By Christina Teller
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
Time is winding down on the indoor track and field season. With
only a handful of meets left for athletes to qualify for the
national championships, this weekend’s Air Force Invite is
big.
Representing the Bruins are the throwing, jumping and pole
vaulting squads.
Having rested last weekend, all contestants are ready to go.
Representing the vaulters are juniors Tracy O’Hara and
Heather Sickler, sophomores Karen Bewley and Bridget Pearson and
freshman Gail Larsen for the women.
“All five of the girls have been jumping really
well,” pole vault coach Anthony Curran said. “Karen
Bewley has been on fire lately. I think she’s going to jump a
few inches higher.”
On the men’s side, seniors Steve Michaels, CJ Bell,
sophomore Jared Drake and freshman Yoo Kim will attend.
On course for the Bruin throwers are junior Chaniqua Ross,
senior Christina Tolson, sophomore Carrie Soong and freshman
Jessica Crosby.
Coming off a stellar meet in which he notched the top collegiate
marks at the Northern Arizona Invite in the shot (63-4 1/4) and
weight throw (59-2 1/4), is sophomore Dan Ames. Also competing for
the men are junior Scott Moser and sophomores Scott Weigand and
Jack Clamon.
“I’m optimistic,” said men’s Head Coach
Art Venegas, also the throwing instructor. “It’s the
second meet and you’ve got to get going if you want to make
nationals.”
Jumpers will include seniors Deana Simmons and Heather Newlin
and junior Darnesha Griffith for the women. Traveling for the men
are sophomore Josh Levy and freshmen Tony Ortiz and Oliver Jackson,
who recorded a lifetime best in the triple jump at 46-10 1/4.