The inaugural class of the track & field and cross country Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame. Photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs

By Joe Zochert

The inaugural Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame Induction was held on Monday. 30 track and field and cross country athletes who have combined for 205 individual college titles, 99 world records, and 19 Olympic gold medals were honored at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene, ORE.

The ceremony was organized by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) and hosted by ESPN’s John Anderson. It was a great way to kick off the week as the 100th NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships, which begin Wednesday at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.

The list of inductees was headlined by Jesse Owens (Ohio St., 1934-36), Steve Prefontaine (Oregon, 1969-73), Carl Lewis (Houston, 1980-81), Jackie Joyner (UCLA, 1981-83,85) and Jenny Barringer (Colorado, 2005-09).

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Selection criteria was limited to men who completed collegiate eligibility before 2000, and women who completed theirs prior to 2010.

Steve Prefontaine

Prefontaine was the only former Duck to receive the Hall of Fame nod in the first class. He was represented by his younger sister, Linda Prefontaine.

When asked about her brother’s legacy, she couldn’t help but note how he has stayed relevant over the years in the world of sports.

“His quotes affect everyone, not just in track and field,” she said. “It’s pretty amazing that he is still talked about.”

When asked at the ceremony if anyone gets anything wrong about her brother, Prefontaine pointed out how some portray him as cocky and arrogant.

“When they say he was cocky and self-centered, I don’t think that’s accurate,” she said about her brother. “He was a caring, thoughtful, and compassionate human being, and I think that’s part of his legacy.

“He would definitely be humbled by everything that is still going on that is keeping his name afloat.”

Jenny Barringer (Simpson)

Simpson, a three-time NCAA steeplechase champion, notes that being the youngest of the inaugural class is an honor that isn’t lost on her.

“I have the incredible pleasure of being inducted into this so young,” Barringer said. “So many people in the class are people that played a role into me getting here.”

The former Colorado Buffalo highlighted Joyner, Suzy Favor, and Jim Ryun as fellow inductees who influenced her career when she was younger.

“I had no idea that I would literally follow in their wake,” said Simpson.

Carl Lewis

For Lewis, being included in this hall of fame class is special, as it celebrates the impact his collegiate career had on his life.

“This is an important one because if I hadn’t gone to the University of Houston, you probably wouldn’t know who I am,” he said before the ceremony. “This is probably the most important hall of fame that had a direct impact on my life, so it’s really special.”

His favorite memory of Hayward Field was qualifying for the 1980 Olympics at age 18. That same year, his sister Carol also qualified at the age of 16.

“I don’t know if anything kind of topped that,” he said, despite not competing in the Olympics because of the Olympic boycott. “Two teenagers in the family making the team, and so that was really special for me.”

With Lewis having a unique perspective as both an athlete and a coach, he couldn’t think of a better place than Eugene, Oregon to host the first ever world championships on U.S. soil.

“They have a great facility and the people love track and field here,” he said. “There’s a history there. I think it is a really unique place to have it for the first time.”

Jackie Joyner

The former heptathlete and longer jumper also shared similar sentiments about the world championships being hosted in Eugene.

“I think it could be one of the greatest experiences of all time to be able to have the world championships here on American soil here in Eugene,” she said. “Some of the best fans in the world are here.”

“I just think that people are going to have the experience of a lifetime and ask why it took so long to have it here.”