Oregon’s Elijah Greer entered the University of Oregon with a high school state record under his belt and left with an NCAA title.

It was a successful week for Greer as he achieved his ultimate goal of winning an NCAA title in the men’s 800 meters. After winning his respective heat and recording the third best time at 1:48.76, Greer entered today’s final with a mindset that held nothing short of first place.

Greer was in control of the race from start to finish. As the bell rung after the first lap, Greer and Leoman Momoh of Arkansas were neck-and-neck and there was no telling who was going to make a move first. But it would be Greer making the moves late and as the runners rounded towards the final stretch, Greer found himself with a slight lead as he crossed the finish line a winner for the last time as a collegiate athlete. Greer recorded an event best 1:46.58 time this evening as he gave his team some much-needed points.

“Today I felt pretty good,” said Greer after the race. “It’s (the win) beautiful, it’s wonderful; after the race I just kind of put my hands up like thank you,” said Greer. “It’s a real blessing to have this honor; I’m thankful it’s me and I’m thankful it worked out this way.”

Finishing behind Greer were the two runners from Penn State. Placing second was Casimir Loxsom with a 1:46.88 time, while his teammate Brannon Kidder finished third with a time of 1:47.51. Both runners were right there until the finish, but simply did not have the final push to edge out Greer.