Sporty Day
Track Town USA: Today we went to a cross
country meet and a football game. DT and I were up early and
headed over to the Springfield Country Club to watch the NCAA Western
Regional Cross Country Championships. The poor runners had to race in low
temperatures and foggy weather. Thirty-one teams were competing in the men's
race - a huge field.
All the usual track fans were out today to enjoy the
spectacle, including DT's college coach,
Bill Dellinger.
Even legendary track coach, Frank Gagliano - the Godfather
of Track & Field - flew out to Oregon to see the meet (and visit with
friends). Gags turns good 800m runners into great 800m racers.
Duck
Luke Puskedra laces up before the 10,000m (6.2 miles) race. The teams
wore long spikes today to race on the soggy wet golf course.
And, they're off! GO DUCKS!
Ducks look strong at the start
A.J. checks the herd early
Stanford shows their distance dominance
I can't stand to be stomped by The Trees twice in a week
Cross Country is a messy sport. A Fall sport. By November
there isn't a dry spot in the entire state of Oregon. Cross Country is
muddy. Sloppy.
Cross Country is a team sport.
But sometimes, it is lonely out there on the course. 10,000m
is a lot of meters. Ten thousand even.
The winners get the glory. Those dang Trees again.
Winner or Loser... your legs look just like this after a
cross country race. Muddy and
Bloody. The metal spikes on the racing shoes are sharp.
Everyone feels like drek after they finish.
Oregon finished third, behind The Trees and University of Portland Pilots.
Next up - the women race. But first...
... here are three runners from the good old days - DT, Guy
Arbogast and Art Boileau. Track & Cross Country is like a drug - once in
your blood, you are hooked for life. There is no rehab.
Pre-race, the USC team in a quick conference with their coach
And, they're off: Duck Women are strong from the start
Early in the race... looks like Jordan and Alex are having a good time. Are
they smiling?
Ummm... note to self: Never wear orange tights
Freshman Jordan Hasay is the first Oregon runner and 2nd overall. Ducks take
2nd team place.
Not the best cross country meet for the Duck men. Still,
they can win (or place high) in the National Championships November 23
in Indiana. I expect both the men and women to finish very well. Hear that,
Vin?
After the cross country meet, we went back to the RV park and readied the
motorhome for the ten mile drive to Autzen Stadium. Our tailgate theme this
week was a southwestern mode - to honor our football opponent - the Arizona
State SunDevils. Though the skies were mostly clear, it was incredibly cold - high
30's - and with a 7:20 kick-off - it was dark. Cold and dark. Again, we
hosted about 30 guests. Tacos & Black Beans, all the fixings and my special
Margaritas.
The Ducks beat the Arizona State SunDevils tonight in an icy-cold Autzen Stadium,
44-21. Oregon is in control of their own destiny. If we win the next/last
two games (Arizona in Tucson and the Stinkin' Beavers at home) - the Ducks will
play Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. If we lose either/both of the games we
will be playing in the Sham-Wow Toilet Bowl.
RV Park: Premier RV Resort. I-5,
Exit 199. Large full-hookup site. Most sites are pull-through. Laundry,
bathhouse, pool/spa in season... and this isn't the season. This is a very
nice RV park and we stay here very often, as it is the most convenient
campground for anything happening in Eugene.