PORTLAND — The top athletes in the country qualified for the U.S. National team during the USA Track & Field Championships Saturday evening at the Oregon Convention Center.
Former Duck Laura Roesler, who took second in the women’s 800, is looking forward to her first chance to run for the US since the junior championships.
“Its really cool,” Roesler said. “Yes this is a World Indoor team, its not as prestigious, but it is for someone who hasn’t made a senior team yet.”
The 800 was billed as a battle between Roesler and Ajee’ Wilson — who was able to claim the victory. Wilson got off to a quick start early.
Roesler was in the back after 200, but began to make moves. She closed the distance at the halfway point. Wilson continued to lead. At the bell Roesler was able to move into second place, holding off the rest of the field to secure the National team berth at the line. Wilson won in 2:00.87 and Roesler crossed in 2:02.44.
“I don’t want to make excuses,” Roesler said. “I don’t feel bad, just a little flat, little tired. I’m hoping that’s my body’s way of saving myself for next week.”
The event with the top billing going into the day’s action was the men’s 1500, which featured several former Ducks, including Matthew Centrowitz, Johnny Gregorek, Daniel Winn and Colby Alexander.
At the gun Centrowitz worked early to get into position near the front of the pack, settling behind Ben Blankenship. The first lap was slow, with few moves being made, as the pack was content to bunch.
“It was a super choppy race, about three or four times I felt myself getting tripped up,” Centrowitz said.
With three laps left the race broke open, as Centrowitz took control. At the bell Blankenship made one last push, but Centrowitz was able to respond and seemed to be in control. With about 100 meters to go Robby Andrews made a surge, taking the lead.
“Having him go by me — it was probably the first time someone has gone by me all year,” Centrowitz said. “I was happy with how I responded; it shows my strength right now.”
Centrowitz responded with 20 meters left in the race, taking it at the line in 3:44.33 as the crowd of 5244 roared in support. Andrews finished second in 3:44.40.
“It was just a matter of digging deep and looking past that finish line,” Centrowitz said.
In the women’s 60 meters Jenna Prandini was able to advance through the semis with little difficulty, finishing second in her heat with season-best-tying time of 7.22.
Between races she was able to watch her former teammates sweep the NCAA Indoor National Championships.
“Those girls fought till the very end,” Prandini said, “I am really proud of all of them.”
Prandini then returned to the track to run in the finals for the penultimate event. Running in lane three, she was a little slow out of the blocks. Fighting back, Prandini finished fourth with a time of 7.18 — her fastest of the season.
“My goal right now is to get some races in to get ready for outdoors,” Prandini said.
Barbara Pierre won in 7.00, the world leading time.
Arthur Delaney was unable to advance through the men’s 60 meters semis. He had a good start out of the blocks, but couldn’t find the second gear as he crossed in 6.72 for last in his heat.
American Record holder Phyllis Francis, who set the mark while running at Oregon, finished fourth in the women’s 400. Quanera Hayes won in 51.09.
The loudest cheer of the night was reserved for the youngest competitor. Vasthi Cunningham, the 18-year-old high school senior, dazzled in the women’s high jump. She won with a mark of 6-6.25, which is the US Junior Indoor record and the world leading height for any woman, regardless of age.
Click here for a complete list of results.
The athletes who finished in the top two, and had qualifying standards, will have the opportunity to represent the US in the World Indoor Championships, which will be held in the same location March 17-20.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur