Sam Barlow TC (OR)

Team Website / NTN Profile

Top Athletes: Arthur Delaney (sprints & jumps), Nathanael Franks (sprints & jumps), Cody Vaughn (pole vault), Tanner Dillon (hurdles), Ben Foubert (distances) and Ryan Crouser (throws).

Team Strengths: Sam Barlow TC has had some bad luck this year with injuries.  If completely healthy, this squad would contend for the national title, however, key injuries to superstar thrower Ryan Crouser and distance runner Ben Foubert, forcing both athletes to the stands as spectators, leaves the squad scraping and clawing for a top eight finish.

Despite their bad luck, teammates Arthur Delaney and Nathanael Franks lead the way, both competing in the sprints and jumps, and both eyeing some very big points in their respective events. 

Key to Success: Ryan Crouser was considered by many this season to be the best thrower in the country this season, and certainly would have been the most impact athletes at NTN.  However, since Crouser is out of the competition due to injury, the athlete (yet to be named) who replaces Crouser is the key to this team’s success.  A strong showing in the throws could mean the difference between tenth place and sixth place, and in front of a home-state crowd, Sam Barlow will certainly want to show what their program can do.

Q&A with Coach Dave Kilian

NTN: This year's Barlow track and field squad is a special one.  What have been some of the highlights this season outside of being able to compete at Nike Track Nationals?

Dave Kilian (DK): This season our team has battled so many injuries, most of them from activities outside of track.  For most of the league season we were competing in meets with 40 points sitting on the side, hurt.  So for our team to drop only 1 dual meet by only 5 points to the team we shared the league title with was amazing.  

Then to win the Conference Track Meet by 31 points was a huge testament to how much work our kids put in and to those who stepped up when a kid was hurt.  But the biggest accomplishment was at the State Track Meet.  We had 6 boys competing, covering only 8 events...and had the best thrower in the nation sitting in the stands following surgery.  But our team fought and every kid gave their all, knowing they had to work to make up for the 28 points Ryan would have scored for us.  In the end we earned 2nd place in the state by only 1 point to a very good team who had athletes in 12 events.  

NTN: Ryan Crouser is a big key to the success of Barlow, as one of the top throwers in the country.  However, he's been injured for the past bunch of weeks, having to end his season early.  What is the status of Ryan? 

DK: Ryan had surgery in late May, inserting a titanium rod into his foot...the same surgery that Martell Webster and Travis Outlaw had done when they had similar injuries.  He will be in a cast for a few more weeks then begin his physical therapy.  

He is an incredibly hard worker and has been lifting weights and doing everything he can without risking trauma to his healing foot.  Knowing his work ethic, I have no doubt that Ryan will make a full recovery and be as strong as every next track season and into his very bright future.

NTN: As the top squad in the Northwest, and more specifically Oregon, what does it mean to you to have your team compete against the nation's best in your own backyard (Eugene, OR)?  

DK: It means a so much.  There is no better track facility in the nation than Hayward field, and we count our blessings every time we get to run there...so to have a chance against some of the best teams in the nation is an absolute treat.  This meet also provides an opportunity for some of our athletes to gain experience at Hayward that they have not yet had since it is so difficult to qualify for state out of our powerful conference.  There is no place like home.

NTN: What are the expectations for your squad heading into July 2?  

DK: Our initial expectations were to win this event to represent not just Barlow, but the Mt. Hood Conference and our state in our own backyard.  Unfortunately, as has been the story of our season, we still have debilitating injuries.  Ryan is still out, and Ben Foubert, one of the best distance runners in the state, also recently went down with a lower leg stress injury.  

Our expectations have shifted from winning to fighting to be competitive.  We have 6 amazing young men competing for us, and all we ever ask is that they leave it all on the track.  I have no doubt that our kids will put on a good show and show the class, character, and pure joy that our team brings to each competition.

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