Avila Uses Late Burst To Win Men's 1,500 In 3:43.71; Blankenship Debuts In 3K

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

NEWBERG -- Eric Avila had decided to escape San Diego and spend some extended time with friends and train in Bend, Ore. 

Avila was in Bend when he heard about the top secret Big Friendly meet in McKenzie, about an hour's drive away. 

So he quickly contacted Portland Track to let them know he was nearby and available – and wanting – to compete. 

On Saturday, Avila raced for the second time at Newberg High (best known in track circles for producing three Olympic javelin throwers) and won the 1,500 meters with a sharp burst over the final 200 meters to pull away from four other men and win in 3:43.71. 

"(Events like this) mean everything not just for me but all the athletes," Avila said. "It gives us a chance to showcase what we're working on and what we're doing day in and day out. It's been such a weird year."

It was the second straight Friendly meet held at Newberg, which is in Yamhill County and has been hit less hard by the Coronavirus pandemic than venues closer to Portland, 22 miles away.

RESULTS

Chanelle Price opened the meet with a victory in the 800 meters, clocking 2:02.93. A windy backstretch reared its ugly head and would become something of a problem for the remaining four races. 

Brooks Beasts rookie Nia Akins was challenging Price for the lead with 200 meters left when she stepped off the track with 170 meters left. 

Nijel Amos went nearly wire to wire to win a men's 800 meters race that was billed as a showdown with Brooks star Josh Kerr, but a 55-second first lap made the race tactical. Amos had the wheels to hold off everyone, including Kerr, down the homestretch and won in 1:49.23. 

In the women's 1,500 meters, Eleanor Fulton closed the strongest and won in 4:15.41. 

Ben Blankenship of the OTC made his Friendly debut and showed his fitness with an impressive 7:56.53 to win the 3,000 meters. Blankenship got pacing from teammate Will Paulson and broke away from the Bowerman TC's Chris Derrick, who ultimately finished second in 8:05.91.