Heading into the outdoor season, Oregon track and field head coach Robert Johnson announced several changes to the roster through a post on GoDucks.com Friday.
The most surprising news is that sophomore thrower Haley Crouser has decided to leave the program. Also leaving are redshirt junior thrower Marcus McArdle, redshirt junior distance runner Ryan Pickering and redshirt freshman hurdler Claire Thomas.
“We wish each of these individuals the best as they pursue other opportunities,” Johnson said via GoDucks.com. “They have all been great assets to the Oregon track and field program during their time on the team.”
The Ducks were able to bring in some talented newcomers as well. They will add a talented transfer in Tatum Benard-Taylor, who previously competed for Arizona State. He will join the team next spring per Pac-12 transfer requirements.
Bernard-Taylor, who will be moving closer to his family, is a second team All-American in the 60 after placing 14th in the NCAA Indoor Championships in 2014 as a freshman.
Other new faces who will be joining Oregon for the 2015 season include sophomore Cody Danielson (javelin), freshman Niki Franzmair (middle distance) and Emma Abrahamson (distance). Franzmair competed for the Duck during the indoor season and was a part of the national champion distance medley relay.
“These are huge pickups for us as we strengthen our men’s and women’s programs,” Johnson said via GoDucks.com. “They are all great individuals and will each make an immediate impact on our team.”
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur