They are the most well rounded athletes on the Oregon men’s track and field team, and they represent the overall strength of the team.
They are the decathletes.
Today through Thursday, two of Oregon’s multi-event corps will compete with some of the top decathletes in the nation at the Texas Relays Decathlon in Austin, Texas. Juniors Santiago Lorenzo and Billy Pappas will precede the rest of their team at the prestigious event, which continues with the track and field portions over the weekend.
Lorenzo leads the Ducks into action. The Buenos Aires, Argentina native placed fifth at last year’s NCAA Championships and is a two-time Pacific-10 Conference runner-up. Lorenzo owns a career best 7,649 points and ranks fourth nationally, although he has not competed in the decathlon this season.
Lorenzo is the favorite to win the Texas decathlon, being the highest placing NCAA participant. Brigham Young’s Curtis Pugsley, who finished immediately behind Lorenzo at the NCAA meet a year ago, is also a contender. Texas A&M’s Aaron Smith is seeded third.
Pappas was an NCAA provisional qualifier last season but was three places out of a nationals berth. Pappas’ 7,184 point effort at last seasons Pac-10 Championships earned him fourth place behind Lorenzo and NCAA Champion Bevan Hart of California.
The decathlon begins today at 12 p.m. with the 100 meters, long jump, shot put and 400 meters. Concluding the multi-event portion on Thursday will be the 110 high hurdles, 1,500 meters, discus, javelin and pole vault.
The rest of the Oregon men’s track and field team will travel to Texas to compete on Friday and Saturday.