Edward Cheserek, Eric Jenkins and Will Geoghegan all ran in a bunch, hitting the bell lap as the crowd at Historic Hayward Field roared in approval.
Throughout the race the three had all run together, making sure no one fell behind and nothing was going to change during the final lap. There was no need for Cheserek’s patented kick, no need for any of the three to jump ahead and claim the victory. They were content to share in the moment.
“We wanted to keep it together, have everyone feeling good,” said Geoghegan.
The ending of the men’s 5,000 meter race at the Pepsi Invitational was hardly a surprise. Oregon’s dynamic distance trio stuck to its recent trend, crossing the finish line stride-for-stride.
Their main competition heading into the contest was supposed to be Washington’s own crew of talented runners, though due to nagging injuries they were pulled from the meet. Thus the race was left in the hands of Oregon, turning it into a glorified training session.
“There was supposed to be some other Washington guys, who pulled out last minute,” Jenkins said. “But even if they were there it wouldn’t have been a different game plan.”
The Duck fans weren’t complaining, rising to a standing ovation as the three rounded the Bowerman Curve. All three were soaking it up, sporting huge grins as they neared the finish. Finally, they arranged themselves to cross the line stride-for-stride.
Seeing Cheserek run is always an event, as he maintains composure and control throughout. He makes running look effortless, and he is by far one of the most talented athletes to pass through Eugene.
Jenkins is just as impressive. He provides not just a running mate for the talented Cheserek, but a legitimate challenge. The relationship between the two isn’t a Batman and Robin situation — which appeared to be heading to at one point. Instead, think of a Superman and Batman dynamic. They are equals in talent and relevancy.
Now with the addition of Geoghegan, a redshirt senior transfer from Dartmouth College, Oregon has a legitimate claim to having three of the best runners in the country.
“These two guys are so good at what they do, and I’ve just been able to hop right in and let them lead the way,” Geoghegan said. “When your training partners are your biggest competition, you get to push each other so well in practice that when it comes time to race you are prepared as you can be.”
The distance events will always be the most important for Oregon. With a history that includes the names Steve Prefontaine, Bill Bowerman, Phil Knight and Alberto Salazar, how could they not? That’s what makes Cheserek, Jenkins and Geoghegan so important. They serve as the superstars for the current generation of Duck track and field.
If Saturday night was any indication, they are representing themselves just fine. The crowd adores them. Before the running of the 5k there was an electric atmosphere in the stadium, a buzzing of anticipation to watch them compete.
Every time they passed by the West Grandstands the crowd would rhythmically clap, spurring them on.
“I enjoy running at home meets because of the fans who come out to support us all the time,” Cheserek said.
All of this is even more impressive when one remembers that, again, there was no drama during the race. The results were preordained, with no one else coming anywhere near the three once the gun went off. Yet it didn’t matter to the crowd, they simply wanted to experience these athletes in their prime.
What will really be interesting is who amongst the three will win out when the real competition begins.
“This whole community, they just love outdoor track,” said Jenkins. “They love coming to Hayward, they love everything about it — so we have to put on a show for them in a couple of months when the championships roll around.”
After the meet was over, when all of the fans had left and the cleanup crews had begun their rounds, three athletes went back out on the track. Cheserek, Jenkins and Geoghegan ran laps, pushing themselves far harder than what one would expect after competing in a meet.
They were out there for themselves, continuing to work and improve. And of course, they did it together.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur