What a way to start the OSAA large school championships.  Notable performances:

Ryan Crouser upon his return to Hayward after his big win at the Oregon Relays.  I was lucky enough to get his first ever mark over 60 feet in the shot put.  Ryan (a freshman at Sam Barlow High in Gresham and the son of the UofO school record holder in the discus) hit a mark of 60 feet 2 inches to break his own freshman state record and win the 6a competition.  So far it has been a great meet for the Crouser clan as Ryan's cousin Sam won the 6a Javelin on Thursday.  Look for Ryan in the Discus final Saturday.  

Alyssa O'Connor of Summit High in Bend shocked herself running 2:12.00 to win the 5a girls 800 returning to form after some fairly sever injury issues.  The only thing more exciting than her last 100 meters was her reaction to the win.  Look for her in the 1500 final as well as 4x400 relay.  Alyssa and the Storm look to be in good standing for another team title!

Boys 800 Meter Finals:  The 4A final saw Rogue River sophomore Cole Watson ran a blazing 1:54.71 and avenged a loss at his district championships to bring his team 10 points while the 5a and 6a levels saw new meet records.  Russell Drummond of Churchill High in Eugene broke the 5A meet record running 1:55.85 in front of a home crowd at Hayward Field.  Not to be outdone, Portland area junior duo Elijah Greer of Lake Oswego and Nathan Mathabane of Lincoln led a solid field as Greer shaved .07 off of the 6A meet record with a 1:50.60.

These are only some of the highlights from the 2008 OSAA State Championships.  Saturday's finals are sure to bring even more.  

-Rossco-