Masterson - freshman runner earns respect

Oregon State runner places in top 10 at junior national meet, now sixth fastest in USA

By: Nick Lilja

Posted: 6/25/08

Casey Masterson finished the final race of her freshman year on Sunday.
It was the last race any Beaver runner will participate in until cross country season begins.
The freshman phenom finished sixth in the 1,500 meters at the 2008 USA Track and Field Junior National meet.
That finish designated Masterson as the sixth-best 1500-meter runner in the nation.
The Eugene native ran a 4:27.40 and broke her personal best of 4:32.74, set at the Oregon Twilight meet. Both times are ranked among the top 10 fastest times in the history of Oregon State track.
Had the race been earlier in the season, Masterson's time would have qualified her for the NCAA Regionals.
"Casey ran really, really well today," head coach Kelly Sullivan said. "Finishing sixth in the country is a great accomplishment for her. It was a great way for her to finish her first collegiate track season. Her performance today bodes well for next track season and the upcoming cross country season in the fall."
Masterson's personal best in high school was 4:37. She has topped that six times and lowered it by 10 seconds in just the last year.
"I am very proud of what Casey accomplished today," Sullivan said. "It was a great way for her to cap off her season and for the team."
Portions of this story have been taken from Oregon State Sports Information.