A running start: UCLA track and field eagerly anticipates upcoming season

With its five-month season approaching, UCLA’s track and field team has been staying focused in an attempt to reach higher goals than last year. However, the focus isn’t on the past – it’s on the future.

The men’s team comes in ranked No. 19 in the nation after dropping four spots from last season, and the women’s team enters the season ranked No. 15 after falling one spot.

A look at the rankings may indicate that UCLA is outclassed by a multitude of schools. But according to coach Mike Maynard, the focus is different than last year and the training has been just as hard, if not harder.

“The atmosphere is more positive, everyone is more cohesive, and the team is more together than it’s ever been,” Maynard said.

Junior sprinter and long jumper Kylie Price hasn’t paid attention to the preseason rankings and how the team is projected to finish. She is instead concentrating on the preparation at hand.

“Once we get on the track, there’s going to be some changes because we’re developing into a great team, and it’s better if we don’t look at current rankings,” Price said. “We should just go out and do what we do best, and see the results after.”

In order to achieve success, Maynard looks for a smooth transition into the new season with the hiring of coaches John Frazier and John Henry Johnson, for the men’s and women’s teams, respectively.

“We’ve brought a few Bruins back to coach and their ability to not only coach, but also engage with the team has been effective,” Maynard said.

Johnson joined the UCLA staff after spending 19 years as an assistant coach for USC, and the intense training and focus that he has brought to the team has reflected on the players, as they have all reacted positively toward the transition.

“We’re developing a lot of strength and endurance as runners, and we’ll see where we’re at and how good the training has been once we get on the track,” Price said of the training.

Senior sprinter Yusef Merriweather said the team camaraderie is stronger than it was last year, and the focus on teamwork going into next season will be crucial for the Bruins to achieve their goals.

“Myself and the other captains have been working together to try and reach a higher level,” Merriweather said. “We want to be in the top 10 in the indoor, and we want to be even higher in the outdoor. We’ve been working with the whole team and getting everyone to focus on their events.”

The season draws near, and while many factors are unknown at this juncture, as Price pointed out, the vibe is positive and confident. The focus of the team is on the here and now, as the Bruins are a close-knit team and believe they are better prepared to handle the long season ahead.

“All I can say is, it’s going to be a great season for everybody,” Price said.