Danny Duncan: While competing as a kid, was it a dream of yours to run for the university of oregon?
Jordan McNamara: “I think almost every high schooler dreams of one day becoming a reincarnation of Steve Prefontaine- flying down the backstretch while proudly sporting the prestigious Green and Yellow of Oregon. While I certainly harbored such notions, I never actually thought of them as realistic.
Graduating HS, I attending the University of Washington, following the footsteps of an older runner from my HS- who had been an incredible mentor. After a year of constant injuries, I decided to take my fate into my own hands, and left for Eugene, Oregon. In my heart, I knew that moving to the world’s capital of T&F was the one true way to fulfill my potential.
Though a gamble without a doubt, I can’t say I’m dissapionted with the results so far.”
Danny Duncan: What was your most memorable experience competing for the U of O?
Jordan McNamara: “As the saying goes, “Ain’t nothin’ like your first time”. I’ll never forget my first race as an Oregon Duck. The race was 1500, held at Hayward Field, as a part of the UCLA vs Oregon dual meet- a meet that stretched back through the decades. The 1500 was a loaded race, featuring several high-caliber athletes- including Oregon’s AJ Acotsa, and UCLA’s Laef Barnes- both who had ran 3:58-59 Miles that indoor season.
I had missed indoors with a strained achilles and was just rounding myself into shape. Approaching the race, I’d figured that 3rd or 4th would be a solid debut. On the starting line, I looked around, taking in the 8000-strong crowd, massive grandstands, TV cameras…. it all instilled in me a deep sense of belonging.
The pace was honest throughout. Through straining, I kept myself in close contact, sitting in the middle of the tight pack. With 300m to go, I was still in the hunt, sitting in 3rd place. Wildly, I swung into lane 3 and kicked, moving into 2nd and vieing for the lead. The crowd bellowed its approval. It was that noise that made the tiny hairs on my arms stand on end; haunting in the most motivating way
Aj responded and with 200 to go, the race was on, Aj leading, with Laef and I going blow for blow after the Bowerman Curve. I was in a state of agony, spurred on by something else. Finally, we hit the top of the straight away: AJ leading by 2 meters, Laef chasing him, and I another 2 meters back. It was at that moment something happened that I will never forget.
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