Oregon track and field went to Seattle for the start of the indoor season with the goal of shaking the rust off that had accumulated over the summer. By the end of the meet, the Ducks were able to start the season on the right foot by picking up five event wins at the Washington Preview on Saturday.
The highlight came via sophomore Raevyn Rogers, who set a 600-meter indoor collegiate record. She broke the 35-year-old time set in 1981 by Delisa Floyd of Tennesse. Rogers spent most of the race in second place before charging past Stanford’s Olivia Baker on the final lap to win with a time of 1:26.34.
Rogers’ time was also the second fastest ever run by an American.
“For Raevyn, it’s just a matter of doing what she’s capable of doing,” head coach Robert Johnson said in a release. “She’s bought into the coaching 100 percent and it will be exciting to see her keep progressing.”
Itohan Aikhionbare, an Oregon newcomer, impressed in her debut. She set an indoor personal best and meet record in the shot put after launching it 55-2.25. She improved over the course of her throws before reaching her winning-mark. Aikhionbare’s throw is second on the Oregon all-time list behind teammate Brittany Mann.
Sprinter Jasmine Todd won the 60 for the second straight year at the Preview (7.24), while new teammate Hannah Cunliffe took third (7.31) in her hometown of Seattle.
Oregon’s Niki Franzmair won the men’s 600, while Greg Skipper took first in the weight throw.
“For our athletes to go out there and set some personal records and get some wins is all we could ask for in an early season meet like this,” Johnson said. “It was good to see them get out there and compete against someone other than their own teammates.”
Click here for the entire list of results.
The Ducks will next travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to participate in the Razorback Invitational. The meet will run January 29-30.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur