Men’s track and field team moves to No.
21
UCLA men’s track and field team is currently No. 21 in the
nation, tied with Indiana and Iona. The Bruins have moved in and
out of the top 25 all season.
Currently, Auburn holds the top spot, followed by Tennessee at
No. 2 and Arkansas at No. 3. USC rounds out the list, ranked No.
25.
Ames throws career bests at Cal-Nevada
UCLA junior Dan Ames, one of the nation’s elite throwers,
registered three personal bests and took home two individual titles
last weekend at the Cal-Nevada State College Championships in San
Diego.
With his winning mark of 64 feet 7.75 inches in the shot put,
Ames topped his previous outdoor record of 63-.25. He also won the
discus, and rose to No. 5 in UCLA school history with his
qualifying throw of 200-9.
“He lead us to an overwhelming victory,” men’s
track and field head coach and throwing coach Art Venegas said.
“He’s been progressing well, and I’m real proud
of him.”
Injuries take toll
According to Venegas, injured freshman sprinter Matt Bruno is
currently “day to day” as he is suffering from a muscle
sprain and tendonitis. Coaches hope to get the phenom back to the
track either this weekend to possibly compete in the Mt. SAC Relays
or early next week, in order to prepare for the USC-UCLA dual
meet.
“USC will be tough without Bruno,” Venegas said.
“But even if we do get him back in time, we don’t want
to push him too fast because he hasn’t been running for a
couple of months now.”
The other running events have also been hit hard with key
injuries this season, including sophomore sprinter Denye’ Versher,
sophomore hurdler Anthony Golston and sophomore distance runner Jon
Rankin.
Team competes in Mt. SAC Relays
The majority of the men’s track and field team will head
to Walnut, Calif. to compete in the Mt. SAC Relays this weekend,
while a small contingent of distance runners will compete in the
Pomona Invitational.
The relays’ qualifying rounds will take place on Thursday
and Friday and will end with the finals on Saturday.
Briefs compiled by Jessica Bach, Daily Bruin Contributor.