Winger places fourth in discus while Waltz takes fifth

EUGENE, Ore. – Former University of Idaho discus thrower Russ Winger took fourth place at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at University of Oregon’s Hayward Field on Friday.

He threw the discus 207 feet, 11 inches to finish one place ahead of former Washington State and Post Falls thrower Ian Waltz, who finished at 206-9 with his final throw.

Another former WSU Cougar, Andrew Ulrick from Mead, was 15th at 189-5.

The winner was Jarred Rome at 209-11.

Former Cougar Bernard Lagat qualified for the men’s 1,500 final with a time of 3:44.04 in his semifinal heat.

WSU’s Joe Abbott ran the 800 in 1:48.99 but did not advance out of the first round.

Also on the track, Justin Gatlin returned to a big stage – winning his preliminary heat in the 100 and staying very much in the mix for a spot at the world championships.

In the 10,000, Galen Rupp won his third straight national title, finishing in 28 minutes, 38.17 seconds, while Shalane Flanagan won in 30:59.97. Other winners Thursday were Kibwe Johnson (hammer), Christian Taylor (triple jump), Stephanie Brown-Trafton (discus) and Michelle Carter (shot put).