Kent-Meridian track star Derrick Daigre wasn’t expecting much during the USA Junior National Invite on June 24-25.
Some good competition, a chance to run with a handful of the nation’s top runners and, more importantly, a good experience.
Suffice to say, Daigre received more than he ever bargained for at the competition, which was held at the legendary Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon.
The 6-foot-5, 156-pound 800-meter specialist delivered his finest performance to date, establishing a new personal best with a time of 1:50.05, which was good enough for a second-place finish in a field that included several state champions.
“My goal was just to run fast and compete,” said Daigre, a recent graduate who will compete at the University of Washington in the fall. “It was so much fun. It was really exciting to be able to go down there and do something like that. I’ve never had an opportunity to compete past state. Everyone was so fast.”
Indeed they were.
Daigre’s time was slightly better than the personal record he established during the state meet last month, when he grabbed a second-place finish in the 800 with a time of 1:50.26.
The biggest surprise, however, was saved for last.
Unknowingly, Daigre’s second-place finish landed him a spot on the USA Junior National team, which will compete at the Pan Am Games in Florida on July 22-23. The top two finishers in each event earned one of the coveted spots on the Junior National team.
“I wasn’t down there (at Hayward Field) expecting anything,” Daigre said. “It wasn’t until after the race that my coach told me they’re taking the top two (to the Pan Am Games).”
Daigre’s second-place finish put him right behind Immanuel Hutchinson (1:48.56), who won the California state title, and ahead of Nevada state champion Nick Hartle (1:50.19).
“My goal was to break 1:50 … the UW coach actually got me at 1:49.06,” Daigre said. “Being at Hayward when it was completely packed, it was just awesome.”
Now, the Kent-Meridian star has the Pan Am Games to focus on.
“They’re flying me down there and paying for the trip,” Daigre said excitedly. “I’ve never done anything like this before. I get a USA jersey. Only two guys in the country in my age group (in the event) are going.”
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