Oregon track and field traveled down to Austin, Texas this weekend to partake in the NCAA West Preliminary Round — the event that serves as the final qualifier for the NCAA Championships.
When it was all said and done, 45 Ducks were able to punch their tickets, forming a strong contingent of athletes to compete for the titles. The breakdown was 23 entries for the men and 22 for the women.
“For our men’s and women’s teams to be represented in all but three events, it gives meaning to when we say we try to be a balanced program,” Oregon head coach Robert Johnson said in a statement. “I’m really proud and excited about that.”
The third day of competition got off to a slow start Saturday as a lightning storm delayed the proceedings for about an hour.
“As nice as it is to qualify all these kids, it is humbling and brings a sense of reality, when you realize how these storms have affected communities here in this part of the country,” Johnson said in a statement. “The thoughts and prayers of our coaches and athletes are with the families who have been affected.”
Sprinter Marcus Chambers will compete as an individual for the first time in his career at the Championships after making it in the men’s 400 by winning his heat. Greg Skipper will be making his third-straight appearance in the hammer throw. Raevyn Rogers and Annie Leblanc will also both be representing the Ducks in the 800.
Sprinter Jenna Prandini finished a busy weekend by qualifying for three events (100, 200 and long jump).
Hurdler Johnathan Cabral will be be in the 110 hurdles, an event he will look to get redemption in after suffering an injury last year that forced him to drop out.
Click here for a complete list of results from all three days.
The Ducks will now return home to take part in the NCAA Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field. The Championships will run June 10-13.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur