About this Project
NCAA Championships
Defined by Excellence
The Ultimate Performance Platform
The University of Oregon's connection to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships spans nearly a century, playing a defining role in the heritage and future of Track Town, USA.
The grand finale of a season well pursued or a last-chance opportunity to finish the collegiate slate with the best, the NCAA Championships weigh on the minds of athletes throughout their careers. It is more than just another competition; it is the culmination of countless hours of training, learning, and improving.
Oregon's Individual Stars
Oregon athletes have painted the NCAA All-American landscape with their diverse talents for decades. In 1907, Dan Kelly became Oregon's first NCAA All-American in the long jump. Since then, more than 300 Oregon track and field stars have followed in his footsteps. Women gained All-American status in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) in 1979 and then joined the NCAA in 1982. Running legends Jim Grelle, Dyrol Burleson, and Kenny Moore and field-event masters Lynne Winbigler and Mac Wilkins are just a few of the multitude of Oregon's All-Americans.
In addition to creating a supportive environment for All-Americans, Oregon also has produced a number of individual NCAA Champions. In 1934, javelin-thrower Bob Parke captured Oregon's first individual NCAA title, setting the stage for 48 other men's individual championship titles in 16 different track and field events. Leann Warren claimed the women's first NCAA individual title in 1982. The women's team has produced 11 individual champions in nine different events since joining the NCAA in 1982.
The cross-country teams have also garnered top performances. Among a number of Oregon All-American performances, individual titles have also been claimed. Steve Prefontaine won three championships and Alberto Salazar captured solo championship and runner-up honors. On the women's side, Kathy Hayes' third-place finish in the 1983 Championships ranks as the highest of a UO female athlete to date.
Team Titles
In addition to individual honors, Oregon also holds several national team titles. Coincidentally, Oregon's first men's track and field team title came in 1962, the first year that Eugene hosted the NCAA Championships. Although the feat marked the first time Oregon claimed a national title on its own turf, it was not the first time the University won a championship. In 1929, the men's tennis team tied with the University of Texas for the national title.
After the legendary 1962 season, men's track and field team continued on its winning ways, capturing four more titles within the next 22 years. The men's cross-country team followed suit, claiming four NCAA Championship titles and seven runner-up finishes.
Although the women's teams have not competed in the NCAA as long as the men, they've found similar success. After only one year in the NCAA, the women's cross-country team claimed its first title in 1983. Under Tom Heinonen's direction, the women's team would go on to win an Outdoor Track and Field Championship in 1985 and another cross-country title in 1987.
National Spotlight
The University gains national exposure from its NCAA Championship athletes, and from occasionally hosting the competition on its campus. In the past 35 years, Oregon hosted six NCAA Track & Field Championships, more than any other university. The event not only boosts the Eugene/Springfield economy, but also, it helps the community to continue to build its reputation as Track Town, USA.
Despite the absence of a championship in the past few decades, Oregon continues to make strides toward regaining a title. In the process, Oregon athletes continue to claim individual honors. From Laura Harmon's All-American cross-country performance in 2004 to Tommy Skipper's recent NCAA pole vault championship title, Oregon remains tightly linked to the NCAA Championships.
