Seattle Pacific University Athletics

A rush of wind coursed up the straightaway at Queen Anne Bowl. It was a rare occurrence, a gust that hasn’t been duplicated in more than 40 years since.

That surge of air had a name: Roy Duncan. And from 1955-58, the Wenatchee native’s Seattle Pacific singlet was a blur as he blazed his way down cinder tracks to immortality among Northwest sprinters.

At the state and regional level, Duncan reigned supreme from 100 to 220 yards, regularly beating the best that any college – including the University of Washington – could offer. To bring contemporary perspective, he was the Ja’Warren Hooker of his day.

A three-time All-American, Duncan is the most decorated sprinter in Falcon history. He ran against the best at the Drake Relays and the NAIA Championships. Twice, he finished as high as third in the nation, once behind Olympic champion Bobby Morrow.

Duncan’s records of 9.5 seconds in the 100-yard dash and 21.0 in the 220, even with conversion to metric distances, still stand nearly five decades later. Besides helping to build the track and field tradition at Seattle Pacific, he went on to forge a legacy as a teacher, principal and nationally recognized superintendent at school districts throughout Washington.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (1955-58)

• Three-time All-American.

• NAIA state and regional sprint champion.

• Owns SPU records for 100, 200 and sprint relay.