Assistant coach Pete Julian's role within the Nike Oregon Project continues to grow.
Julian has assumed the lead coaching role for three-time Olympian Shannon Rowbury and ex-University of Oregon star Eric Jenkins.
Julian already had been lead coach for Japanese distance runner Suguru Osako.
"It really almost evolved organically," Julian said. "I was spending a lot of time with particular athletes, and was taking on more of lead role with a few of them. It came about that I became the point guy. It's really sort of a natural transition."
Alberto Salazar remains Oregon Project head coach. The two consult daily about all the runners in the group, which also includes Galen Rupp, Mo Farah, Cam Levins, Matthew Centrowitz, Jordan Hasay, Treniere Moser and Sifan Hassan.
"We're a team always," Julian said. "We're not two different groups."
Salazar said he is happy to delegate more responsibility to Julian, who came aboard as an assistant in 2012.
""I only have a certain amount of energy to pour into people," Salazar said.
Jenkins and Hassan had big performances at last week's Millrose Games, winning the men's and women's Wanamaker Miles respectively.
Julian said he and Salazar believe Jenkins, at this point in his career might be more of a 1,500/5,000 runner than a 5,000/10,000 guy.
Jenkins has been doing some of his training with Centrowitz, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the 1,500.
"What better training partner could you have?" Julian asked.
Julian loved the way Jenkins positioned himself in the race, and the way he responded to a hard, last-lap move by Kyle Merber.
"He took a shot in the chin and he swung back," Julian said. "That's a big step for any athlete. You get passed on the last lap with 200 meters to go, what are going to do?"
//www.oregonlive.com/trackandfield/index.ssf/2014/07/pete_julians_race_isnt_over_bu.html
Hassan won a three-way battle with Rowbury and Olympian Kate Grace in the women's Wanamaker.
Salazar said the best is yet to come for the Ethiopian-born Hassan, who represents the Netherlands internationally.
He said the NOP is bringing her back incrementally from a severe hamstring injury that has led to unorthodox stride.
"She still is in the beginning stages," Salazar said.
OK, more links:
Ex-Oregon javelin thrower and two-time Olympian Cyrus Hostetler has some fun with Australian hurdler Michelle Jenneke during the Ntiro Series.
Ryan Crouser says he is light years ahead of where he was at this point last year.
The New Jersey-New York Track Club has the indoor 4xMile world record targeted. Ex-Duck Colby Alexander will have the anchor leg.
Paul Snyder for Citius Mag: Just give the NJNY Track Club the world record already.
Ex-Duck Melody Fairchild has made the transition from age-group prodigy to masters success.
Podcast with former OTC Elite runner Tyler Mulder, the fastest man in Iowa.
Versatility and experience make Jenny Simpson a threat in every race.
Elite runner Phoebe Wright wants to coach -- you.
It's back to the grind for Garrett Heath.
Ethiopian marathoner Feyisa Lilesa, who protested at the finish line in Rio, at last reunites with his family.
World record-holder Renaud Lavillenie's tender hamstring forces him to pull the plug on the indoor season.
Usain Bolt wins world Sportsman of the Year award at the Laureus Sports Awards, expects his 100-meter world record to be broken in 10 or 15 years.
Bolt wins the award for a record fourth time.
Will Leer joins the Polar Team.
Back to basics for pole vaulter Sandi Morris.
The next chapter of Sanya Richards-Ross' life will include motherhood.
Rising Polish mid-distance runner Joanna Jozwik likes the trajectory of her career.
Polish teen Konrad Bukowiecki lofts the shot 69-4 3/4 (21.15).
IOC committee member Gian Franco Kasper doesn't believe President Trump's immigration policies will hamper Los Angeles' bid for the 2024 Olympics.
Haile Gebrselassie is a man on mission.
The Western Oregon men are 19th in this week's NCAA Division II rankings.
The Southern Oregon women are 23rd in this week's NAIA rankings.
This week's edition of RunnerSpace Live.
The front page for LetsRun.com.
The links package from Track & Field News.
The links from Duck Sports Now.
The links from Beaver Sports Now.
-- Ken Goe
kgoe@oregonian.com | @KenGoe
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