For 13 straight years, the UCLA women’s track and field
team’s dominance over USC has been unquestioned. But when
these two storied programs renew their rivalry this Saturday at
Drake Stadium, all of the records may be thrown out the window.
UCLA has built up an impressive 19-3 advantage over USC since
1984 and has not suffered a loss since 1992. But the Trojans have
been closing the gap, losing last year by a total of just seven
points. This season’s contest looks to be even closer.
“This is going to be a fantastic meet,” UCLA coach
Jeanette Bolden said. “We really start our season at this
meet.”
In years past, the Bruins have run circles around the Trojans,
scoring upwards of 100 points on many occasions. This season
promises to be different as the Trojans come in boasting one of the
top sprinting corps in the nation. Led by All-American Virginia
Powell, USC features three of the top five 100m runners in the
Pac-10. The Trojans clearly have an edge in every event less than
400m. While the Bruins are at a disadvantage in the sprints, senior
hurdler and sprinter Dawn Harper will do everything in her power to
score some much needed points.
“I’m going to do whatever I can to help us
win,” said Harper, who will run the 100m hurdles for the
first time this season on Saturday. Harper has been used
exclusively in sprints and will also most likely compete in the
200m as well as in the 4x100m relay.
UCLA will counter USC’s sprinting onslaught with a solid
distance squad. From the 800m to the 3000m steeplechase, USC
seemingly has no athletes who can score any points. Nevertheless,
UCLA distance coach Eric Peterson is taking no chances, electing to
use his star runner, redshirt junior Ashley Caldwell, in three
events: the 800m, 1500m and 5000m.
“Our distance team is looking great,” Caldwell said.
“We are all really excited for this weekend and ready to run
fast.”
UCLA will also rely on its jumpers to score a large chunk of the
team’s points. Redshirt sophomore Renee Williams will double
up in the long and triple jumps while senior Chelsea Johnson and
redshirt senior Caroline Sommers figure to capture individual
victories in the pole vault and high jump, respectively.
Where the two teams square off the best is in the throws, where
redshirt junior Kamaiya Warren will have her hands full dealing
with the Trojan’s duo of Kate Hutchinson and Karen Freberg.
Both are school record-holders in the discus and the shot put,
respectively, and have thrown further than Warren in those events
this season.
In any case, this weekend’s matchup should be another
classic. The coaches on both sides know how hungry their athletes
are, having been in the same situation many times.
“I grew up in Compton watching this meet,” Bolden
said. “It is a fantastic presentation. If you are competing
in this meet, it is something that you will take with you
forever.”