Everyone knew University of Oregon senior Galen Rupp was an incredible runner. Now the question is, how good can he get?
Last week Rupp led the UO men’s track and field team to its first indoor championship. On Friday he won the 5,000m in 13 minutes, 41.45 seconds. Less than 90 minutes later, after convincing coach Vin Lananna that he was good to go, he anchored the distance medley relay to victory, running the final 1,600m in 3:57.07. The next day, he easily won the 3,000m in 7:48.94, more than five seconds ahead of the next finisher. This was the first time anyone had ever won the 3,000m, 5,000m, and distance medley relay in the same championship.
In this academic year the UO men’s team has won the cross country championship and indoor championship. Can it take the triple crown by claiming the outdoor title as well? I wouldn’t count against it with the way Rupp is running. He’s only 22, but in these races it’s like he’s a man among boys. He’s not just winning. He’s dominating. In addition to his latest feat at the 2009 NCAA Track and Field Indoor Championships, this year he has also set the U.S. collegiate indoor record in the 3,000m at the Reebok Indoor Games and set the U.S. indoor record in the 5,000m at the Tyson Invitational. On Tuesday Rupp was chosen as USA Track and Field’s Athlete of the Week, and Rupp and teammate Ashton Eaton were chosen by U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as indoor athletes of the year. Eaton won the NCAA indoor heptathalon championship.
With each breathtaking performance, Rupp is inching closer to the status of the University of Oregon track immortals, namely Steve Prefontaine. Prior to this year, Rupp had a string of second-place finishes and that was keeping him out of the “best ever” category. Now Rupp is on top of his game, and I’m sure he’s looking to finish his UO career with a bang. Who knows? Maybe there will be a Galen Rupp Classic one day.
Here is the schedule for the track and field team this year. Historic Hayward Field is hosting a number of events, including the Pac-10 Championships and NCAA West Regional. This Saturday the outdoor season kicks off with the Oregon Preview starting at 12:30. Go to a meet if possible. This team is doing some pretty special things right now.
