Verzbicas to Pursue Triathlon Opportunity, Leaving Oregon
Verzbicas to Pursue Triathlon Opportunity, Leaving Oregon
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
November 10, 2011
EUGENE, Ore. -- Freshman Lukas Verzbics announced that he is leaving the University of Oregon track and field team in order to train full time for the triathlon. In 2011, Verzbicas won junior titles at both the World and U.S. triathlon championships.
“When we recruited Lukas, we knew he was a very talented athlete with opportunities in both sports and we were delighted he chose to attend the University of Oregon and focus on track and field,” said Associate Athletic Director Vin Lananna. “Given his recent success at the World Junior Triathlon championship in Beijing, we can appreciate his desire to follow his dreams and support his decision to pursue his athletic goals.”
“We will of course keep the door open for Lukas if he decides in the future to resume his running career at Oregon,” said Lananna. “Our coaching staff and student-athletes wish him nothing but the best of luck in his triathlon pursuits.”
Verzbicas appeared in two cross country meets this fall for the Ducks, taking 23rd at the Pac-12 Championships and 62nd in a deep field at the Wisconsin adidas Invitational. (click links to view races, click these links to see Lukas Verzbicas in-depth after his 2-Mile high school record & 3:59 high school mile)
Greg Walker
Associate Director, Media Relations
University of Oregon
Track & Field and Cross Country Contact
Original post and updates here on Flotrack.
USATriathlon.org released a story about Lukas's return to the sport of Triathlon where Lukas talks about the difficult decision to leave Oregon. See article here
Philip Hersch of the Chicago Tribune as released an article stating Lukas will attend the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, free tuition for those in the elite triathlon center. See article here.
When Lukas announced his college choice he said "I'll be a Duck for the next four years, I think." Interview here.
Lukas Verzbicas responded to the public via twitter, see screenshot below and follow Lukas here:
