Nicholls State University senior javelin thrower Leslie Bourgeois qualified for the NCAA postseason for the fourth time in her career. This year, the Colonel hurler had company as Nicholls qualified multiple athletes for the first time in school history. Bourgeois blogged from www.geauxcolonels.com throughout the NCAA East Preliminaries in Greensboro, N.C., and will continue to do so at the NCAA Championship Finals in Eugene, Ore. this week. In her third entry, Bourgeois checks in after touching down in Oregon and soaks up the atmosphere at "Track Town USA"

EUGENE, Ore. -

Hey Everyone -

I have arrived in Eugene, Oregon and plan to make this a memorable week!

The University of Oregon is a very special place for track and field athletes because of its great competitive tradition. Since the Ducks own fifteen track and field national championships, Eugene has become known as "Track Town, USA". Steve Prefontaine, one of the great legends of track and filed solidified this amazing place as one of the most memorable meets for me.

At first, other than the Olympic greats I was not fully aware of what great athletes there have been at Oregon and in the sport of track and field in general. However, after my first year as a track and field athlete, I learned about the rich tradition of the sport here from teammates and my coach.

When you can connect such great athletes and tradition to such a legendary place, it is hard to want anything else as a senior track athlete then to finish up my career at one of the greatest track venues in the world. I have made the movie Prefontaine part of my preparation as it truly inspires me to reach my competitive goals.

The flight in today was very long, but it was worth it! Coach (Scott Williamson) and I were welcomed with temperatures of 66 degrees! Since USA championships were held here last year, it was great to see the familiar sights. Although my experience will not be shared with my family and friends first hand, I know that they will be here with me the entire week. Their spirit of support is always with me.

I have taken orders for NCAA Track and Field Championship t-shirts! I would bring one back for everyone but my luggage is already over the weight limit. LOL. I brought weighted implements that I use for warm ups, and I think I gave the luggage attendant quite a scare!

Until next time,

Geaux Colonels!

Leslie