By the end of the day at the Millrose Games, Oregon track and field had put on quite the performance. Three current Ducks, one future recruit and countless alumni competed well in their respective events Saturday afternoon in New York.
Edward Cheserek ran a blistering time in the 3000. The junior crossed the line in 7:40.51 (sixth), setting the second fastest time in NCAA history. The mark also gave Cheserek the indoor school record in the 3000 to go along with his other record in the mile, which was set last year at this meet.
Cheserek’s running mate from last season, Eric Jenkins, was able to beat him, finishing third (7:39.43).
Not to be outdone by her teammate, Raevyn Rogers set a school record of her own in her season debut in the 800. Rogers ran the second fastest time in NCAA history in 2:00.90 for fourth place. Former Duck Laura Roesler crossed the line just ahead of her for third (2:00.49).
Oregon recruit Drew Hunter continued to impress on the track by yet again breaking his own high school record in the invitational mile. The senior, who said after the race he was feeling under-the-weather, topped his indoor mile record with a time of 3:57.81.
Former Duck Johnny Gregorek won the race with a time of 3:56.57.
Decathlon and indoor heptathlon world record holder Ashton Eaton competed in two events. His first was the men’s 60-meter hurdles, where he finished second with a time of 7.53. Eaton then took sixth in the long jump with a mark of 23-5.5 after passing his final four attempts.
Jenna Prandini ran a 7.22 in the women’s 60 meters, which was good for third place. She finished behind Allyson Felix (7.15) and Tianna Bartoletta (7.20).
Blake Haney was the last Oregon athlete to compete in the meet, and he was able to make it a perfect three-for-three in setting school records. After running 3:56.36, Haney now is the indoor mile school record holder and the collegiate leader this season.
He finished eighth against a loaded field that included a rematch of the duel between Matthew Centrowitz and Nick Willis that headlined the event last year. Centrowitz was able to again pick up the victory by running 3:50.63. Willis crossed second with a time of 3:51.06.
Click here for a complete list of results.
The Ducks will next compete at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) championships. It is a two-day meet in Seattle that will begin on Friday, February 26.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur