KU Track & Field Closes Out U.S. Olympic Trials with Two Strong Finishes
Freshman Michael Stigler finished seventh in the final of the men’s 400-meter hurdles Sunday afternoon on the eighth and final day of the U.S. Olympic Trials at Historic Hayward Field. Also in action was junior Andrea Geubelle, who placed 11th in the final of the women’s long jump. [Read Full Article]

Stigler, Geubelle One Step Closer to London After Day Six of U.S. Olympic Trials
Freshman Michael Stigler claimed a spot in the final of the 400-meter hurdles and junior Andrea Geubelle moved into the final of the long jump Friday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Historic Hayward Field. Both will compete for spots on Team USA in their event finals Sunday. [Read Full Article]

 June 29 - 12 p.m. (CT): HEATHER BERGMANN PREVIEW

Bergmann Looking to Learn from Trials Experience
Prior to competing in the javelin in Eugene, junior Heather Bergmann sat down to discuss the weekend. The Concordia, Kan. native talks about going up against some of her idols as well as how she will temper her nerves once competition begins Friday afternoon.

Bergmann throws today at 4:30 p.m. (CT)

Pair of Jayhawks Advance on Day Five of U.S. Olympic Trials
In front of a stadium-record 22,602 fans junior Paris Daniels and freshman Michael Stigler advanced in the their respective events Thursday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Historic Hayward Field. Daniels moved on to the semifinals of the 200 meters while Stigler advanced to the 400-meter hurdle semifinals. [Read Full Article]

 June 28 - 3 p.m. (CT): PARIS DANIELS PREVIEW

Daniels Anxious to Begin Journey to Olympics
Junior Paris Daniels prepares for her first trip to Hayward Field, running in the 200 meters Friday at the Trials. The St. Louis native talks about her coach, Elisha Brewer, as well as how she has surpassed her expectations this season.

Daniels races tonight at 8:45 p.m. (CT)

Stigler Excited to Compete in Eugene
Before freshman Michael Stigler competes in the first round of the 400-meter hurdles at the Trials, he sat down to discuss his thoughts on competing in Eugene. The Big 12 Champion talks about what he is going to try to take from the experience as well as who his idols are, some of whom he will be racing against this week.

Stigler races tonight at 8 p.m. (CT)

A Sit Down KU Track & Field's Medical Trainer, Zack Sanchez
As the Jayhawks take a break from Trials action in Eugene this week, KUAthletics.com had a chance to talk with KU Track's medical trainer, Zack Sanchez. Zack is now about to complete his first season handling all the Jayhawks' medical issues, ranging from shin splint treatments, to surgery rehabs to post-meet recoveries. Here's a deeper look into Zack's duties and what he has to deal with in keeping over 100 student-athletes healthy throughout the season.

KUAthletics.com: Since you started your training career, what sports have you worked with, how do they compare to track?

Sanchez: Great question. Since becoming a certified athletic trainer the only sport I have worked with is track and field. I've worked at four different schools now and have done track at each and wouldn't have it any other way. I would love to maybe work with soccer someday but I will always want to do track & field.

KUAthletics.com: How does KU compare to some of the other places where you've trained?

Sanchez: Kansas is a really special place. Every school I've been is so unique but I like a lot of things about KU; the city, the school, the team.  It just has so much to offer. It's a great place to be a student athlete.

KUAthletics.com: What is the most common injury among the track & field athletes?

Sanchez: The most common injury I have found in track is medial tibial stress syndrome, commonly known as shin splints. It comes from a long period of inactivity followed by an intense work period.  It's easily fixed though. We usually treat it with activity modification, cryo-theorpy and soft tissue mobilization.

KUAthletics.com: What is the most common request from the track & field athletes?

Sanchez: When the kids come to the training room they almost always ask for one of three things; Ibuprofen, Gatorade or a massage.

KUAthletics.com: What is the most rewarding part of working with track & field?

Sanchez: Watching my athletes perform at their peak level is always really fulfilling. I see the student-athletes put in so much hard work and it is always great to see them succeed.

KUAthletics.com: What is the most stressful aspect of working with track & field?

Sanchez: Managing the logistics of overseeing the healthcare of over 100 athletes can get tough at times. My graduate assistant, Maggie Mountsier, helps me out a lot though, which takes the stress away most of the time.

KUAthletics.com: Is there a favorite moment or story from traveling with KU track & field this past season?

Sanchez: The sand storm at the UTEP Invitational was crazy (April 14th in El Paso, Texas). The meet started out with sunshine and blue skies and the next thing you know, this huge dust cloud engulfs the stadium and brings 40mph winds along with it. Gatorade cups were hitting kids as they sat in the blocks, Timmie Morris almost got blown over while she ran the 400 hurdles and you could barley see the other end of the stadium. Everyone was completely covered in dust after the meet. At the time I wasn't too happy about it but looking back on it, it was a pretty funny experience.

