The history of excellence in track and field at the University of Oregon is continuing strong into the future.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Stevens High School star Simeon Birnbaum, a Rapid City, South Dakota native, was the winner of the 2023 USA TODAY HSSA National Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year award. Birnbaum is committed to running track for the Oregon Ducks in college.
Birnbaum finished the year ranked No. 1 nationally in the 1500m, 1600m, 3000m, 3200m, mile run, and 2-mile run. He also swept three individual distance titles during the South Dakota State Championships this past year.
The 2023 USA TODAY HSSA National Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year, Simeon Birnbaum‼️
Stevens High School
Rapid City, SD@CoachJCoy @rcstevensraider @StevensRaiders @OregonTF @GoDucks
#usatodayhssa #highschoolsportsawards #highschoolsports #boystrackandfield pic.twitter.com/hG7DRuAp9B— USA TODAY High School Sports Awards (@hssportsawards) August 2, 2023
Birnbaum went on to capture the 1500m and 1 mile gold medals at the Nike Nationals at Hayward Field.
Oregon football’s Rodrick Pleasant was also a nominee for the award. A year ago, Pleasant won the award after setting the California state record in the 100m dash. Pleasant is currently a true freshman fighting for a spot on the depth chart as a cornerback under Dan Lanning.
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