Oregon Relays features top NW talent

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

High quality distance races could be the featured events at this weekend's Oregon Relay at Hayward Field in Eugene, but meet director Ross Krempley said he feels most proud that every one of the high school events feels "solid."

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Krempley, who is also the founder of RunnerSpace, has staged one of the largest high school meets in the Northwest since the inaugural XO Invitational in 2004. The event was folded into an expanded meet that included the University of Oregon – and became the Oregon Relays – in 2008.

The team-oriented meet retains some of its original ideas, including the prize of a pizza party to the winning school (boys and girls team scores are combined).

"Every single event has some of the best kids in the Northwest, which is fun to watch," Krempley said.

Increased participation numbers from Washington bolster this year's meet and there are also teams driving in from British Columbia.

Alexa Efraimson, fresh off her victory last week in the 3,200 meters at Arcadia, where she posted No. 5 performance in U.S. high school history, is entered in the 800 meters. There might not be anyone in the field who can catch her, but she is in a race with Oregon 6A champion (Piper Donaghu of Grant) and runner-up (Tessa Michaelson of Lincoln). It could take something well under 2:10 to win the race.

"This is a great thing for Tracktown because she's going to be one of the front-runners for the World Juniors (in July) and this is a chance for the Hayward Field crowd to get a preview," Krempley said.

The boys 1,500 and 3,000 meters races feature some big-time talent as well. Matthew Maton, a junior from Summit, was third at the Foot Locker Finals in December. Elijah Armstrong from Pocatello (Idaho), sixth at Foot Locker, is also entered. And a strong crew coming in from Washington state includes the boys from Gig Harbor – Wolfgang Beck, Logan Carroll, Tristan Peloquin, etc.

The meet also features events that are not often contested in the Northwest – like the sprint and distance medley relays and the hammer.

DyeStat will be on hand to cover the Oregon Relays this weekend and RunnerSpace will be providing live webcast coverage of all the action.