As the most anticipated and respected dual meet in the country, the annual USC-UCLA Track and Field Dual Meet features a prominent rivalry and two of the nation’s top women’s collegiate track and field teams.
The meet will be held this weekend at Loker Stadium on the USC campus. Along with student fans watching, there will be prominent athletes in attendance, and a Fox Sports Net television crew will be covering the meet. Receiving national exposure and attention, standing on the history of a rich rivalry, and closing the outdoor season, the USC-UCLA Dual Meet is an opportunity for athletes to be seen at their best.
For the No. 17 UCLA women’s track and field team, this meet acts as the transition from a successful outdoor season to the upcoming Pac-10, NCAA Western Region, and NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Despite the focus on specific talented athletes, the meet is dependent upon the cohesive effort of the team. Due to the wide range of events at the meet, each school must rely on each athlete to step up against his or her competition. Knowing this, UCLA’s women trust each other to win as individuals, and more importantly, as a team.
“This is my second year competing, and I’m really looking forward to it and giving it my best,” said Allie Bohannon, who placed second in the mile at the 2007 NCAA Indoor Championships.
Rhonda Watkins, the 2007 NCAA long jump indoor champion, shared her teammate’s enthusiasm for the event.
“I’m from the Caribbean, so I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” Watkins said. “But now I am aware of the healthy competition. My teammates and I are ready to go out there and compete.”
Led by Coach Jeanette Bolden and a knowledgeable staff, UCLA looks to continue its winning tradition. Bolden, the 2008 Beijing Olympics U.S. women’s coach, holds a 13-0 record against USC. Reflecting on past victories and teams, Bolden stresses the importance of appreciating the opportunity to compete as a unit.
“This is one of the finest dual meets in the country,” Bolden said. “The athletes really need to understand that after this, if you decide to go world class you won’t get the kinship that you get here. So, treasure your moments.”
At a track and field meet featuring only two teams, Bolden will utilize UCLA’s depth and talent across the board. Encouraged and prepared, UCLA looks to compete against the best athletes USC has to offer.
“I’m hoping my athletes can do the best job that they can this weekend. We’re going to be ready to compete this weekend just like USC will,” Bolden said.