My name is Owen Murray. I'm a sports journalist writing more of the long-form feature stories that I grew up reading.
I was born and raised in Seattle and educated at the University of Oregon's SOJC. Now, I'm telling stories that ask for a sit-down read.
Want to talk about your story, or about mine? Reach me via email, X or LinkedIn.
What I'm doing right now
I'm a junior at the University of Oregon graduating in spring 2026. I have a major in journalism and a minor in sports business. I've got more about my bylines here — they link to pages with my work for each.
I cover the Ducks at The Daily Emerald, as the Sports Associate Editor. I'm on the football and acrobatics and tumbling beats, and I've done game and feature sports coverage on track and field, basketball, tennis, baseball and softball.
I write long-form pieces at Ascend magazine, as the Sports Editor. I'm putting together pieces to be published with the magazine in the spring, and working with staff writers to find sources, prepare for interviews and storyboard and edit their work.
I cover track and field as a freelancer for TrackTown USA and World Athletics. I interned with TrackTown in summer 2025, and was brought back on contract to produce features ahead of the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships.
I cover prep sports and write features as a stringer at Lookout Eugene-Springfield. I've covered WIAA football playoffs, track and field and girls soccer.
In the past, I've helped found coverage of MLS' Seattle Sounders for House of Sounders and Area Sports Network, provided American analysis of soccer for Ranks FC and started a couple of podcasts. I have broadcast experience through the SOJC's Duck TV program, shot on Canon XF400 cameras and edited in Adobe Premiere Pro. I watch sports with my dad, my best friend and my roommates. I play pickup soccer on Wednesdays and Fridays, and on Sunday mornings when I'm home. I don't drink coffee, but I do eat pizza.
About those sit-down stories...
I want more of them in the world. I want people to block out time to read, and I want people to care about them. These are my favorites that I've written:
A story about the creation of a game. It starts with a forgotten journal, an wrinkled United Airlines napkin and a pen. For The Daily Emerald, published Feb. 10, 2025.
‘He wants the standard to be raised’: Lutkenhaus’ journey into the teenage track and field spotlight
A story about the last time one of the world's best young track athletes was bored. It starts with a teenager watching a Cowboys game from his couch. For World Athletics, published Oct. 29, 2025.
A story about twin brothers who joke about death and winning a state title. It starts with a bloody knee and a "horrible, s--t time." For TrackTown USA, published June 23, 2025.
A story about growing up, and how often to call home from college. It starts with a quiet gym. For The Daily Emerald, published March 12, 2025.
A story about sticky notes on bedroom walls and revenge tours that aren't sad. It starts with the last time she was nobody. For World Athletics, published Dec. 15, 2025.