Running at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, sometimes known as TrackTown USA, brought a little of what Missouri track and field’s Karissa Schweizer called “magic.”
The historic field is the site of many professional races, World Championships, Olympic Trials and the NCAA championships. Many of the greats, such as Steve Prefontaine, Kenny Moore and Alberto Salazar competed there, and it holds some of the oldest records in track and field history.
It was also the home of Schweizer’s third-place finish in the 5,000-meter at the NCAA championships Sunday.
“You know you always look to go there and that’s always your goal, and when you finally get there and are on that track all these people are watching you, and I think that incredible things can be done,” the sophomore distance runner said.