FROM STAFF REPORTS

EUGENE, Ore. — Two weeks ago, Gil Roberts missed his chance to compete against the best the NCAA had to offer, a shattering disappointment.

On Saturday, he ran against the best in the nation — pro or college — and more than made up for it.

The Texas Tech sophomore clinched a spot on the U.S. team for this summer’s World Championships, finishing second in the finals of the 400 meters at the U.S. outdoor track and field championships. Roberts ran a time of 44.93 seconds, losing only to defending Olympic champion LaShawn Merritt, who finished a couple of yards ahead of him in 44.50.

“When the only guy that beats you is the Olympic gold medalist, that’s pretty impressive,’’ Tech coach Wes Kittley said. “That’s the first time he’s been in anything like that, and boy, did he handle it well.’’

Running in his black Texas Tech duds, Roberts led for much of the race. Merritt, running in the lane next to Roberts, caught him off the last turn and went by.

Among those Roberts beat were Kerron Clement, David Neville and Darold Williamson. Clement holds the indoor world record in the 400, and won gold on the U.S. 1,600-meter relay last summer in Beijing. Neville won two medals in Beijing — gold on the 1,600 relay and bronze in the 400. Williamson anchored the gold medal-winning 1,600-meter relay at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

“It was a great experience for me, to get me ready for possibly my future one day to run against that type of talent,’’ Roberts said. “I was just blessed to be in that situation.’’

The World Championships are Aug. 15-23 in Berlin. In addition to competing in the 400, Roberts also could be a consideration for the American 1,600 relay.

For the 20-year-old Roberts to be part of it is major redemption after his shocking breakdown in the semifinals of the NCAA outdoor meet in Fayetteville, Ark. He pulled up lame in that race with quadriceps trouble. But after several days off, Roberts no longer felt a problem — and it never cropped up again this week at Hayward Field, when he ran three rounds in three days.

The strong showing at the U.S. meet made up for the letdown at the NCAAs, in Roberts’ mind.

“It definitely does. Definitely,’’ he said. “It still hurts that I couldn’t compete in Arkansas and become a national champion. But being able to compete with the professionals at the most elite level and being able to compete in Berlin is definitely a bigger accomplishment for me.’’

Next behind Roberts were Clement (45.15), Lionel Larry (45.40), Neville (45.49) and Florida’s Calvin Smith (45.56), the only other college runner in the finals. Williamson (45.74) was seventh.

The top three clinched spots on the team for the 400, and the top six will be in a pool for the 1,600 relay.

Before Roberts’ second place, the best finish by an athlete with area ties came late Friday. Former Meadow High School and South Plains College standout Clendon Henderson finished fifth in the men’s discus.

Earlier Saturday, Tech junior Omo Osaghae lost out in the semifinals of the 110-meter hurdles. Osaghae, running in a heat with two-time Olympic silver medalist Terrence Trammell, hit several hurdles and finished last in 14.02. Of the 16 semifinalists, Osaghae was one of only three college runners.

Tech men’s shot putter Harrison Benjamin and women’s discus thrower Ozie Okolie compete Sunday in their events, which are one day.
Sunday’s action will be televised by NBC (channel 11, Suddenlink Cable channel 3).

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