND the long jump (and not for the first time).
The Ducks won three of the contests today. Cole Hocker - a freshman - won the 1500m in 3:35. Here is a video of the race:
Here is Cole Hocker, taking his victory lap:
Duck men also capture the 5000m title. Senior Cooper Teare won the race in 13:12. Even though Cole Hocker had just finished winning the 1500m, he also ran the 5000m. Hocker finished fourth, with a personal best of 13:18. Amazing.
The third title was won by Oregon freshman Emmanuel Ihemeje (of Italy). Ihemeje won the triple jump on his very first jump: 56 feet, 2 3/4 inches. Ihemeje was just as entertaining as the Texas long jumper yesterday. He celebrated every jump and hammed-it-up for the crowd. Ihemeje was born in Italy of Nigerian parents and speaks six languages. He is also a very good triple jumper! Below, Ihemeje celebrating:
It was a great day to be a Duck fan. Remember, I am not a sports reporter. These are just my takes from a day at the track, and I am focused on Oregon athletes - and having fun with my friends.
We returned again late evening to the motorhome. Too late for a meal, so I made another appetizer plate, which we consumed while watching the track meet again via our DVR. We are crazy.
Tomorrow, we do it all again. The final day for the women. Who will win the crown?
Until my next update, I remain, your Ducky 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.