Putting aside the speculation about RJ, thus far the Oregon athletes have performed poorly. To be sure, Micah Williams and the women sprinters will still have something to say, but the rest of the team, and in particular, the distance crew, is a mess.
Going back to regionals three athletes that should have advanced didn't. Reed Brown, who earlier this season ran 3:36 and change couldn't do it. Aneta Konieczek, with a best of 9:25 & change in the steeple, bombs out. Alessia Zarbo, with a best of 32:28 and change in the 10K, finishes 30th.
Yesterday Aaron Bienenfeld saved some pride for the Ducks by getting 8th in the 10K. Elliot Cook, one of the few bright spots for the Ducks inasmuch as he was a 4:10 miler in high school and lowered his 1500 best to 3:38.92, couldn't make it to the final, but as a soph he's got time to develop. Beyond these two, slim pickings.
And to put a final stamp on the men's showing Max Vollmer, who was on track for a top 5-6 finish in the decathlon, no heights in the PV. Like WTF Oregon?