Six OTC Elite athletes open 2019 outdoor T&F season
By Curtis Anderson | Apr 25, 2019
EUGENE, Ore. – Six members of Oregon Track Club Elite opened their 2019 outdoor track and field seasons by competing at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, Calif., on April 19.
Second-year pro Hanna Green notched a huge PR in the 1,500 meters to win her heat at 4:09.33. Her previous best was 4:15.08. Green was ranked 8thin the U.S. in the 800m last season by Track & Field News.
Drew Piazza, in his first season with OTC Elite, also set a lifetime best in the 1,500m at 3:40.16. The former Virginia Tech standout was ranked 7th in the U.S. in the 800m last season.
Nijel Amos placed third in his heat of the 400m with a time of 46.38. Hassan Mead dropped down to the 1,500m and turned in a 3:40.29 performance, while Tom Farrell won his 1,500m heat at 3:44.87.
Harun Abda was busier than anyone. He ran 48.72 in the 400m and came back the next day to clock 1:47.11 in the 800m at the Mt. SAC Relays. It was his best 800m opener in three years. Abda also ran 4:08 at the Grand Blue Mile in Des Moines on April 23 to place 12th overall.
“A few PBs and solid performances all around,” OTC Elite coach Mark Rowland said. “I’m happy with the progress of those who have been able to race.”