KUAthletics.com: And finally, what is your favorite event to watch and why?

Sanchez: My favorite event has got to be the 1,500 meters. It's basically an all-out sprint for a mile. I think it's probably the toughest event in track and field. There's so much strategy and tactical movements that go into it. I always enjoy watching that one.

Geubelle and Stowe Review Day 4 of Trials
KU junior Andrea Geubelle and senior Rebeka Stowe were interviewed Monday night after competing on the fourth day of the Trials. Geubelle finished third in the triple jump while Stowe advanced to the final of the 3,000-meter Steeplechase.

Geubelle Takes Triple Jump Bronze on Day Four of U.S. Olympic Trials
Kansas senior-to-be Andrea Geubelle finished third in the triple jump Monday at the U.S. Olympic Trials at the Historic Hayward Field. Geubelle's finish is the highest-ever for a KU female at the Olympic Trials in the Stanley Redwine era. [Read Full Article]

Stowe Not Taking Trials Opportunity for Granted
Kansas senior Rebeka Stowe prepares for the 3,000-meter Steeplechase at the 2012 Olympic Trials. Stowe discusses how she has managed to stay fresh this season in one of the most draining track events as well as how she plans to qualify through to the final. She runs at 6:50 p.m. (CT) today in the Steeplechase semifinal.

Below are some recent articles featuring KU athlete at the Trials...

Kansas City Star
KU's Dixon heading to Olympics as part of 1,600 relay team
Kansas sophomore Diamond Dixon finished fifth in the women's 400-meter final Sunday at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, with a time of 50.88 seconds. [Read Full Article]

Lawrence Journal World
KU track star Diamond Dixon earns spot on U.S. Olympic team
The dream season for Kansas University track star Diamond Dixon continued on Sunday, with the KU sophomore earning a spot on the 4x400-meter U.S. Olympic team which will compete next month in London. [Read Full Article]

Topeka Capital Journal
NCAA heartbreak drives Geubelle at Trials
Andrea Geubelle asked herself the natural question after having a national title torn from her grasp at the NCAA Outdoor two weeks ago. Why me? [Read Full Article]

Dixon Takes Fifth in 400-Meter Final, Makes Olympic Relay Team
University of Kansas sophomore Diamond Dixon ran to a fifth-place finish in the final of the 400 meters Sunday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Historic Hayward Field. Dixon rounded the track in a lifetime-best and school-record time of 50.88, with her finish placing her on the 4x400-meter relay team to compete at the London Olympics. [Read Full Article]

Diamond Dixon: More Than A Number
Just over two hours before Diamond Dixon runs for a spot in the 2012 Olympics in the finals of the 400 Meters. Here's a great look of who Diamond is on and off the track...

Andrea Geubelle and Diamond Dixon Review Day 2
Here's the video from Saturday with Andrea Geubelle and Diamond Dixon talking about moving on to finals of their respective events.

Geubelle, Dixon Move on to Finals on Day Two of U.S. Olympic Trials
Kansas track & field's Andrea Geubelle and Diamond Dixon each advanced to event finals Saturday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Historic Hayward Field. Geubelle finished fourth in triple jump qualifying to move on to the Monday final, while Dixon finished third in her semifinal heat of the 400 meters to earn a spot in the final to be held Sunday. [Read Full Article]

Geubelle Excited for Electric Atmosphere at Hayward Field
On the verge of her first Olympic Trials, Kansas junior Andrea Geubelle discusses her excitement to compete again after her third-place finish at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, as well as what it would mean for her to make the 2012 Olympic Team.

Dixon Advances in 400 Meters on Day One of U.S. Olympic Trials
Kansas sophomore Diamond Dixon stormed down the home stretch of her 400-meter qualifying heat Friday afternoon to advance to the next round at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials at historic Hayward Field. Her finish earns her a spot in the semifinals, which will take place Saturday at 7:15 p.m. (CT). [Read Full Article]

Diamond Ready to take on the Pros in Eugene
With her race just moments away here's Diamond Dixon talking about her mindset heading into the 400 meters of the 2012 Olympic Trials. The Houston, Texas native discusses how she has learned from her earlier races this year and will put that knowledge to use this weekend.

Maroszek Discusses Her First Trip to the Olympic Trials
Just a couple hours from kicking off the meet for the Jayhawks, sophomore Jessica Maroszek previews the discus throw at the 2012 Olympic Trials from Eugene. The Seymour, Wisc. native recently broke the school record in the event and enters the Trials with newfound confidence.

A Quick Look at "TrackTown USA"
KU sports fans know all about historic venues, with Allen Fieldhouse being the Mecca of the college basketball universe, Jayhawks can easily compare it to Oregon's track & field facility, Hayward Field, the site of this year's 2012 Olympic Trials.

