Oregon Ducks Running Outdoor Track Championships

The University of Oregon’s track and field program played host to the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which took place June 8-11.

Since Hayward Field opened in 1919, this was the 14th time the Ducks hosted the event.

The championships were held in Eugene, thanks to the renovations Hayward Field underwent in 2020, which made it a state-of-the-art facility. The makeover cost $270 million and was paid in full by private donations.

One known donor was famous Nike co-founder Phil Knight, who is a UO graduate. The 84-year-old has donated hundreds of millions of dollars back to the school throughout his life.

These were the most notable upgrades from the 2020 renovations:

• Seating increased to 12,650 and max capacity to 25,000
• An additional running lane added, bringing the total to nine
• The following amenities are located under the track: training rooms, player lounges, a barbershop and practice spaces for various track and field events
• 10-story tower shaped like the Olympic torch with a museum and observation deck inside

Outdoor Track and Field Championship results

While Oregon gambling enthusiasts may have favored another team, the Florida Gators’ men’s and women’s teams won both outdoor championship titles. The last time a program’s men’s and women’s teams swept the outdoor championships was 2015. This is the seventh time it’s happened overall.

This was the first championship in program history for the women’s team. The Gators were led by Jasmine Moore and Anna Hall, who combined for 38 of Florida’s 74 points.

On the men’s side, this was the fifth outdoor title and 10th championship overall. Joseph Fahnbulleh was the Gator’s points leader. He tallied 20 of the team’s 54 points.

How the Oregon Ducks fared

It was a disappointing few days for the men’s and women’s teams, even though they were competing on their home turf in Eugene, also known as Track Town, USA. While Oregon sportsbooks might confirm that the Ducks are normally in contention for championships, it didn’t turn out that way this season.

The men’s team had high hopes for its three athletes who made it to the final day of meets. The trio was comprised of Aaron Bienenfeld, along with All-Americans Emmanuel Ihemeje and Micah Williams. But they each came up short.

Ihemeje has been the king of the triple jump, having won the indoor championship in 2021 and 2022, and winning the outdoor championship last season. But he had to forfeit his crown after being defeated.

Despite not taking the title, there were some bright spots in the competition for the Duck’s women’s team. Kemba Nelson placed second in the 100 meters, losing by only five one-thousandths of a second. This was an improvement from her fourth place finish in 2021.

All-American honors were given to Dominique Ruotolo for her seventh place finish in the triple jump. She injured herself in last year’s championships, causing her to finish in ninth place.