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.”