6/29/08

EUGENE -- Bryan Clay overcame his homefield disadvantage and a self-described lack of focus through the middle of the competition Sunday to grab the first-day lead in the decathlon at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.

After five events, Clay has 4,476 points and a 22-point lead over Trey Hardee.

Tom Pappas, who was raised in Glendale and attended nearby Lane Community College, launched a monster throw of 56 feet 7 1/2 inches in the shot put. He is third with 4,405 points.
Oregon sophomore Ashton Eaton used the day's best 400 meters time of 47.07 seconds to pull into fifth place.