Crouser Claims Silver Medal

EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon freshman Sam Crouser claimed the silver medal in the javelin while Duck alum Cyrus Hostetler made his first Olympic Team in the same event Monday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

(PHOTO) Sam Crouser of Oregon finishes second in the javelin in an American junior record of 265-1 (80.80m) in the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

In a spirited competition on a rainy evening before 21,626 fans at Historic Hayward Field, Crouser saved his best throw for last, setting a personal-best 265-1/80.80m to move from seventh to second and claim the silver medal.

“I’m pretty happy; I had a 10-foot PR and I’m really excited,” said Crouser, whose throw ranked as the second-best in school history.

The Gresham, Ore., native was runner-up only to Texas A&M’s Sam Humphreys, who won at 268-7/81.86m.

Also in the javelin, Duck alum Cyrus Hostetler made his first Olympic team despite a fifth-place finish in the event. Being one of only three Americans in the final with the Olympic “A” standard, Hostetler’s throw of 254-8/77.63m was good enough for a ticket to London.

“I am definitely looking forward to London,” said Hostetler. “I want to prove that this is a fluke. I’ve been working hard all year and I’m excited to perform on an international stage.”

Former Duck Justin Frick set a personal best in the high jump by tying for fifth with a clearance at 7-4.5/2.25m. He cleared 7-0.5 and 7-2.5 before his best height.

Elijah Greer wrapped up his junior season in the finals of the men’s 800 meters, where the Lake Oswego, Ore., native placed sixth in 1:45.40.

“I tried to run as hard as I could,” said Greer. “Coach told me to run how I felt and that’s what I did today.”

In the finals of the women’s triple jump, Oregon’s Lauryn Newson finished seventh with a jump of 43-2.25/13.16m. The senior from Richmond, Calif., who was competing in just her fifth career triple jump, set the school record in the qualifying round on Friday by leaping 44-4.25/13.52m.

“I wasn’t expecting any of this,” said Newson. “That’s why I can have a bad jump and still have a smile on my face. It’s really exciting to find out how much father I can go.”

In qualifying round action, former Duck Galen Rupp made it through safely by finishing second in his heat of the men’s 5,000 in 13:46.82. Current UO sophomore Trevor Dunbar was third in the same heat in 13:49.19 and also advanced to the final.

“I felt confident coming in,” said the Kodiak, Alaska, native. “I knew I had a good chance to make the finals. My speed was good and I felt rested.

“I have to go out and represent Oregon, that’s what we’re out here to do. It’s all about executing and performing; that’s what wearing an Oregon jersey is all about.”