Chris HansenEugene Register-Guard
The NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships this week return to Hayward Field for the 15th time.
The forecast calls for plenty of sun, warm temperatures, high pollen counts and varied expectations for the home teams.
The No. 4 Oregon women’s program is positioned to contend for a team trophy. The men's squad, with just five entries, will need to rise above their seedings to earn points and prevent a scoreless team finish for the first time since 1994.
The four-day meet is split evenly between the men and women, with the men competing Wednesday and Friday and the women on Thursday and Saturday.
“Obviously super excited to host the NCAAs,” Oregon coach Jerry Schumacher said. “Historically, Hayward Field has done an amazing job with hosting big meets and big championship efforts and I think this will be no different. The weather looks like it’s gonna be great and I know all the other teams are always excited to come here.”
Oregon women have a team ready to contend
The Oregon women have 10 individuals entered in 12 events as well as both relay teams, giving the Ducks 14 scoring chances.
Leading the way is Bowerman Award contender Jaida Ross in the shot put and discus. The senior is the collegiate record holder in the shot put and the favorite to win a national title in that event.
Sprinter Jadyn Mays, who who swept the 100- and 200-meter titles at the Pac-12 Championship meet last month, is entered in both. She is also in the 4x100.
This is the fourth NCAA outdoor championship meet for Mays, who will attempt to make the finals in an individual event for the first time.
Silan Ayyildiz is also a potential top finisher for the Ducks. The sophom*ore has the NCAA's fourth-fastest time in the 5,000 this season at 15 minutes, 15.84 seconds.
Shelby Moran is ranked third nationally in the hammer with a throw of 229 feet, 9 inches.
The Ducks will have an uphill climb to get a podium finish. NCAA Indoor champion Arkansas is bringing 18 entries to Eugene as the Razorbacks go for the championship meet sweep.
No. 2 LSU has 22 entries and is looking to win its first title since 2008. Returning national champion No. 3 Texas has 15 entries.
“Obviously being able to have a championship at home is always really fun,” Mays said. “Just because we have so many women in so many different events we do have a shot to go out there and shock some people and get a lot of points.”
Oregon men have few scoring opportunities
The Oregon men’s best chance for points might come from an athlete entered in what looks to be the most loaded event.
Pac-12 champion Elliott Cook is one of three Ducks entered in the 1,500, though his season-best of 3:38.55 is only the 13th fastest time in the nation.
“Everybody’s got to show up on the same day and perform in the same race,” Cook said. “I’m going in knowing anybody can win the 1,500. It’s been shown at so many levels. There’s so many examples of people coming into races and being able to pull off an upset.”
Cook, as well as teammates Rheinhardt Harrison and Tomas Palfrey, will be up against a field that includes national leader Colin Sahlman (3:33.96) of North Arizona and returning champion Nathan Green (3:34.79) of Washington.
“Everything I’ve seen from Elliott this season, I think he’s going to be really competitive,” Schumacher said. “Now, the 1,500 is a super tough event. You maybe get one mistake in it and if you make two you’re probably not going to finish where you’re suppose to. But he’s running really well and he’s older and he’s got a lot of tactical awareness.”
The Ducks also have Pac-12 champions Rafael Raap and PJ Ize-Iyamu entered in the decathlon and 100, respectively.
2024 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Hayward Field
When: Wednesday-Saturday
How to watch: Wednesday, 4:30 p.m., ESPNU. Thursday, 5:30 p.m., ESPN2. Friday, 6 p.m., ESPN2. Saturday, 2:30 p.m., ESPN
Oregon women: Silan Ayyildiz – 5,000; Mia Barnett – 1,500; Taylor Chocek – heptathlon; Katie Clute – 3,000 steeplechase; Shana Grebo – 400 hurdles; Klaudia Kazimierska – 1,500; Jadyn Mays – 100 and 200; Shelby Moran – hammer; Jaida Ross – shot put and discus; Cheyla Scott – high jump; 4x100 relay; 4x400 relay.
Oregon men: Elliott Cook – 1,500; Rheinhardt Harrison – 1,500; PJ Ize-Iyamu – 100; Tomas Palfrey – 1,500; Rafael Raap – decathlon.
Follow Chris Hansen on X @chansen_RG or email at chansen@registerguard.com.
