Oregon
Thursday recap: Highlights from the first day of Oregon’s track and field state championship meet
The OSAA track and field state championships kicked off on Thursday morning, with the best athletes in Oregon’s small-school classifications competing at Hayward Field.
- PHOTOS: Sights from the first day of the OSAA Class 3A, 2A and 1A track and field state championship meet
The action on Thursday was all from athletes in Class 3A, 2A and 1A. Friday will see the end of the small-school competition (including the finals for most of the track events) and the start of the 6A, 5A and 4A competition.
The action will conclude on Saturday at Hayward Field.
Here is a look at some of Thursday’s highlights:
Who in the Willamette Valley can point out Adrian on a map? Well, the Antelopes made major waves on Thursday with Jace Martin dominating the competition in the prelims of the boys 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter races.
Martin, a senior finished the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.60, the 200-meter with a time of 21.88 and the 400-meter in 49.80. All three of those times put Martin in first place headed into Friday’s finals and are also Class 1A state meet records.
Martin’s time in the 100 places him in second place regardless of classification, as well as fourth in the 200. He will be competing in the finals of all three races on Friday, while some of his big school peers compete in their prelims.
Kyle Hughes made it to 15 feet just once this season. But his 15-foot jump on Thursday afternoon was good for a Class 3A state championship. Hughes finished fifth in the Class 4A competition last season (Siuslaw was 4A last year) and came back to win gold this spring.
The height is also good for fourth in the state, regardless of classification, this spring.
After spending April running the sprints and the relays, Owyhee Harguess decided to focus solely on the 400-meter race. And that decision has seem to pay off.
Harguess finished first in the Class 2A prelims of the 400 on Thursday with a time of 57.28 seconds. She’s the only girl to get a 400 time below one minute this spring. The time is good for sixth among all classifications. And Harguess is only a freshman. If she can repeat that performance on Friday, Harguess might be stamping her name as one of Oregon’s elite 400 runners.
After finishing second in last year’s finals, Jayden Christy is back with gold on his mind. In Thursday’s prelims of the the boys 110-meter hurdles, Christy finished first with a time of 14.69 seconds.
This time is new personal best and fourth in Oregon regardless of classification. Christy did finish first in the prelims last year, so he will have to remain focused on Friday if he wants that state title he’s been chasing.
With a jump of 5-7.25 inches, Caroline Mauro won a Class 3A state championship in the high jump — the sophomore’s second in as many years. That’s good for second in Oregon, regardless of classification, this spring and 75th in the nation as of Thursday afternoon.
Mauro’s jump is 1.25 inches lower than Tualatin’s Kyra Bakke (who set a season-best 5-8.5 in mid-April). If no one in the big classifications can match Mauro’s height then she might finish the week with the best high jump at Hayward.
Willamina senior Hallee Hughes made the most of her final competition at Hayward Field. She ended Thursday with gold medals in the Class 2A discus (139-7) and the javelin (139-3). That brings the total to four state championships for Hughes, who won both events last season as well.
Hughes’ finishes are no joke. Her personal bests in the discus (139-8) and the javelin (141-7) are in the top three this spring, regardless of classification.
Class 3A’s first gold medals of the state championship meet were both handed to athletes from Oregon Episcopal School, as Olin Gilster won the boys 3000-meter race and Morgan Matthews won the girls’ race.
Gilster finished in 8:56.38 while Matthews finished the event in 10:28.71. The Aardvarks are in the top three in the team race on both the boys and girls side — although there are a lot more points to be scored on Friday with the bulk of the track events.
Cascade Christian teammates Autumn Murray and Sierra Samhammer put on a show in the prelims of the Class 3A girls 100-meter hurdles. Murray finished the prelims first in 15.26 with Samhammer coming in second in 15.37. The finishes put both in the top 10 statewide.
Murray and Samhammer came in second and third, respectively, in the 300-meter hurdles. Both were less than a second behind Banks’ Malia Stewart. Friday will see the teammates go to battle one last time.