In 2010, Hayward Field welcomed the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the 10th time since 1962 - the most of any venue in modern history. It's also the only facility to ever host three consecutive U.S. Olympic Trials (1972, 1976, 1980), while seven U.S. Championships have graced the storied venue, including recent events in 199, 2001, 2009, and 2011.

Hayward Field was originally built in 1919 as a football stadium but a six-lane track was added two years later. The facility hosted both sports until 1967 when it became exclusively used for track & field. Hayward Field has gone through many renovations since then, moving its capacity up to over 10,000. For the Trials this week, temporary grandstands will expand the attendance to nearly 21,000, making it a true arena feel.

Here are some articles and videos to give you a better feel of the history behind "TrackTown USA"

Oregon Athletics: Hayward Field Bio
Orange County Register: Hayward Field a magical, historic place for U.S. track
Oregon Daily Emerald: Hayward Field: Competitive grounds with a storied past of Olympic stature
YouTube: The Olympic Trials at Hayward Field
Youtube: The Magic of Hayward Field

Stanley Redwine Talks the 2012 Olympic Trials
Kansas Track & Field head coach Stanley Redwine has competed in five US Team Trials and coached athletes to many more. He discusses what the athletes need to focus on most in order to have a successful week in Eugene.

Kyle Clemons Talks About His Strategy in Eugene
The evening before he begins his push to the 2012 Olympics, junior Kyle Clemons sat down with KUAthletics.com to discuss his mindset going into the biggest race of his career.

Jumper has a powerful incentive to make the U.S. Olympic team.
Kansas junior Andrea Geubelle once saw the Olympic trials as a destination, an endpoint for the season and an opportunity to broaden her worldview. That approach has evolved. (Link to Story)

KU Track & Field Sending Nine to Olympic Trials in Eugene
The University of Kansas track & field team will see nine of its athletes vie for spots on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team as they compete at the Olympic Trials June 22 to July 1 at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. (Link to Story)

Interview with KU track & field director of ops, Tegan Thornberry
As we kick off  Trials Week and hit the road for Eugene, we're going to take a look at everything that goes into making sure anywhere from three to sixty athletes travel from Lawrence to meets across the country throughout the season.  To get a better idea of all it takes to get the Jayhawks mobile, we sat down with KU Track's director of operations, Tegan Thornberry, to get a true feel of the highs and lows of flying with the Jayhawks.

Quick Note: From the beginning of cross country season to the present, the cross country and track & field teams bussed or flew a total of  35,630 miles from September through June. That's more than any other sports team at KU.

KUAthletics.com: Okay Tegan, for a normal trip with KU Track, how far in advance do you begin preparing for it? What is usually the first step in planning a trip?

Thornberry: We start prepping for trips up to a year in advance. The first things we usually nail down are the hotel contracts. For example, we reserved hotel rooms for the Olympic Trials trip in May of 2011.

KUAthletics.com: What would you say is the most challenging aspect when it comes getting the track team on the road?

Thornberry: Trying to predict which athletes will be competing at certain meets. The uncertainty can make it difficult when we are trying to book plane tickets, meals and hotel rooms, but I feel the coaches and I handle it pretty well, considering. No one has ever gotten left behind!

KUAthletics.com: How often do things not go according to plan on a trip?

Thornberry: One thing I have learned is the only thing you can be sure of on these trips is something isn't going to go according to plan. It's almost always something out of our control but the student-athletes, coaches and myself have gotten pretty good at being flexible and rolling with the punches so problems on trips are never that noticeable.

KUAthletics.com: What makes operations from the track & field team different than any other sport at KU?

Thornberry: Well, essentially we're operating six sports under one umbrella (men's women's indoor track, men's and women's outdoor track and men's and women's cross country.) Also the fact that we have over 100 athletes in our program and it is basically co-ed. No other team at KU travels their men's and women's teams together, so it can get interesting but also it's a lot of fun.

KUAthletics.com: What is the most rewarding part of working with KU track & field?

Thornberry: Working with a such diverse group of coaches and student-athletes is a lot of fun. There are so many different personalities and backgrounds, it's been a blast getting to know everyone. There is never a dull moment with this group.

KUAthletics.com: Do you have a favorite memory, moment or story from life on the road with KU Track?

Thornberry: It would definitely have to be when we were flying to Boise for the Indoor National Championships. Coach Redwine's wife, Jacque put a sign on a sleeping Coach Whittlesey, which said, "Wake for Peanuts." So when the flight attendant came by, she shook him awake with a big handful of peanuts. The combined look of confusion and anger on his face was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Everyone was cracking up. That was a fun plane ride.

KUAthletics.com: And finally, what's your favorite event in track & field?  Why?

Thornberry: That's a tough one. I love all the kids and events. Definitely can't narrow it down to one.