It’s that time of year ““ the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and everyone is inside studying.
Spring break is approaching as the world anxiously awaits the transition to summer.
The weekend marked a similar transition for the UCLA men’s track and field team, as one part of the season ended and another started. The squad sent three of its top athletes to College Station, Texas to compete in the NCAA Indoor Championships, while the remainder of the team began the outdoor season closer to home at the Northridge Invitational.
All-American Cory Primm competed in the 800m on Friday. The senior had earned UCLA’s only automatic qualifying time earlier in the season with a top mark of 1:47.31, good for the fifth-best time in the nation.
However, Primm was unable to earn a top finish over the weekend, finishing sixth in his heat and 12th overall.
According to coach Mike Maynard, Primm, who could not be reached for comment, was fighting for position with a runner from Minnesota around the 650m mark and was forced outside, costing him precious seconds.
“Track can be a major contact sport,” Maynard said. “It was normal scuffling for position, but (Primm) ended up getting bumped outside and lost position on the field and unfortunately couldn’t make it through.”
Freshman Alec Faldermeyer competed in the weight throw on Saturday, recording a lifetime-best mark of 68-3.25.
One of only two freshmen to compete in the event, Faldermeyer finished sixth overall and earned the coveted title of All-American.
“It means everything to me,” Faldermeyer said of Saturday’s result. “My freshman year I wanted to come in and be an All-American, so it’s a step in the right direction.”
Faldermeyer was optimistic for the outdoor season as well.
“I think I’m a lot better with the hammer than the weight,” he said. “I’m more technically sound, so hopefully I can place a little higher.”
Senior Jonathan Clark came into the weekend with a career-best national top-10 mark of 52-9.25, but was unable to earn a top-eight spot in the triple jump on Saturday. The senior finished with a mark of 50-9.50, good for 14th overall.
The outdoor season continues over spring break at the Aztec Invitational hosted by San Diego State.
After that, the Bruins will compete against Texas and Arkansas, and will host their first meet of the season in Drake Stadium the first weekend of the spring quarter.