W. track: Pole vaulter ends year with win

AUSTIN, Texas “”mdash; Of all the people to throw superlatives in Chelsea Johnson’s direction this season, one of the few pole vaulters who has beaten the UCLA sophomore this year may have summed up her accomplishments best. “Nobody’s perfect,” Washington’s Kate Soma said. “But, even on her bad days, Chelsea has been better than everybody […]

W. track: Photo finish

AUSTIN, Texas “”mdash; Even as she rushed into the open arms of teammate Sheena Johnson, Monique Henderson still had her doubts. “Are you sure?” she asked, still breathless from anchoring UCLA’s 4×400-meter relay. “Are you sure we won?” The proof, of course, was scattered throughout Mike A. Myers Stadium. In the stands, her victorious teammates […]

W. track: Field athletes focus on shot put for nationals

Sure, Art Venegas is pleased that Cari Soong and Jessica Cosby both appear to be on the verge of a breakthrough in the hammer throw. But he is also realistic. Venegas, the UCLA throws coach, knows the hammer throw field at next week’s NCAA Championships is littered with championship-caliber throwers. Consequently, he’s hoping the Bruins […]

W. track: Runner feels ready to beat personal best ““ again

Ashley Caldwell is overflowing with confidence these days. And why not? The UCLA sophomore is running better than she ever has before. Caldwell, who failed to even qualify for the finals at the West Regionals a year ago, could be a dark horse in the 800 meters at the NCAA Championships next week in Austin, […]

W. track: List of athletes going to nationals finalized

Sleepless nights were the norm for UCLA coach Jeanette Bolden as she vacillated over her strategy for the NCAA Championships. Well, now Bolden can rest easy. She sent the NCAA a final list of declared athletes in each event Tuesday afternoon, meaning the Bruin contingent heading to Austin for nationals is set. The hardest decision, […]

W. track: Gordon defies odds for first place

NORTHRIDGE “”mdash; Brandishing a gimpy ankle and a wounded psyche, Sheena Gordon carried the weight of an exasperating season on her shoulders as she arrived at the Matador Track Complex on Saturday morning. The month of May had been especially difficult for the UCLA sophomore. Having spent most of it camped in the training room, […]