After Oregon unveiled the newly redesigned Hayward Field, Oregon coach Robert Johnson summed up his feelings about the unveiling by quoting Tiger Woods from the golfer’s first press conference after turning professional: “Hello, World.”
In what Johnson described as “a long time coming,” the Ducks opened Hayward to a mostly empty stadium as only athletes, officials and some special guests were permitted to attend the Hayward Premiere on Friday, April 2, due to Covid-19 safety protocols.
Even without fans in attendance, Johnson said, “The team did a good job being loud and supporting their teammates.”
But he stressed that there is more to come.
“This will be a good experience for them, one they will remember for the rest of their lives,” he said. “But wait until fans are here and you can’t hear yourself talking because it’s so loud. That’s the Hayward I remember and the one I want them to experience.”
Johnson said he believes some of the athletes might have felt the jitters or excitement early on, but he believes that his team settled in nicely on day one of the competition. Many athletes set personal bests.
Johnson pointed out one such athlete in freshman Jett Kinder. Kinder set personal bests on six consecutive throws in the javelin, finishing fifth overall with a throw of 63.07 meters.
Aneta Konieczek became the third fastest woman in Oregon history in the 3,000-meter steeplechase when she finished second in 9 minutes, 59.42 seconds.
“It was amazing to be out there today and have a pretty good opener,” she said in a statement from Oregon athletics communications. “I was just really excited, not only because it’s been awhile but also, it’s our track and I’d never raced at Hayward before. You could hear everyone, and even with the smaller crowd, the magic was there.”
