News

http://www.estacadanews.com/sports/story.php?story_id=127846675600704300

Four years ago, Estacada resident Nick Trubachik closed a successful track and field season for the Rangers, winning the state championship title in the javelin and triple jump. By the time he closed the chapter on his high school athletic career, he had already amassed a plethora of victories, including Junior Olympic regional champion in the decathlon and high jump, among others. But his high school success would be the beginning of his race to the finish line.

Last month, the former Portland State University All-American athlete finished eighth at the U.S. Track and Field Championships in the decathlon. Taking a spot in the top-10 ensures Trubachik a spot on the U.S. National Team and punches his ticket to compete in the Thorpe Cup, a multi-events competition pitting the U.S. against Germany next month in Marburg, Germany.

"There were a lot of good competitors at the U.S. Track and Field Championships," Trubachik said. "The energy level there was really good, even though it was like 90 degrees and really hot with the humidity. I feel like I went out there and did what I needed to do, and it went pretty well. I'm taking a couple days off, and then I'll start back up with training and working on a lot of technical stuff to maintain everything."

Trubachik was a high school phenom when he competed at Estacada High School for the Rangers. He worked harder than most athletes, and the effort paid off; he won championship titles and a chance to compete for the PSU Vikings.

"He was a very accomplished javelin thrower and high jumper for us," EHS Track Coach Jon Erickson said. "He won the javelin his senior year and competed in the triple jump and high jump at state. As he's gotten older and matured, he's become quite a phenomenal athlete. It's neat to see all the stuff he's done in the last four years."

In the first day of competition at the U.S. Track and Field Championships, Trubachik ended the day in 10th place. He clocked an 11.20-second run in the 100-meters, a career best, and beat his previous NCAA record by .19 seconds. In the long jump, he landed 22 feet, 5.75 inches, shot put for 45.5 feet, cleared 6 feet four inches in the high jump, and crossed the finish line in the 400-meters in 51.31 seconds.