They don’t call it “TrackTown U.S.A.” for nothing.
The birthplace of Nike. The college town where legends of mythical proportions like Bill Bowerman and Steve Prefontaine made their names. The site of a venue in Hayward Field that is considered a Mecca for those who follow the sport.
And now Eugene, Oregon will be the college home for Brooks Barbee ’27.
Congratulations to Brooks, who announced his verbal commitment to the University of Oregon's cross country and track & field programs on Tuesday.
The Noland House Prefect from Waynesville, N.C. is believed to be the first Christ School athlete in any sport to receive a scholarship from the Ducks, which comes on the heels of an unprecedented NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with New Balance.
Brooks is the state record holder in the 2,000-meter steeplechase (5 minutes, 49.59 seconds) and one of only two Greenie cross country runners to break 15 minutes for 5 kilometers (14:59.37), which is equivalent to 3.1 miles.
As a junior, he won his first state championship in the 3,200 meters at the NCRunners Independent Schools Indoor Championships (9:01.11). His personal record for the mile was 4:06.04. Brooks was consistently the No. 1 runner for the NCISAA 4-A state champion Greenies in cross country and the individual state runner-up.
Christ School opens its 2026 cross country season Saturday at the Eye Opener in Spartanburg, S.C.
Brooks is the eighth senior from the Class of 2027 to make a college commitment, which puts him in the company of Hank Bradley ’27 (East Carolina University golf), Wyatt Campbell ’27 (Presbyterian College soccer), Jameson Dow ’27 (Lehigh University lacrosse), Sean Kraft ’27 (University of Notre Dame football), Palo Miles ’27 (York College of Pennsylvania lacrosse), Trent Rash '27 (Embry-Riddle University lacrosse), and Logan Woolsey ’27 (Colgate University football).