Jumps coach to leave

The UCLA track and field program suffered a big blow this past
week when it was announced that jumps coach Robert Johnson would be
leaving the Bruins to head the Oregon jumps program. So far, the
Bruins have not announced a replacement for Johnson, but it is
already known that his presence will be sorely missed. “We
really are thrilled with what Robert did for us,” men’s
track coach Art Venegas said. “We are happy with his results
as both a coach and mentor to his athletes.” Johnson had been
with the Bruin program for two seasons and had just completed his
first year as the coach of the women’s and men’s jump
program. With his presence, the Bruins’ jumps program moved
back into the national spotlight, especially with the success of
senior Candice Baucham. This past year, Johnson coached Baucham to
the NCAA outdoor title in the triple jump with a score of 46 feet 2
inches, which was a school and NCAA meet record. Baucham, however,
wasn’t the only one to improve under Johnson’s
direction. Freshman triple jumpers Dominique Easterling, Michael
Johnson and Demetre Howard all recorded points and helped the
Bruins’ to a second-place finish in the Men’s
Championships. “Coach Johnson will truly be missed,”
women’s track coach Jeanette Bolden said. “He brought a
lot of life back into our jumps program and we wish him all the
best and much success in his new adventure with the University of
Oregon.” As Bolden said, Johnson’s biggest effect on
the UCLA program were the recruits he brought in and the
improvement he brought to the program. During his tenure, Johnson
signed highly touted high jump recruit Luke Barr of Allen, Texas,
and developed sophomores Chris Merriweather, freshman Joel Tuosto,
freshman Alexander Pearlstone and decathletes Dave Murphy and
freshman Matt Reuter. “As you can see on both the men and
women’s side, everyone improved and I’m very proud of
that,” Johnson said. “My four male freshmen posted
personal bests in their first collegiate season, while the women
also showed improvement.” The only question is where the
Bruins go now with Johnson’s departure.

MEN’S GOLF: UCLA sophomore Kevin Chappell lost a
heartbreaking match in the third round of the U.S. Amateur
Championship on Thursday. Chappell defeated Sihwan Kim in the first
round on Wednesday and had beaten David Lutteras earlier on
Thursday to advance to the third round. Chappell had a three-hole
lead on Canadian Mark Leon, but saw his lead evaporate as the match
went on. Chappell lost when Leon made a 25-foot putt on the final
hole to win 1-up.

HAVNER HONORED: Spencer Havner was named to the preliminary list
of 65 candidates for the Butkus Award. The Butkus Award is awarded
annually to the most accomplished college linebacker as determined
by a selection committee composed of 29 national media members.
Watch-list candidates are updated and tracked throughout the season
and the award will be presented on Dec. 10 in Orlando, Fla.

Compiled by Bruin Sports senior staff.