Finding out a time isn’t wind legal can be a sore spot at the end of a race. Out of Thursday’s 18 events that can be affected by wind, three were not wind legal: the Class 3A girls 100, the 2A boys 110-meter hurdles and 2A girls 200.
A tailwind over two meters per second is considered not wind legal, but only in events where the wind only affects athletes on one end of the field (sprints and short hurdles).
— Nik Streng, nstreng@oregonian.com, @NikStreng
In Mel Kiper’s new Big Board ahead of the national championship, Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is listed as the No. 19 best available prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was the only Duck named in the the top 25 of Kiper’s player rankings.
On ESPN’s NFL Draft Big Board, Harmon is listed at No. 32. Josh Conerly Jr. are placed at No. 20 and Jordan Burch at No. 42.
MORE: No. 1 QB Recruit Jared Curtis Compares Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Oregon’s Dan Lanning
MORE: Oregon Ducks Transfer Portal Commits Fire Back At USC Trojans Fans Criticism: Revenge
MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Dillon Gabriel Slighted By 2025 NFL Draft Projection?
As a 6-5, 310-pound defensive tackle, Burch started his collegiate career with the Michigan State Spartans. In three seasons in East Lansing from 2021-23, he put together 69 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
In his breakout season under coach Dan Lanning that gained the attention of NFL front offices, Burch finished with 49 total tackles, 34 pressures, 11 run stops, five sacks, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He went on to be named to the All-Big Ten Third Team.
“What jumps out to me most is his consistent disruptiveness on a game-to-game basis. He combines quickness with power to cause chaos for opponents. And his scheme-versatility only adds to his value; Harmon can dominate at either defensive tackle or end.”
– ESPN’s NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper
Burch can impact both the run and pass game at the next level. He created a ton of havoc for opposing backfields in the Big Ten Conference, and NFL franchises are intrigued by his overall college experience in multiple defensive schemes.
Burch took advantage of the national stage with the Oregon college football program and become one of top defensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft class. With his built body structure and long arms, Burch has the makings of an All-Pro level talent if he can build upon his collection of pass rush moves to compliment his excellent array of run rush moves.
“One of my favorite players in the draft, Harmon can do a lot of things effectively up front, including getting pressure on all four downs. Harmon isn’t just a gap-shooting player; he can hold up in the run game, even against double-teams, and effectively perform a lot of roles… Getting someone who can contribute against the run and provide help for Trey Hendrickson is a nice piece to help build a unit.”
– Nate Tice via Yahoo Sports
The NFL Draft Combine will run from Thursday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, Mar. 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The NFL Draft will take place on Thursday, Apr. 24 through Saturday Apr. 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
MORE: Buffalo Bills Prep for Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson By Signing Dual Threat QB
MORE: Dillon Gabriel Reacts To Future of Oregon Ducks Quarterback Position, Dante Moore
MORE: Most Valuable College Athletic Programs: Oregon Ducks’ $780 Million, SEC Dominates
MORE: Miami Hurricanes’ Carson Beck To Make More NIL Money Than Denver Broncos Bo Nix
Controversial world leaders invited to Trump’s inauguration
Donald Trump’s inauguration guest list is breaking tradition, as he has invited a number of controversial world leaders, signaling his continued alignment with right-wing figures.
unbranded – Newsworthy
Inauguration Day, when President-elect Donald Trump will officially return to the White House, will take place Monday.
Trump will be sworn in at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda after the inauguration was moved indoors due to forecast cold weather in Washington, D.C. The last time an inauguration was moved indoors was 40 years ago for President Ronald Reagan in 1985.
Here is a list of Oregon politicians who told the Statesman Journal they will be attending or missing the inauguration as of Friday.
Is U.S. Labor Secretary nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s pick for U.S. secretary of labor and a former Oregon Republican Congresswoman, did not respond to the Statesman Journal’s inquiry on Friday asking if she would attend the inauguration.
Is Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, is not attending the inauguration.
Is U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, is not attending the inauguration. A representative from Wyden’s office said the senator was hosting planned townhalls in Oregon over the weekend and would be visiting the Providence nurses on strike in Portland before returning to Washington, D.C., Monday for evening votes.
