2/1/08

SEATTLE – University of Oregon sophomore Ashton Eaton established personal bests in two of four events in the heptathlon and is on pace to eclipse the automatic standard for the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships to highlight the Ducks’ first day of competition in the UW Invitational Friday in the Dempsey Indoor Center.

The Bend standout bettered his previous bests in the 60 meters with a time of 6.83 seconds, and exceeded his previous pinnacle in the high jump by almost six inches with a jump of 6-feet, 8 3/4. His first-day score of 3,268 also could challenge the Oregon men’s indoor heptathlon record of 5,608, set by Santiago Lorenzo in 2002.

Eaton stood in first place in the event following the first four phases, edging Cal State Northridge’s Justin Johnson, who accounted for 3,193 points.

“Ashton looked great and did a terrific job all day,” said Associate Head Coach Dan Steele. “I’m confident he can put together another impressive showing on Saturday.