The UCLA Bruins men’s and women’s track and field teams defeated the USC Trojans in their Rivalry Dual Meet. Despite the Trojans winning every relay, the Bruins scored points through the long-distance events.
The Bruin women had a 92-71 advantage over the Women of Troy, and the UCLA men won 82-81 over USC.
The Bruins were galvanized by their head coach Joanna Hayes who cheered on her student athletes and celebrated with them as they won their events.
“I love leading this team, I’m seeing so much fight in them. I’m seeing them do things that they weren’t expected to do,” Hayes said. “I told them, win, lose or draw, go for it, leave it all, have fun.”
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USC has the top-ranked men’s program nationally and the women’s team is ranked third. The Men’s indoor track and field team won the NCAA Championship in March.
“We all won … that’s the team aspect of it,” said USC senior Dylan Gatua. “We train each other every day. They got way out there and won it for us. Just because I didn’t compete in the meet, I still felt like I was a big part of it.”
USC showed their depth during the 4x100m event as their “B Team” won with a 42.79 record.
“We compete at practice every day. We have a great team, so every day is like a track meet,” said USC freshman Olivia Pace, who ran the first leg. “It was a good meet, good competition, the energy was great in the competition.”
The UCLA 4x100m women’s relay team beat the program record with a 43.03 time.
“It’s the first time or second time getting around the track with this team,” said sophomore Taylor Snaer. “I’m happy with the school record but we ain’t done yet.”
In the 110 hurdles for both men and women, UCLA had two runners place for points. UCLA junior Tamaal Myers came in first place for the men’s 400m hurdles.
“I wouldn’t rather be coached by anybody but coach Hayes, the energy here is electric right now,” Myers said. “The team is great, the coaches are great, it’s such a blessing.”
