Track and field sweeps New Mexico invitational with standout performances
By camayak
Feb. 2, 2015 6:07 p.m.
This past weekend, the UCLA track and field team had various shining stars.
Competing in the New Mexico Collegiate Invitational, both the men’s and women’s teams acquired titles at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
The meet was close, as the women’s side slightly edged host New Mexico 93 points to 91.5 The men’s team also narrowly defeated Pac-12 rival Arizona State 74 points to 72.
Five Bruins had individual wins to catalyze Bruin victories for the second straight weekend.
The field events were led by an experienced group of veterans such as redshirt senior and 2014 All-American Ida Storm, who won the weight throw event with a mark of 70 feet 4 inches.
Other throwers who performed extremely well at the meet include redshirt junior Nicholas Scarvelis, who won the men’s shot put with a throw of 60-8, and redshirt sophomore Torie Owers obtaining her second straight win in the shot put with a mark of 55-2.75.
The Bruin high jumpers were another group to put on a strong showing over the weekend.
On the women’s side, senior Zibby Boyer performed a personal best of 6 feet in high jump. This went down as the eighth-best mark in UCLA history.
“It felt amazing to get a lifetime best and not only be able to PR but to be able to clear 6 feet,” Boyer said. That’s been a goal of mine since I’ve been at UCLA. I still can’t believe that I cleared 6 feet, it’s just a great feeling, and I’m just so excited.”
Boyer’s fellow high jumper, redshirt senior Alexis Walker, placed fourth at the meet with a jump of 5-8.50 feet. As two veterans, each in their last collegiate season, Boyer described the bond the two shared.
“I work with Lex every single day. She’s one of my best friends on the team,” Walker said. “When I do well she’s happy and when she does well I’m happy. It’s just awesome to be with her, and we definitely feed off each other successes. “
Akin to the women high jumpers, the UCLA men’s pole vaulters fielded some standout performances as well.
Redshirt senior Mike Woepse obtained his second straight victory, clearing 18-1.25 feet. For the remainder of the season, Woepse looks to break the school record that stands at 18-8. Having placed ninth overall at the world games two summers ago, Woepse believes he’s ready for the challenge.
“The world games was an incredible experience. One of the best experiences of my life, and the best experience I’ve ever had from a track standpoint,” Woepse said. “Seeing what an opportunity it was to compete around the world, it just motivated me.”
Woepse also attributed the depth of the UCLA vaulting group as a great tool for success.
All in all, the Bruins looked extremely sharp in their second contest of the indoor season. This upcoming week, UCLA will send its pentathlon and heptathlon athletes back to Albuquerque for the annual New Mexico Classic.
Compiled by Vikram Sairam, Bruin Sports contributor.
