NCAA Indoor Championship Recap

The NCAA indoor championships are over after an action packed two days, and the Oregon Ducks won both the men's and women's championships. Oregon defeated Arkansas on both sides, with margins of 3 points for the women and 23 points for the men. There were plenty of great performances during the meet and plenty of injuries that frustrated the athletes and the fans. So what were the most exciting races of the meet? Let's break them down.

Women's 4x400

The last event tends to add some extra drama. Heading into the race, Oregon had a 5 point lead on Arkansas, but both teams had a relay entered in the race. This quick race was intense, as both Arkansas and Oregon were fighting for the top spot until the end. Arkansas finished second behind Texas, and Oregon was right behind in third place. With the 2-3 finish, Oregon won the title narrowly over the Razorbacks. What a finish.

Men's 800

The Junior from Akron pulled it off! Many people predicted that Akron's Clayton Murphy would win the 800 after Texas A&M's Brazier dropped out. The race was wild and fast, with the top four runners all under 1:48.00. Middle Tennessee State's Eliud Rutto but a strong challenge in, but Murphy won the race right at the finish.

Men's and Women's 3k

I'm putting these two together because two athletes completely stole the show. Both Molly Siedel and Edward Cheserek won every race they entered this weekend and had a combined five national championships between them. Siedel won the women's 5k on Friday with a blistering 15:15, and she returned to the track on Saturday to turn in an equally impressive 8:57 3k to complete the double. Cheserek made history as only the second athlete to ever win the 5k-DMR-3k in the same indoor track championship, matching the feet that Galen Rupp accomplished in 2009. These two athletes dominated the headlines this weekend, and for good reason.

Men's 60 M Hurdles

Oregon's football and track superstar Devon Allen won the 60 meter hurdles in 7.56, holding off the field. Allen had a strong start from the blocks and looked smooth as he claimed his 10 points. The young man is only a sophomore, so at this point we can start to wonder, if he stays healthy, how many NCAA championships can he win?

Final Women's Team Standings

1.) Oregon 53 points

2.) Arkansas 50

3.) Georgia 45

4.) Texas 44

5.) Notre Dame 35

Final Men's Team Standings

1.) Oregon 62 points

2.) Arkansas 39

3.) Tennessee 34

4.) LSU 28

5.) Texas 25