Groenendaal Flew To Back-to-Back NCAA MRs

Celebrating A Century of NCAA Track & Field Championships

Groenendaal Flew To Back-to-Back NCAA MRs

As Oregon’s top scorer in 1984, Claudette Groenendaal knew she’d be an important component in the program’s shot for its first women’s team title at the 1985 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships. 

But some wondered if the hot/humid conditions in Austin would sap some of the success she displayed the year before when, in front of her home crowd in Eugene, she set PRs in winning the 1500 meters (4:14.31 MR) and taking second in the 800. 

“I want to try for a double very much,” Groenendaal told Track & Field News before the 1985 NCAA Outdoor Championships. “I’m not worried about the hot weather. I just want to give it my best try.”

Groenendaal delivered for the Ducks, winning the 800 with a furious finish on the homestretch as her 2:01.20 led two others under the old meet record. A day later, she added a runner-up effort in the 1500, and her 18 points again made her the team’s leading scorer. 

The 800-1500 double was the heart of Oregon’s team that year for another reason, as Leann Warren was third in the 1500 and fourth in the 800 in her final races as a Duck. Before missing the 1983 and 1984 seasons to injuries, Warren had won the NCAA’s first 1500 in 1982 as well as an 800-1500 double at the 1981 AIAW Outdoor Championships, the top collegiate meet for women prior to the NCAA including women. 

The Groenendaal/Warren duo had accounted for an impressive 29 points, but was it enough? At that point, no, but a third-place finish by Kathy Hayes in the 5000 meters gave the team 52 points to seal the top trophy. The next four teams were within seven points – still the closest five-deep women’s team race in meet history.

posted: November 1, 2020
1921-2021
The NCAA's First Championships

The NCAA and collegiate track & field will mark a momentous milestone in the spring of 2021 -- the 100th anniversary of the NCAA Championships and with that, the NCAA Track & Field Championships. In June 1921, the University of Chicago hosted the first track & field championships in NCAA history.

This point can’t be emphasized enough: Not only was the event the first for NCAA track & field, but the first championships for any sport under the sponsorship of the NCAA.

To celebrate, over each of the next 365 days, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) will celebrate moments, student-athletes, and coaches that have made a century’s worth of championships special. From humble beginnings to important historical milestones to the modern-day, collegiate track & field has evolved with the American society.

The 2021 edition of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin with preliminary round action on May 27-29 in Jacksonville, Fla., and College Station, Texas. The championships final site and culmination of the celebration is slated for June 9-12, 2021 at the newly rebuilt Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Memorable Moments
Plab Reached Lofty Heights In NCAA HJ

Darrin Plab won back-to-back HJ titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 1991 & 1992. Plab cleared 2.34m (7-8) in 1992 & tied the 2nd best bar in meet history.

Peoples Made History One Lap At A Time

Maurice Peoples won the 440-yard dash in 1973 & then really turned up the heat. Peoples split 43.4 on the Sun Devils’ mile relay team that finished third in the final.

KU’s Lokedi Set 10K MR In 2018

Sharon Lokedi won the 10K at the 2018 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in a meet-record 32:09.20. Lokedi led five other women under the old final-site best, too.

Can Ereng Kick It? Yes, He Can!

Paul Ereng won back-to-back 800-meter titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 1988 & 1989. Ereng is still the current indoor record holder in the event.

Dwight Stones Set High Jump WR In 1976

Dwight Stones set a world record in the high jump of 2.31m (7-7) at the 1976 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. Stones also raised the MR by more than 3 inches!