Is U.S. Sen Jeff Merkley attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration, although recent venue changes may affect her decision.
Is U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, an Oregon Democrat, will not attend the inauguration. A represent from her office said Bonamici will be gathering with immigration advocates, attending an MLK Day breakfast with community leaders and volunteering with an organization that serves homeless youth.
“I will not be attending the inauguration in DC this year. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day of service and I will be spending it in Oregon with community members and organizations who are working to create a better future,” Bonamici said.
Is U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, an Oregon Republican, is planning to attend the inauguration, although recent venue changes may affect his decision.
Is U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, an Oregon Democrat, will attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, an Oregon Democrat, was unsure if should would be attending the inauguration when contacted by the Statesman Journal on Friday.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The first Powerball jackpot of 2025 was sold in Oregon and is worth $328.5 million, according to lottery officials.
The winner purchased the winning ticket in Beaverton on Thursday, Jan. 17, the Oregon Lottery said. The retail location will not be revealed until a winner has come forward.
The winning numbers for the Saturday drawing were: 14, 31, 35, 64 and 69 and Powerball 23.
The winner has a year to claim their prize, Oregon Lottery spokesperson Melanie Mesaros said. After the winning ticket is presented, “it will take time before a winner can be identified due to security and payment processes.”
Oregon lottery winners, with few exceptions, cannot remain anonymous, Mesaros said.
The winner will have a choice between an annuitized prize of $328.5 million or a lump-sum payment of $146.4 million, according to lottery officials, which are both options before taxes.
Last year, the largest Powerball prize won in Oregon — a $1.3 billion jackpot — was split between a Portland man, his wife, and friend.
Before Saturday, the most recent Powerball jackpot was sold in December in New York and was worth $256 million.
Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Fernando Cervantes Jr., a news reporter for USA TODAY, contributed to this story.
Cherrill Crosby is the executive editor of the Statesman Journal and The Register-Guard. Reach her at crosbyc@gannett.com
Good Afternoon, Michigan Football: U-M attacking the offseason
Massachusetts owes the federal government $2.1 billion. Here’s why.
20 years On Air: The Current’s impact on Minnesota music
Ole Miss Women’s Basketball’s Coach Yo Breaks Down Crucial Win at Mississippi State
Missouri officials vow to help with Trump immigration agenda on first day of presidency
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Trump Shuts Down CBP One App, Signaling the Start of His Immigration Crackdown
Dems promise to 'stand up to' Trump but laud 'peaceful transfer of power' after speech
Death toll in Gaza soars after truce as dozens of bodies found in rubble
What to know about Donald Trump’s planned ‘national energy emergency’ declaration
Is Microsoft Excel the Next Big E-Sport?
-
Science1 week agoMetro will offer free rides in L.A. through Sunday due to fires
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23935558/acastro_STK103__01.jpg "Amazon Prime will shut down its clothing try-on program")
Technology1 week agoAmazon Prime will shut down its clothing try-on program
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25826211/lorealcellbioprint.jpg "L’Oréal’s new skincare gadget told me I should try retinol")
Technology1 week agoL’Oréal’s new skincare gadget told me I should try retinol
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25832751/2192581677.jpg "Super Bowl LIX will stream for free on Tubi")
Technology5 days agoSuper Bowl LIX will stream for free on Tubi
-
Business6 days agoWhy TikTok Users Are Downloading ‘Red Note,’ the Chinese App
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25835602/Switch_DonkeyKongCountryReturnsHD_scrn_19.png "Nintendo omits original Donkey Kong Country Returns team from the remaster’s credits")
Technology3 days agoNintendo omits original Donkey Kong Country Returns team from the remaster’s credits
-
Culture2 days agoAmerican men can’t win Olympic cross-country skiing medals — or can they?
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24774110/STK156_Instagram_threads_1.jpg "Meta is already working on Community Notes for Threads")
Technology1 week agoMeta is already working on Community Notes for Threads