Monday, 6/9/97 David Dumble Men’s track
David Dumble, younger brother of Dawn Dumble, a former UCLA
track standout, has emerged as one of UCLA’s most consistent discus
and hammer throwers. The graduating senior also became a leader of
the team, serving as a captain. Though he wasn’t highly recruited
out of high school, Dumble improved his field skills during his two
years at Bakersfield College. In his second year at Bakersfield,
Dumble placed first in the discus and fourth in the hammer at the
California State community college meet. His performance caught the
eye of UCLA throws coach Art Venegas. Dumble chose to join his
older sister in Westwood and hasn’t regretted the decision. "I’m
glad … I came here because I’ve looked at the options that I
had," Dumble said. "I’ve noticed that this (university) has the
best track team, coach and atmosphere for track. I know I would
never get this opportunity at other schools." After redshirting his
first year at UCLA, Dumble produced some outstanding results last
season. Dumble threw a personal best of 197 feet in the discus and
200-2 in the hammer. The latter result was the eighth-farthest
throw in school history. Perhaps the crowning achievement of his
first year in a Bruin uniform came in last year’s NCAA Outdoor
Championships. In Eugene, Ore., Dumble placed an unexpected eighth
in the discus with a throw of 186-0, scoring one point for UCLA. "I
was a little surprised (with my eighth-place finish)," Dumble said.
"I didn’t have any expectations, but I wanted to do well. I was
happy to get eighth because it was my first time (at nationals)."
This season, placing in the top eight at the NCAA Championships
would be anything but a surprise. Dumble is the squad’s best discus
thrower. He currently ranks third in the nation with a personal
best throw of 197-11. Dumble also ranks seventh on UCLA’s all-time
list. At the Pac-10 Championships in May, Dumble took second place
with a throw of 189-2. By Emmanuelle Ejercito, Daily Bruin Staff.
David Dumble