FOR IMMEDIATE USE

March 14, 2012

Track To Host Free Youth Clinic Sunday at Preview Meet

Eaton, Theisen and other top athletes and coaches will work with kids.

      EUGENE, Ore. – The University of Oregon and the Oregon Track Club Elite, in conjunction with the City of Eugene’s Recreation Services, are sponsoring a free youth clinic for children ages 5-12 Sunday at 11 a.m. at Hayward Field  prior to the Ducks’ outdoor season opener, the Oregon Preview.

      Kids will be instructed by World and NCAA record-setting combined events athletes Ashton Eaton and Brianne Theisen, among a number of other UO and OTC Elite star track and field athletes and coaches.

      Youngsters will have the opportunity to participate in running, long jump, hurdles and the “turbo” javelin.

      All children will receive a ribbon, meet bib, snack, and free entrance to the Oregon Preview, which begins at 12:30 p.m., in addition to being able to participate in a special group photo and autograph session.

      Those kids interested in participating are asked to bring their own running shoes, and check in beginning at 10:15 a.m. at the Agate Street entrance between Gates 8 and 9. Advanced registration is also available at the Sheldon Community Center (2445 Willakenzie Rd. until 5 p.m. Friday).

      Participants will be sorted into Green (11-12), Yellow (8-10) and White (5-7) age groups.

      The rotating clinic will feature three stations of the turbo javelin, long jump and hurdles, and will then conclude with running on the Hayward Field track. A group photo and autograph session will follow.

      The University of Oregon will have NCAA Champions Theisen, Jordan Hasay and Anne Kesselring participating in the clinic, as well as All-Americans Mike Berry, Luke Puskedra, Trevor Dunbar, Parker Stinson, Mac Fleet and Becca Friday, and newcomers Sam Crouser, Alyssa Monteverde, Kimber Mattox and Jillian Weir.

      OTC Elite athletes scheduled to participate include Eaton, Sally Kipyego, Russell Brown, Ian Dobson, Jemma Simpson, Stephen Pifer, Bridget Franek, Julia Lucas, Tyler Mulder, Jordan McNamara, Cyrus Hostetler and Steve Finley, as well as coach Harry Marra.

        In the event of extreme weather, the clinic will be cancelled; check www.gotracktownusa.com for more weather-related information.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Kim McManus, senior supervisor, City of Eugene Recreation Services (Kimberly.K.McManus@ci.eugene.or.us/541.682.6343).

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