University of Oregon
MPSF Championships
DMR Sets NCAA Top Time at MPSF
02/28/15 | Track and Field
SEATTLE – The men's distance medley relay team made a statement while securing its place in the NCAA Championships on the first day of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships, Friday, closing out a day of strong performances by the Oregon track and field team.
The team of Edward Cheserek, Marcus Chambers, Johnny Gregorek and Eric Jenkins posted the best time in the country this season, finishing in 9:27.02, which ranks second in school history. Cheserek started things off for the Ducks and as soon as he was able to navigate traffic off the start line he put a sizeable gap between him and the field. From there the Ducks were running against the clock until Jenkins crossed the finish line with the third-fastest time on an oversized track, and fifth-fastest in any conditions in NCAA history.
“The DMR was a true team effort,” said associate head coach Andy Powell. “It's really special when all four guys can run exceptionally well on the same relay and that's what they did tonight. Each did their part and the result certainly showed that.”
Greg Skipper broke his own school record twice, Friday, while finishing second in the weight throw. Skipper started the day with a throw of 71-4 (21.79m) and finished with a toss of 73-7.25 (22.43m). The distance solidifies his place at the NCAA Championships, moving him up to eighth on tonight's descending order list.
Mitch Modin had a day full of bests in the heptathlon, where he enters the weekend ranked 12th on the descending order list. Modin won both the 60 (6.98) and the shot put (44-1.25/13.44m). He set three indoor personal records in all by clearing 6-5.50 (1.97m) in the high jump and reaching 22-8.50 (6.92m) in the long jump to go with the 60-meter performance and will head into Saturday with a 54 point lead over Arizona's Harrison Ivie.
“Greg and Mitch were both phenomenal and got the meet started for us in a great way,” Powell said. “It's hard to do much better than three personal bests on the first day of the heptathlon. Greg had a very consistent day with four throws over 70 feet and a big final throw.”
Trevor Ferguson took second in the men's long jump with a distance of 24-7.25 (7.50m) on his third attempt.
Several Ducks set the stage for tomorrow as Sasha Wallace (8.30) and Ferguson (7.95) each won their respective heats in the 60 hurdles and finished in the top 8 to advance to Saturday's finals. Jasmine Todd (7.26), Jenna Prandini (7.28) and Ariana Washington (7.39) each qualified in women's 60 while dual-sport athlete Tony James won his heat and just missed a personal best, finishing in 6.72 but will have another chance in tomorrow's final.
Competition will resume Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m. The meet will be streamed live on Flotrack.com with a subscription.
Players Mentioned
