Mateo Althouse of Lincoln fights through crowded field to win boys 1500 at 6A Track and Field Showcase

“Just to be able to run a time like that is amazing, but to win is surreal. I think this is one of my favorite races that I’ve ever been in.”

By Dan Brood | Photo by Taylor Balkom

Mateo Althouse saw his opportunity, and he took it.

Althouse, a Lincoln senior, cut to the outside and, in the final 50 meters, sprinted to the lead and never looked back, running to victory in the 1,500-meter run at the Oregon 6A Track and Field Showcase on Saturday at Pioneer Memorial Stadium in Oregon City.

“It means a lot,” Althouse said. “Honestly, this is my first time ever at a state meet, and I was super nervous coming in to today. And I know there are a lot of super great competitors here. I mean, just to be able to run a time like that is amazing, but to win is surreal. I think this is one of my favorite races that I’ve ever been in.”

And what a race it was.

Jesuit’s Caden Hildenbrand, Jesuit’s John Shuler and Sheldon’s Vincent Mestler each led during the event. Althouse had to work his way through the pack. He was in 14th place with three laps to go. He was 11th with two laps remaining, and he was sixth entering the bell lap.

But Althouse stayed patient. And heading down the homestretch, he saw his chance, moving to the outside. Out there, with no obstacles in front of him, Althouse sprinted past the pack to claim the victory.

“Honestly, I have no idea how it happened. I was just trying to stay in it,” Althouse said. “I’ve been in a lot of races this year where I’ve been boxed in. But this year’s been nice, because I’ve really worked on my patience and staying relaxed, and I’ve learned how to really get my legs moving in the last 150 meters, so I knew if I could just stay in contact with them, I’d have a chance, and that’s what I did.”

Althouse was victorious in a time of 3 minutes, 51.16 seconds, edging Mestler, who was second at 3:51.59.

“It was surreal, man, it was crazy,” Althouse said. “I mean, I wanted to celebrate. It’s amazing to win in such a competitive state. It’s really a blessing to get to run at this meet. It’s ridiculous. The competition is just so good here, so to win feels incredible.

“It didn’t feel fun the whole time, but crossing the line was incredible. I’m going to remember it for a while.”

Franklin senior Charlie Robertson, who won the 3,000 on Friday, finished in third place with a time of 3:52.35.

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