Isaiah Jewett, a fifth-year senior at USC and a two-time Pac-12 champion in the 800 meters and the conference's reigning Men's Track Athlete of the Year, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss his preparation for the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Championships on June 9-12 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., and trying to capture the first national title in the event in program history, as the Trojans have accumulated a record 120 championships in individual events and relays in the past century, but never secured an 880-yard or 800-meter crown. Jewett reflects on his 11th-place finish at the 2017 outdoor championship meet at Hayward Field, in addition to finishing ninth in 2019 in Austin, Texas, and his desire and ambition to make the final and challenge for the title this year. He revisits the 1:45.16 performance produced May 16 at the Pac-12 final at USC's Loker Stadium that helped Jewett secure his second career title and run the fastest in-season performance in program history. Only the 1:44.92 effort of Ibrahim Okash in 1988 in Sweden is recognized as a faster mark on the Trojans' all-time rankings. Jewett expresses his gratitude for the recognition of being selected Pac-12 Men's Track Athlete of the Year, and shares thanks for his collaborations with USC coaches Caryl Smith Gilbert, Jebreh Harris and Quincy Watts and the wisdom and insight he has gained from them. He revisits the challenging weather conditions, including thunderstorms and lightning, present at the Division 1 West Regional in College Station, Texas, and competition being delayed an extra day in order to qualify for nationals in the 800 and 4x400 relay. Jewett reminisces about being edged by Texas A&M freshman Brandon Miller by a 1:45.57 to 1:45.60 margin in the regional quarterfinals, and how valuable that race was in preparing him for nationals. He examines the improvement of the 4x400 relay and the reassurance gained from Nick Ramey, Brian Herron, Cameron Samuel and himself running 3:02.85 to advance to nationals. Jewett also analyzes the pursuit for the men's team title, with several head-to-head matchups involving USC, LSU and Oregon playing significant roles in determining the winner June 11. He also looks ahead to competing June 18 at the Olympic Trials, with his personal best ranking third in the U.S. this year.