Devon Allen (in green) crossing the finish line for the win at the NCAA Division 1 finals (photo by Margot Kelly)
Last Thursday Devon Allen (Brophy 2013/University of Oregon) won heat 2 in the 110 semi finals by the slightest of margins with a time of 13.52 over Florida senior Eddie Lovett (13.53). His win put him in 3rd place overall and a lane 6 start. Wayne Davis II (Texas A & M) had the fastest time of 13.36 follwed by Aleec Harris (USC) in 13.39. Harris and Davis were both NCAA champions and the favorites leading into the race but after a clean start Allen matched his competitors steps with every hurdle until the 9th when he moved ahead of Davis.
It was a photo finish between Harris and Allen but somehow Allen felt he had it and the excitement exuded from him. He finished the race in a new PR and meet record of 13.16 over Harris' 13.18 with.
"With the fans behind me - it just happened," said Allen after the race. "I am real excited and real proud to be a duck."
Allen also plays football for the Ducks and after the season he lost 20 lbs to get in shape for the track season improving his time with each race. His win clinched the title for the Oregon Men's team.
Allen holds the Arizona State record in the 110 hurdles (13.48)
