(ONLINE EXTRA)Bruins to compete in Flagstaff, Reno meets
By Daily Bruin Staff
Feb. 1, 2001 9:00 p.m.
TRACK PREVIEW Reno Indoor
Saturday All day Reno, NV NAU Invite Saturday All
day Flagstaff, AZ
By Christina Teller
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
The UCLA track squad will split this weekend to compete in both
the Northern Arizona Invitational and the Reno Invite.
The women’s middle distance runners and a handful of
jumpers will travel to Reno, Nev., while the pole vaulting and
throwing contingents will head to Flagstaff, Ariz.
“We’re really using the indoor season as a way to
get quality marks in before we get started outdoors,” UCLA
distance coach Eric Peterson said. “We don’t feel any
pressure being defending (indoor national) champions, but we know
that we have a team that is capable of going back and making a
strong showing again.”
Sophomores Tiffany Burgess and Ysanne Williams will compete in
the 800-meter race, while senior Gina Donnelly, sophomore Julia
Barbour and sophomore transfer Melissa McBain are set to run the
mile.
The distance medley relay will consist of junior Bridie Hatch
running the 1200-meter leg, junior Bumni Ogunleye running the
400-meter, sophomore Jessica Marr taking the 800-meter and
sophomore Elaine Canchola taking on the mile.
“I don’t think I could be anymore optimistic than I
feel right now,” Peterson said. “We’re in a good
spot and we’re moving forward.”
The pole vaulters are also in a good spot right now. Juniors
Tracy O’Hara and Heather Sickler, sophomores Bridget Pearson
and Karen Bewley, and freshman Gail Larsen will compete for the
women. Competing for the men are seniors Steve Michaels and C.J.
Bell, sophomore Jared Drake and freshman Yoo Kim.
“Because we’re sending a big crew, I’m
expecting a really big result,” UCLA pole vault coach Anthony
Curran said. “We’re going to use this meet to really
see who’s on top.”
Traveling for the jumping squad are junior Eboni Grayson,
seniors Heather Newlin and Jennifer Berman, sophomore Julie
Stevenson and freshman Emily Rabos.
“We’re looking to have good competition and to see
where we are against everyone in the country,” women’s
head coach Jeanette Bolden said.
