BY SARAH FERNBACHER
Bruin Sports reporter
sfernbacher@media.ucla.edu
Ever since senior Jeremy Silverman injured his ankle early in
the indoor season, he has struggled to return to form.
However, with his ankle now almost pain-free, Silverman finally
feels ready for the postseason stretch.
Silverman, one of the Bruin’s top shot put throwers, is
slated to compete over the weekend at the UCSD Triton Invitational,
where he will be one of UCLA’s frontline throwers in the
ring. Although Silverman is at the end of a tedious road to
recovery, coach Art Venegas believes Silverman is ready to make an
impact.
“Jeremy is just about back,” Venegas said.
“He’s waking up.”
Silverman, in his last season, said he initially felt very
frustrated due to his high hopes for the year.
“The injury is a barrier in the road, and I had to climb
over it,” Silverman said.
Despite an unfortunate situation, Silverman remains upbeat.
Although he competed twice in early April, he does not feel he
performed up to his potential. Now, after working hard in practice,
Silverman is focused on San Diego.
“I need to keep my confidence up, and this (meet) should
be good for that,” Silverman said.
Venegas noted that following the injury, Silverman’s
throws remained around a low 55. However, Silverman is now throwing
upward of 58 feet in practice, showing he is on the cusp of having
a big throw during competition.
“San Diego will be a great meet,” Venegas said.
“Some of the best throwers in the country will be there. It
should be a lot of fun.”
As his ankle and self-assurance strengthen, Silverman said he is
optimistic about the possible implications of the meet.
“It will be a step toward the USC meet. That is when I
want to be back and good for the rest of the season,”
Silverman said.
Although Venegas and the rest of the team are thrilled to have
Silverman back, the absence of junior Brandon Johnson due to a
hamstring injury makes the feeling bittersweet.
“We are really hurting not having Brandon at the USC
meet,” Venegas said.
As preparation for the rival dual meet ““ when the
Bruins’ star sprinter will remain sidelined ““ key team
members will take this weekend off to rest. In turn, the San Diego
meet includes more vaulters and throwers.
“It will give the backup kids the chance to keep
improving,” Venegas said.
Just as Silverman and his healing ankle aim to do this coming
weekend, the entire team continues to take constructive steps
toward the rest of its season.