Gavin Russell

EUGENE — Joseph’s Jett Leavitt and Gavin Russell spent a few days in Eugene June 12-15, competing and observing some of the nation’s best track and field athletes at the Nike Outdoor Nationals, held at Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus.

Leavitt ran in the Championship division for the 5,000-meter race, placing 49th after crossing the line in a time of 16 minutes, 6.93 seconds.

This was Leavitt’s second outing this summer as the Eagle runner also competed at the Portland Track Festival on June 2. There, Leavitt picked up second place in the 1,500 meters, finishing in a time of 4:02.10. Leavitt also ran in the 800-meter race, placing fifth in 1:56.97.

Joining Leavitt in Eugene, Gavin Russell made the trip to take part in the javelin competition. Joining other competitors in the Championship division, Russell placed 21st in the field of 35 throwers with a distance of 163 feet, 6 inches.

The Nike Outdoor Nationals is a four-day event with over 250 high school teams present along with middle school athletes and track club competitors.

Both Leavitt and Russell will be seniors in the fall.