EUGENE, Ore. -- Galen Rupp’s last race in an Oregon singlet was one of his finest.The senior from Portland, Ore., kicked away from Dan Ritzenhein with 500 meters remaining to win the men’s 10,000 meters in a season-best 27:52.53 Thursday night at the USA Track and Field Championships at Historic Hayward Field.
The six-time NCAA champion crossed the tape in 27:52.53, six seconds better than Ritzenhein’s 27:58.59, to earn a trip to Berlin next month for the IAAF World Championships as a member of Team USA.
"I was focused on the race first and foremost," said Rupp. "I wanted to make sure that I had done everything I needed to do mentally and physically. I knew it was just about relaxing when I was in there. And to make it count.
"This has been so fun for me to be part of this rejuvenation of Oregon track and field. It is special to be a part of – it’s hard to put into words."
Oregon freshman Luke Puskedra was 16th in 10,000 meters with a time of 29:11.32, while former Duck Juan Carlos Trujillo took 19th in 29:31.01.
In other Duck-related action from the USA Championships, junior Ashton Eaton stood second after the first day of the decathlon with 4,333 points, just four points back of Trey Hardee.
Eaton, from Bend, Ore., tied his personal best in the high jump, clearing a bar of 6-8.75, to highlight his first day.
"Winning would be huge," said Eaton. "Getting on the scene, that’s big also. Either one I’ll take."
Also on Thursday, junior Cyrus Hostetler took fourth in the javelin with a throw of 247-11, while junior Alex Wolff was 12th at 220-5.
"I was excited, we had a great practice on Friday," said Hostetler. "We were saying it just takes one big throw, and I kept looking for it, but it didn’t come today. However the cards fall, I am just happy for this opportunity. Whether you are first or last, it is exciting just to be here.
"I just praise God that I’m out here. This is a great opportunity that not many people get to do. It’s been an exciting year, a long year, this is my ninth meet. I’m just excited to take a break and get back at it next year."
Junior Keshia Baker placed second in her opening round heat of the women’s 400 meters in 52.80 as she advanced to Friday’s semifinal.
"I was kind of nervous at the start because I have never competed in anything so big before," said Baker, the school record-holder in the event. "But being here at home was a big help to me. It was great to hear all the fans supporting me when my name was announced. I knew they were behind me.
"I have my plan with my coaches. I have run a lot of 400 meters before so I just wanted to stay calm and run like I have so many times before."
Jordan McNamara advanced to Sunday’s final in the men’s 1,500 meters, running 3:41.15 in finishing fifth in his semifinal heat. The junior from Auburn, Wash., was just .02 off his personal best, set two years ago while running for Lane Community College.
Sophomore Alex Kosinski was 18th overall in the women’s 1,500 meters, just missing a personal-best time in 4:18.87.
Junior Mattie Bridgmon ran 19th in the final of the women’s 10,000 meters in 34:10.51.
Former Duck Matt Scherer ran 1:49.27 in the opening round of the men’s 800 meters and did not advance.
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