By Curtis Anderson The Register-Guard

Published: February 19, 2008 04:38AM

Nick Symmonds is hoping to build some momentum this week.

The reigning U.S. Indoor champion in the 800 meters returns to Boston on Saturday with a national title to defend, and the chance to earn a spot in the 12th IAAF World Indoor Championships, March 7-9, in Valencia, Spain.

One year ago, it was on this same 200-meter banked oval at the Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center that Symmonds seared his name into the national consciousness with a front-running victory.

Things are quite a bit different now.

When the 24-year-old Symmonds toes the line in the opening round of the 800 at the 2008 USA Indoor Track & Field Championships, he will no longer be the “indoor neophyte” from Division III Willamette University.

Instead, Symmonds arrives with impeccable credentials.

Besides the U.S. indoor crown, he provided the most memorable moment at last year’s Prefontaine Classic with his stunning stretch drive to beat 2004 Olympic gold medalist...