Nothing aggravates UCLA distance coach Eric Peterson more than
seeing cavernous Drake Stadium littered with empty seats.
“It’s a frustrating feeling,” he admits.
So Peterson, the meet director for this weekend’s second
annual Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational, has taken
it upon himself to help revitalize interest in Southern California
track and field.
By putting on a fan-friendly meet that annually showcases some
of the world’s pre-eminent track and field stars, he hopes to
rekindle the region’s love for the sport.
“All the UCLA coaches have suffered through the decline in
popularity, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do something
about it,” Peterson said. “The crosstown meet with USC
draws well, so why can’t something else?”
Peterson said the meet, a brainchild of men’s coach Art
Venegas, will not be modeled after any of the nation’s other
premier track and field events, like the Texas Relays or the Penn
Relays.
Instead, he envisions it eventually having a more carnival-like
feel to it ““ a weeklong celebration of Southern California
track and field, complete with booths, games and contests.
But, at least for this weekend, it will be the athletes who are
not the sideshow, but the main attraction.
Appearances by world champion hurdler Felix Sanchez, world-class
sprinter Maurice Greene and former Bruin NCAA champions Ato Bolden
and John Godina highlight a field that is not lacking in star
power.
A host of collegiate athletes will compete today, while Saturday
will showcase only the elite athletes in each event. Most of
Saturday’s events will be limited to one heat or flight in
order to condense the action into as short an amount of time as
possible.
Although the season’s marquee meets are still nearly one
month away, UCLA will be unveiling its full roster.
“We’re going to be highlighting most of our top
athletes and put them in their showcase events,” UCLA
women’s coach Jeanette Bolden said.
That means there could be some particularly compelling events,
including the women’s pole vault, where NCAA record-holder
Chelsea Johnson will face off against Bruin legend Tracy
O’Hara and Olympic contender Mary Sauer. Of the three, only
O’Hara has yet to clear 15 feet.
“I’m looking forward to the competition,”
Johnson said.
The UCLA Athletic Department has done everything in its power to
publicize the meet, buying ad space in the major local
newspapers.
Although what is perhaps the state’s premier high school
track meet, the Arcadia Invitational, will take place this weekend
about 30 miles away, Peterson is hopeful that crowds will
nonetheless flock to Westwood.
“We can’t be afraid to go against another event or
we’ll never put on a meet,” Peterson said.
“Hopefully this can eventually be a revenue-producing
event.”