With the 2012 London Olympics fast approaching, the Pac-10, which officially becomes the Pac-12 on July 1, will host two of its 14 Conference Championship events in 2011-12 at U.S. Olympic Trial venues, providing student-athletes throughout the Conference an opportunity to compete on world stage locations.
Hayward Field at the University of Oregon will be the site for the inaugural Pac-12 Track and Field Championships May 5-6 and 12-13, while Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, WA will host the Pac-12 Women’s Swimming and Men’s and Women’s Diving Championships February 22-25. The venues were approved by the Pac-10 Council.
“As we enter into an Olympic year and celebrate the commitment and excellence we have in Olympic sports we thought it was important to align Pac-12 Championship events with Olympic trial locations in 2011-12,” Pac-10 Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Weiberg said. “It was an excellent opportunity for us to provide our student-athletes with the unique experience of competing in venues that will be hosting these very important events with the USOC.”
“Commissioner Scott and the Council have demonstrated great foresight in aligning the conference championships with the 2012 Olympic Trials’ venues,” Oregon’s Director of Track and Field Vin Lananna said. “Hayward Field is the heart of track and field in this country and we will create a great environment for the student-athletes who come to Eugene to compete for the inaugural Pac-12 championship next year.”