UCLA track and field prepares for challenges at Mt. SAC Relays
UCLA will be sending some of its top individual performers, including senior pole vaulter Mike Woepse, to the Mt. SAC Relays this weekend. (Aubrey Yeo/Daily Bruin)
By Alexander Hyun
April 18, 2014 1:14 a.m.
The UCLA track and field team heads to Mt. San Antonio College to participate in the Mt. SAC Relays this weekend.
Coming off impressive victories against BYU and TCU, UCLA is excited to face its next challenge.
However, this week’s competition will only feature the athletes who have had successful marks up to this point in the season.
“We’re sending our top athletes to Mt. SAC and we definitely want to represent UCLA,” said senior pole vaulter Mike Woepse. “This is California’s biggest meet, so we want to be the school that represents California the most and put good performances out there.”
The rest of the team will rest and train for the Triton Invitational the following week.
This is an ideal time for the team to get sharp as the USC dual meet approaches in a few weeks, and it will also mark the beginning of championship season.
“We’re training hard and we’re hitting the weight room to just continually keep the confidence high,” said men’s coach John Frazier. “The message from here on out for the whole team is to stay focused and remember why we’re competing.”
The competition will be ramped up at Mt. SAC, but the Bruins are ready for the challenge.
Woepse looks to improve his standings, as he is currently ranked No. 2 in the Pac-12 and No.9 in the NCAA Division I rankings in the pole vault.
“There’s going to be a lot of competition this weekend and I feel like I’m ready for a breakthrough and ready for a personal best,” Woepse said.
Redshirt junior distance runner Kelsey Smith is ranked No.13 in the nation and No. 6 in the Pac-12 in the 5000 meters and will be competing in the fastest heat.
“It’s going to be exciting but also slightly nerve-wracking, but I’m looking forward to get in there and competing to the best of my ability,” Smith said. “Whatever happens, I know I’m ready for it and I know that my training has prepared me for it, so I’m definitely excited.”
