U.S. Olympics: Former Ducks Centrowitz, Wheating Make Men’s 1,500-Meter Team

Matthew Centrowitz, Jr. and Andrew Wheating finished in second and third place, respectively, in the men’s 1,500-meter trial today. The top three finishers earn their way on the team for the upcoming olympics in London.

Both Centrowitz and Wheating finished behind Leonel Manzano, who also qualified for the same team in 2008. Centrowitz finished at 3:35.84, which was just .09 seconds behind Manzano. Wheating finished at 3:36.68.

Jordan McNamara, another former Oregon Duck, finished in seventh place.

Wheating participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics for the men’s 800-meter team. He finished fourth in the qualifying round and was unable to make the semifinals. However, he finished at the top in the NCAA Championships in the 800 meters in 2009 and both 800 and 1,500 meters in 2010. His personal best in the 1,500 meters is 3:30.90.

Centrowitz is the son of former Olympian Matt Centrowitz, who participated in the 1976 and 1980 olympic games. Matthew won three Pac-10 titles in the 1,500 meters and has a personal best of 3:34.46.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Autzen Zoo, follow the site on Facebook and Twitter. Read his other work on the lacrosse blog, Watson Talk Lacrosse.