NCAA’s Get Underway Today

Hometown teams hoping to claim collegiate crowns in Eugene.

Excitement abounds in Track Town, USA this weekend as the NCAA Championships get underway at Hayward Field on Wednesday. The University of Oregon is hosting the event, and should contend for both the men’s and women’s team titles.

On the men’s side, the Ducks are led by Olympian Andrew Wheating, who will be attempting a difficult double in the 800 and 1,500 meters. Wheating recently won both events at the West regional, posting a personal best of a 3:37.52  in the 1,500 and a solid 1:46.44 in the two-lap race. His teammate, heptathlete Ashton Eaton, will go on a point-scoring spree for the men of Oregon, who will rely heavily on his performances, as well as those of the Ducks’ deep distance crew, to upset heavily-favored Florida.

The lady Ducks stand a better shot at taking home a team trophy when all is said and done on Saturday. Nicole Blood and Alex Kosinski will lead the women’s squad for Oregon as they try to knock off defending champion Texas A&M. Blood will double up in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, while Kosinski will contest the 1,500 and 5,000.

For live streaming and real-time results from the meet, visit the event’s homepage at NCAA.com.