“When I got to Oregon I discovered more of myself in art, and that’s when it emerged and grew,” Rogers says. “There’s a peace that I’ve found in painting.” The appeal of art isn’t just in the creativity and peace it offers, either. Art critics and track fans have a lot in common, Rogers observes, and she draws strength from learning how to deal with both. “You can’t care what people think when you’re presenting your art work to a group,” says Rogers. “Just like you can’t let it get too personal if someone’s rooting for you or not rooting for you. At the end of the day, you’re the only one that’s involved and invested in your own craft. I’m over here putting hard work into my paintings and believing my paintings are going to be great, no matter what anyone thinks. It’s the same with track—if I have a bad race it doesn’t mean I’m not putting in hard work. I’ve definitely become a little bit more relaxed and carefree in some areas. Life’s too short to be thinking about and caring about what people have to say about you.” Damian Foley is a staff writer for University Communications.
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TRACK SEASON PREVIEW
he University of Oregon women’s track-and-field team won the Triple Crown in 2017, with the indoor and outdoor titles spearheaded by the powerhouse trio of juniors Raevyn Rogers, Deajah Stevens, and Hannah Cunliffe . . . all of whom then turned pro. So, a drop in form was to be expected in 2018—though “drop” is a relative term when you’re talking about the Ducks. Although the fifth-place finish at the NCAA indoor championships in March was the team’s worst showing since 2009, they still won the 800-meter title for the third year in a row, and the distance medley relay title, with the fourth-fastest time in collegiate history. While Rogers, Stevens, and Cunliffe are not around to lead the team through the outdoor season, the Ducks boast a roster that includes eight-time All-American and 2016 Olympian Ariana Washington, six-time All-American Lilli Burdon, five-time All-American Katie Rainsberger, five-time All-American Brooke Feldmeier, fivetime All-American Makenzie Dunmore, four-time All-American Alli Cash, and two-time All-American ChaQuinn Cook. The Men of Oregon, who finished tied for 13th in the NCAA indoor championships, are led this spring by middle distance runners Sam Prakel, Reed Brown, Mick Stanovsek, and James West, and newcomers Joseph Anderson (2017 Pan American Championships 110-meter hurdles bronze medalist), Jared Briere (the nation’s No. 1-ranked hammer thrower out of high school), and Cooper Teare (California 3,200-meter state champion and Pac-12 Cross-Country Freshman of the Year).
—Damian Foley
KEY UPCOMING MEETS April 7 | Eugene PEPSI TEAM INVITATIONAL
May 12–13 | Stanford, Ca PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIPS
May 4 | Eugene OREGON TWILIGHT
June 6–9 | Eugene NCAA OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Get the details at: GODUCKS.COM
Fitzgerald® Collection thefixturegallery.com SEATTLE | PACIFIC | TIGARD | SALEM | EUGENE | BEND
T H E M AG A Z I N E O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F O R E G O N
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