Pictured: Wyatt Smith

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University student Wyatt Smith is a senior majoring in Political Science and minoring in History. He recently traveled to Florida with USA Track & Field to narrate a championship road race. 

USA Track & Field hosts outdoor and indoor championships nationwide. Smith is working through their road racing initiative, which is fairly new. These races allow pro athletes to compete and win prize money. Smith’s role consists of recording the races with a camera in a gator, while commentating updates, prize pools, and expected winners to the audience.

Smith started working for RunnerSpace during his freshman year at Western and has moved up in the last three years to various roles. He has now directed seven national championships in Canada and the United States.

“Commentating is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve had the voice for it, and when I watch track and field events, I’m always able to predict what the announcers are going to say before they say it. So, it has been pretty easy for me.” shared Smith.

Smith is a current Track & Field athlete at Western, competing in the 800 and 1500 races. He credits the ability to work and be an athlete to his coach, Zachary Holloway, assistant Track & Field coach, who has supported him and helped balance their schedules. He will return to Western this fall to start a master’s degree in teaching. 

###

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction.  Together we succeed.