Eugene, OR –The former Rapid City Stevens Raider star, Simeon Birnbaum, was back at it and proving he is in top form while participating this past weekend in the Big Ten outdoor track and field championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. After an impressive performance earlier in the day during the 1500, where a late kick propelled Simeon into a 3rd place finish, the Sophomore Oregon Duck went on to toe the line in the premier event of the day, the 5,000 meters.
Off the line of the 5,000, Simeon opted for a conservative initial approach staying at the back of the field where he could gaze out ahead at his fellow competitors through the lenses of his distinctive sunglasses. Throughout mid-race he moved up though the pack to get to the back of the lead group in preparation for the last few climatic laps. Deep in the race, near the 11-minute mark, the Wisconsin Badgers were controlling things with four athletes in the top grouping, however Simeon had a relaxed look and comfortably held his position at the tail edge of the lead group. As the final lap bell rang Simeon swiftly overtook the Badgers to move into first position. From there it was all Simeon with the final attempt to match pace from Wisconsin easily thwarted by Birnbaum on the final corner, where he then went on to glide down the homestretch with his right arm in the air coaxing well deserved cheers from the home crowd.
With a time of 13 minutes 31.97 seconds Simeon set a meet record in the 5k and helped earn Oregon the Big Ten title. It was an impressive performance for Birnbaum, particularly considering his injury riddled freshman year with the Ducks.
