News & Views
News & Views
May 10, 2008
Senator Barack Obama Makes a Surprise Visit to the Oregon Twilight Meet
The Secret Service agents standing around the entrance was the first clue. And then a rope line was erected just south of the East Grandstand as two large buses parked just outside Hayward Field. Coach Vin Lananna stood waiting with a Go Pre t-shirt, and after the hordes of media came through the gates, Senator Barack Obama strode down the stairs and shook hands with Lananna. The two then worked through the crowd of surprised track fans who had just watched Tasmin Fanning of Virginia Tech win the women’s 5000, breaking her school’s record with her time of 15:47.
On an evening perfect for running – and watching presidential candidates – fans and athletes alike seemed to enjoy the interruption created by Senator Obama’s visit. But for some athletes, there were other things on their mind. Hammer throwers A.G. Kruger and Michael Mai both nailed the Olympic Trials A Standard with throws of 258-02 and 244-06 respectively. And U of O standout Andrew Wheating won the men’s 1500 in a blazing 3:38.60 also meeting the Olympic Trials A Standard.
The temporary bleachers at the south end of the field hinted at just how many more fans will be on hand for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field in June. And the new video board worked its magic – showcasing the athletes, and thrilling the fans with close-ups of their performances. Even the Secret Service agents seemed impressed.