Ty Hampton brings home the first Pac-12 title for the Ducks in 2022, winning the javelin on Friday night. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs

By Joe Zochert

On a rainy day one of the 2022 Pac-12 Championships, Oregon’s Ty Hampton shined on his second attempt with a throw of 73.86 (242-4) to capture the conference title in the men’s javelin.

Even with the weather conditions at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon, it did not hinder the North Bend native as he threw farther than anyone on all six of his throws.

“Throw for feel,” he said about his approach. “That’s all I went out there and did.”

These results show the progress that the redshirt freshman has made since last year. Hampton missed all of the 2021 season due to a back injury and was unable to compete in 2020 after the season was canceled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s kind of crazy to think last year I was not considering being in this position,” said Hampton, who watched last year’s championships from home. “I’m happy I made the safe road to recovery and I’m able to perform.”

Despite his individual success this season, Hampton is just the tip of the iceberg of Oregon’s depth with javelin throwers.

In Friday's final three other Ducks scored in the event. Hampton’s three teammates; sophomore Eric Lyon, junior Dalton Rasmussen and freshman Asher Krauel, all finished in the top eight with him.

The quartet scored 22 of Oregon’s 28 points on day 1 of the conference championship, providing momentum to a team looking to win its 15th consecutive Pac-12 title this weekend.

Hampton credited the special bond between him and his three teammates for both individual and team success this year.

“I have not had a better dynamic than that, this year,” he said. “We are the number one jav-squad in the nation and it proves today.”

Hampton credits encouragement as the reason for the positive environment that allows the four of them to excel.

“We all feed off of each other, all of us are hyping each other up,” he added. “It’s a very cohesive dynamic and I can’t ask for anything better. I love my team.”

Oregon’s Eric Lyon finished third in the javelin at the 2022 Pac-12 Championships, throwing 66.29 (212-1). Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs

Lyon, Hampton’s teammate, agreed with the sentiments of this special dynamic they have all made.

“It’s an incredible training group, I wouldn’t want it to be any other way,” said Lyon, who finished third place with a throw of 66.29 (212-1). “We all push each other. Hype each other up.”

Even with the differing success and experience between these four, Hampton doesn’t see a hierarchy or anything dictated by egos among the group. He believes this mindset is what makes it so special.

“None of us are looking down on each other because someone has a better PR,” he said about the respect that they have for each other.

“All of us can learn from each other and I think that’s what makes us different from other Jav-squads out there.”