Coming to Westwood was not the easiest transition at first for
first-year UCLA jumps coach Robert Johnson. Despite his impressive
pedigree, the Bruins weren’t exactly receptive to Johnson. He
was the squad’s third jumps coach in the last three years,
when he took over in the fall. “They were reluctant at
first,” Johnson said. “Since I had just come in, they
were like, “˜How long is this guy going to be
around.?'” After a series of outstanding performances
so far in the indoor season, the women’s jumpers are starting
to warm up to the new coach. Freshman Renee Williams, sophomore
Sheena Gordon and junior Candice Baucham each set personal records
this weekend at the Virginia Tech Challenge in Blacksburg, Va.,
undoubtedly making them more confident in their coach. “Our
recent success has definitely made an impact,” Johnson said.
“They’re buying into my system more and more.”
Baucham, in particular, seems to be improving quickly under
Johnson. She eclipsed a personal record in the triple jump for the
second time this season Friday, besting her old mark by more than
seven inches with a 43-foot, 7.25-inch performance.
“She’s only going to get better,” Johnson said.
“She’s close, and she’s starting to realize
it.”
GORDON RECOVERING: A stress fracture in her
left foot could not stop Sheena Gordon from equaling her personal
record in the high jump. Gordon, who has practiced sparingly since
removing the boot on her foot, won the high jump competition with a
mark of 5 feet, 10.5 inches. Johnson said she will compete in the
NCAA Indoor Championships, but that they will continue to bring her
along slowly until the latter stages of the outdoor season.
SHORT SPRINTS: Williams’ mark of 21 feet,
1.5 inches was a personal record and put her atop the collegiate
charts … Lena Nilsson will only compete in the distance medley
relay and not individually during the indoor season distance coach
Eric Peterson said … Sheena Johnson ran the 60m hurdles in a
speedy 8.16 seconds in Saturday’s semifinal race … UCLA is
ranked No. 5 in the nation in this week’s poll … The Bruins
will be in action at the MPSF Indoor Championships on Friday and
Saturday at Dempsey Indoor Stadium in Seattle.