by Larry EderIn one of the more fascinating deals of 2010, Andrew Wheating has signed with Nike, and will stay in Eugene, Oregon to train, where he saw so much success as a Duck. Wheating will be a member of the Oregon Track Club, per the release, supplied by his management company,
Global Athletics & Marketing.
Wheating taking second in the US Olympic Trials, 2008, photo by PhotoRun.net.
Andrew Wheating won both the 800 meters and 1,500 meters at the NCAA in Eugene in early
June 2010. He lead a sweep of the 1,500 meters, which was wildly received by Duck fans. At the Nike Pre, on July 3, Andrew Wheating ran a stellar 3:51.72 for the mile, breaking the school record of 3:53:00 of one Joaquim Cruz, (1984 Olympic gold medalist at 800 meters, set way back in 1984).
Less than two weeks after the Nike Pre, on July 15, Andrew Wheating, in his first professional race, ran 1;44.62 for the 800 meters, his personal best, in Paris at the Meeting AREVA. The following week, on July 22, in Monaco, at the Herculis meeting, Andrew finished fourth in the 1,500 meters, in 3:30.90, making him the fastest American over the mile or 1,500 meters in 2010.
Andrew Wheating has formidable leg speed, coupled with immense racing acumen. Some have compared his speed to Sir Sebastian Coe and Jim Ryun. I compare his racing savvy to Fermin Cacho, the 1992 Olympic medalist at 1,500 meters and a guy who had eyes in the back of his head during heats and finals.
Andrew Wheating has not only the speed, and racing acumen, but also the stomach, to be an Olympic and World Championship medalist. This young man has wheels and guess, what? He knows how to race! If Andrew Wheating gets within smelling distance of a finish line, no matter what the level, I would not bet against him.
Whatever the case, in his own words, Andrew Wheating would say, ” I love to compete.” We look forward to seeing Wheating racing for many years to come! Nice to see a footwear company investing in an athlete who has the tools to deliver the goods.
Contact:
Rich Kenah
Global Athletics & Marketing, Inc.
For Immediate Release:
ANDREW
Wheating AGREES TO ENDORSEMENT WITH NIKE
Former University of Oregon Standout will Remain
in Eugene, Oregon
Boston (July 28, 2010) — Former University of Oregon star
Andrew Wheating will continue his track and field career as a professional in
Eugene, OR and will proudly compete for Nike, his management company announced
today.
With a successful string of races in June and July that
began with a double victory at 800m and 1500m at the NCAA Championships, then
followed by personal best performances at 800m (1:44.62), the mile (3:51.74),
and 1500m (3:30.90), Wheating punctuated an already stellar career at the University
of Oregon. Wheating,
originally from Norwich, VT, won five NCAA Championships, three PAC 10 titles,
was an 8-time NCAA All American, qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games at 800m
and is a finalist for the prestigious Bowerman Award, which recognizes the top
male and female collegiate men’s and women’s track-and-field athlete of the
scholastic year. He holds
school records at the tradition-laden program of Oregon in the indoor 800m,
outdoor mile and as part of the Distance Medley Relay.
The last time the Men’s NCAA 800m/1500m double had been
accomplished was in 1984 by Joaquim Cruz, also from the University of
Oregon. As for his run of
eye-opening performances this spring and summer, Wheating is the fastest American
Miler of the 2010 season, is the fourth fastest 1500m runner in US history and
is the fastest 1500m runner ever from the University of Oregon.
“I can’t even explain how excited I am
about staying in Track Town, USA, and about the chance to continue working with
my coach at the same school that supported me as an undergraduate. Hayward
Field has been a special place for me,” said Wheating. “Nike is a great
partner in all the cool things happening in Track Town and I look forward to
being part of its team as I continue to train and develop. I want to be a
contributing member of the Oregon Track Club and chase my dreams in front of
the fans who cheered for me while I was a Duck.”
Details of his agreement were not
disclosed.
