Ducks land nation's No. 1 hurdler
Oregon track and field landed one of the top high school athletes in the nation on Monday when Langham Creek, Texas senior Eric Edwards made his decision public. Ranked as the nation’s No. 1 HS hurdler in 2017, Edwards set a junior class national record in the 110m hurdles in June with a time of 13.32 seconds at the USA track and field junior championships.
The Lone Star State speedster told Duck Sports Authority that his selection was simply based upon best fit.
“My main reason for choosing Oregon was because that is where I felt the most comfortable academically and athletically,” said Edwards. “Eugene was beautiful, I loved the weather there. I physically have never been to Hayward field for a track meet. I have seen them on Tv and I can’t wait.”
Edwards chose Oregon over several other storied track programs, with the other finalists being Texas Tech, Texas A&M and Ohio State.
“Oregon became the favorite after I witnessed the competition level at practice and I wanted to be a part of that,” explained Edwards.
For him the competition at his Oregon practices will be tough indeed. The No. 2-ranked high school hurdler, Joseph Anderson from Upland, California committed to the Ducks last December. His personal record is second-best in 2017 outdoor at the high school level, a mere 0.01 seconds behind Edwards at 13.33 seconds.
Of course, Oregon has a legacy at hurdles including one who recently turned professional.
“Oregon has been a dream school of mine and I really like football,” said Edwards. “I saw Devon Allen catch a pass and he took off I assumed he had to run track. Then I saw him in the NCAA championship for the 110 hurdles and said ‘yep that will be me in the future’.”
For the Ducks, Edwards will run the 110 and 400 meter hurdles. And before he arrives in Eugene after next summer, he will continue to compete.
“I have indoor, outdoor season for school and a couple of summer meets such as New Balance nationals and U20 World Junior Trials.”
After that he will join his new college team in Track Town USA, where the competition at practice will be tough every day.