Melissa McBain’s journey from anonymity to prominence
probably began sometime last spring.
But after a mild breakthrough outdoors last year, the senior has
suddenly emerged as one of the women’s track team’s top
middle distance runners this season.
Now, for the first time, McBain will be thrust into the national
spotlight this weekend when she runs the 1200-meter leg of the
Bruins’ distance medley relay at the NCAA Indoor
Championships in Arkansas.
“She’s starting to make some noise in events
she’s never been able to sniff in the past,” UCLA
distance coach Eric Peterson said.
“She might be the most improved athlete in the
program.”
Pigeonholed as a steeplechaser a year ago, McBain has blossomed
into a national-caliber middle distance runner this season. She
qualified for NCAA Regionals with a personal record of 2:08.96 in
the 800 meters Saturday and helped UCLA’s distance medley
relay team qualify for Indoor Nationals.
McBain will team with senior Sheena Johnson (400m), sophomore
Ashley Caldwell (800m) and senior Lena Nilsson (1600m) at this
weekend’s competition.
Since the 1200m is the opening leg of the medley, the pressure
will be on McBain to get the Bruins off to a good start.
“That’s the key,” Peterson said. “We
have to have a solid performer in the leadoff spot, and I’m
very confident in Melissa.”
Though McBain has no experience competing at a national level,
Peterson is confident she will perform well. Tennessee and BYU have
the fastest qualifying times, but the Bruins believe they should be
able to contend, particularly if McBain can get them off to a quick
start.
“She’s a great story,” Peterson said.
“My expectations are high.”