Italians Choose Siuslaw for Training
Next month’s World Track and Field Championships in Eugene are spilling over into Florence. The championships will be held at Eugene’s Hayward Field July 15th through the 24th . It draws athletes and fans from around the world. Teams don’t just “show up” the day competition begins. They need a place to loosen up and get ready according to Chris Johnson. He’s the Athletic Director at Siuslaw High School.
It’s a pretty big deal. When federations travel a long way away from their home base they try to find places where they can stage their lead up period. Get rid of some jet lag, get recovered and then just have some fine tuning.”
The host committee works with incoming teams and nearby facilities to “link” them up. In this case they were able to pair a European team up with local facilities.
“The Italian Federation has selected Siuslaw High School, the track, the weight room and some other areas to kind of make their team camp prior to the World Championships.”
The workouts won’t be open to the public but anyone who would like to catch a glimpse of Italian team members san can easily see the track from 27th street or the middle school parking lot. In all there are about 80 members of the Italian team, including athletes, trainers and coaches. They’ll work out daily beginning Wednesday July 6th then move to Eugene on the 12th. The Florence Events Center will feed them three meals a day during their stay.
OSU Hall of Fame
Oregon State University has announced their inductees into their Hall of Fame for 2022. The list includes the Women’s Golf team from 1974, the 1980 women’s gymnastic team, softball from 1979,80, and 81, and the women’s track and field relay teams from 1972 and 1979. In addition 21 student athletes and one coach have been chosen. Astrid Hancock is the coach. Hancock coached the OSU rowing team from 1965 to 1975 leading the women’s team to a national title.
Ducks Move in New Direction for Track and Field
The Oregon Ducks have decided not to renew the contract of their Track and Field Coach Robert Johnson. No reason was given for the snub. Assistant head coach Helen Lehman-Winters will serve as the interim head coach as a national search begins.
