The UCLA men’s and women’s track concluded the weekend at the NCAA Championships with satisfying results and optimistic feelings for the future.
Both sides improved upon their performances from the previous year and earned top 25 honors; a 17th place for the men’s team was their highest finish since 2007, while a 21st place for the women’s team was their best showing since 2009.
On the women’s side, junior Turquoise Thompson stood out with a second-place finish in the 400 meter hurdles. Thompson ran a lifetime-best time of 55.23, good enough to place her in the top 20 worldwide for the year.
Sophomore Ida Storm and freshman Kylie Price were also impressive as they earned All-American honors. Storm placed fifth in the hammer, while Price concluded an eye-opening first year as a Bruin with a seventh place finish in the long jump.
With regards to the men, three sophomores put in performances worthy of the All-American honors. Alec Faldermeyer finished third in the hammer, Marcus Nilsson placed sixth in the decathlon and Mike Woepse picked up big points with a second place in the pole vault.
With a strong recruiting class combining with a strong core of returning athletes, the UCLA track teams will begin next year with increased expectations and a bar set high.
Compiled by Leonardo Villalobos, Bruin Sports contributor.