Even with limited participation this weekend at UC San Diego’s Triton Invitational, the UCLA men’s track and field team will be looking for big results from the throwers and the pole vaulters.
The Bruins enter the meet ranked No. 3 in the nation.
“This is a really big meet for discus throwers,” redshirt senior Greg Garza said.
According to Garza there is a “really good wind there,” and that is just what discus throwers hope for.
Coming off a loss to Oregon in horrible conditions and what UCLA coach Art Venegas said was “the worst weather front in 50 years,” the warm weather and good winds are likely to help create optimal throwing conditions.
“I feel like I’m in a really good spot,” Garza said. “I feel like I got my rhythm going. That’s been the goal since the Rafer meet and I think I’m holding it well.”
Besides focusing on his “rhythm and getting a feel for the throw,” Garza has his eyes set on the school record. The record of 213 feet is held by John Godina, who will also be competing at the Triton Invitational.
“I’ve been wanting to get the school record for some time now,” Garza said. “It would be the icing on the cake to break it with him there.”
In addition to Garza, redshirt freshman Bo Taylor and redshirt senior John Caulfield will also be looking to capitalize on the wind in San Diego. Taylor and Caulfield will compete in the shot put, and redshirt junior Boldizsar Kocsor will be competing in the hammer throw.
Missing from the throwing group will be Darius Savage, a San Diego native.
The sophomore has been practicing as an offensive lineman with the football team throughout spring practice. He will play in the team’s annual Spring Game on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.
“(Savage) is going to have a week off from track to concentrate on the spring football game,” Venegas said.
Savage won’t be the only team member absent this weekend.
Most of the sprinters and jumpers will rest up for the USC meet next week.
The only other large group competing will be the pole vaulters.
Leading the group of six will be redshirt junior Dustin DeLeo.
The Seal Beach native just recorded a lifetime best in the pole vault in the treacherous conditions at Oregon and will look to take advantage of the wind and good conditions in San Diego.
This weekend will also mark the return of redshirt senior Austin Ramos. The Bruins’ top distance runner has been out with a stress reaction in his leg, but he has been practicing in past weeks.
Ramos is set to compete in the 1500 meters.