New York wins Portland TTSS stop; Andrews drops out of 1,500

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

GRESHAM, Ore. -- Robby Andrews said the emotional fatigue of winning his first U.S. title a week ago in the 1,500 meters proved a little bit too much to overcome in a Sunday chase for the IAAF standard.

Andrews, representing the San Francisco Surge, had all eyes on him as he tried to push himself hard enough to crack 3:36.00 and ensure a spot on the starting line at the World Championships in London. 

Running in a field that included athletes who have a slim chance to take Andrews' spot if he fails to gain the standard before July 21, an ambitious early pace squashed a fast result. Andrews slowed with 350 meters to go and he stepped off the track. 

"I'm not too, too worried," Andrews said. "(I was) a little emotional last week and been riding a roller coaster."

Ben Blankenship of Philadelphia won the race in 3:37.424, nosing out Kyle Merber (Portland) in 3:37.430.

"Truthfully, I was hoping that Robby would run the standard and rest of us would PR," Blankenship said. "At least that was the idea."

Andrews will have a chance to redeem himself -- get the standard and put points on the board for his team -- in four more days. The third and final stop -- the TrackTown Summer Series Championship -- takes place Thursday at Icahn Stadium in New York City.

Based on last Thursday's results and Sunday's results, New York (Sunday's winner) and San Francisco (Thursday's winner) will go into the finals with 15 points. Philadelphia and Portland will start out a step behind with 12 points each, but with 20 events to score those slim margins might not mean much.

On a picture-perfect day at Mt. Hood Community College, the TrackTown Summer Series merged 10 high-quality events and festival atmosphere that was well-received by about 1,300 people.

The meet moved quickly, shined a spotlight on a few field events, and promoted interaction between athletes and fans. 

Sunday's action started with a shot put mixed gender team competition and Philadelphia got 18 points based on its combined total of 131 feet, 7 inches (40.11m) with the duo of Olympic champion Michelle Carter (62-3) and U.S. team member Ryan Whiting (69-4.25).

In the women's 100 meters, Barbara Pierre of San Francisco ran to a victory in 11.14 seconds (+2.2w). Joanna Atkins of Portland was second in 11.21.

Mike Rodgers and Jeff Demps gave New York a lift in the men's 100 with a 1-3 finish. Rodgers ran 10.16 for the win.

Stephanie Garcia kept the momentum rolling for New York with a decisive victory in the 3,000 meters as she ran 9:01.05. San Francisco runners Lauren Paquette and Marisa Howard went 2-3 for 13 combined points. 

Drew Windle, a week after making his first U.S. team in the 800 meters, looked comfortable and in control over the final 100 of a 1:46.21 victory that gave fans partial to Portland a reason to cheer. 

Former University of Oregon sprinters Phyllis Francis (Philadelphia) and Elexis Guster (Portland) went 1-2 in the women's 400 meters. Francis had command of the race at the 200 mark and ran 50.65 seconds.

In the triple jump, which was situated adjacent to a beer garden, Omar Craddock jumped 55-5.50 (16.90m) on his fourth attempt -- and jumped 54-5 or better on his final four attempts -- to give a victory to San Francisco. Craddock ran into the stands and high-fived a row of spectators after his final attempt.

San Francisco also got first-place points in the women's high jump, where Inika McPherson cleared 6-2.75 (1.90m) for the win and then took three attempts at a PR height of 6-5.

Sunday Final Scores: New York 86, Philadelphia 85, San Francisco 80, Portland 78