The University of Oregon is considered by many to be the mecca of Track and Field in the USA. The USA Olympic trials are often held at Hayward Field and Oregon has produced some of the most famous American track athletes. This past weekend, Charlotte Campbell and Austin Sutherland had a chance to compete in Oregon. Here is a report on their amazing weekend from Coach Ayotte:
This Easter weekend two of Collingwood's track and field athletes took part in the prestigious Oregon Relays at the famous Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. If you have read or seen the movie about Steve Prefontaine (1972 Olympics), you would recognize this incredible landmark. If you have not, then I recommend you do!
The Oregon Relays are not just a track meet. They are by invitation only, and not even all of the invited get into the races we apply for. Two Collingwood athletes competed at the relays over Easter weekend and to say that they represented their school honorably is an understatement. Runners from BC swept the top two spots in both the mens and womens 3000 m.
Charlotte Campbell ran both the 800 and the 1500 meter in the mid-day heat, running a blazing fast 5:09 and following it up an hour and a half later with an 800m, running a very solid time of 2:37.
Austin Sutherland shattered the 9 minute mark in the 3000, running 8:56.75 and placing 10th out of 73 runners. This was a personal best by more than four seconds! In the 1500, Austin ran 4:08.79, placing 9th out of 79 runners.
Both of these seniors have been exemplary representatives of Collingwood both on and off the track over their tenure. We, as a community, should feel proud of their representation. They were not only running against the top Canadian runners but also the top runners from Washington, Oregon and California, and even as far as Idaho and Hawaii!
Well done, Austin and Charlotte!
Austin finished in the Top 10 in both his races. (Credit to Mark Bates Photography)
Charlotte ran a terrific 800m and 1500m race in Oregon. (Credit to Mark Bates Photography)