University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA Closes Out Legends of Track & Field Invitational
LOS ANGELES – UCLA closed out the Legends of Track & Field Invitational on Saturday at Drake Stadium. The meet was highlighted by some big personal bests and nine event victories.
Junior Nicholas Scarvelis, the reigning Pac-12 Field Athlete of the Week etched his name in the UCLA record books as he uncorked a personal best of 65-0.50. The throw on his first attempt of the meet is now the 10th best mark in school history. Freshman Braheme Days was the runner-up with a throw of 60-11.50.
In the long jump freshman Idrees Bernard soared to a personal best. Improving on nearly every jump in the competition, Bernard leaped 24-0.75 on his final jump to secure the victory.
Senior All-American Marcus Nilsson posted a personal best in the pole vault and led a 1-2-3 finish for the Bruins. Nilsson cleared a lifetime best of 16-8.75 to win the event and was followed by senior Mark Sakioka at 16-2.75 and freshman Riley Turner at 15-3.
Nilsson was also part of a UCLA sweep this time in the 110m hurdles. The prolific rookie class of Steele Wasik and Misana Viltz finished 1-2 as Wasik posted a 14.33 while Viltz ran a 14.46 in his first collegiate race. Nilsson followed with a 14.71.
Senior Daniel Herrera ran a season best 3:45.73 in the 1,500m to win the race. Austin O’Neil placed third with a personal best of 3:47.31 while Nolan Dickson also posted a personal best with a 3:48.49. Junior Sean Davis won the 800m with a time of 1:53.30.
Senior Derek Eager closed out the men’s victories with a throw of 198-11 to win the javelin. In the women’s javelin sophomore Zaybree Haury won with a throw of 152-2. Senior Tatum Souza placed second at 137-2.
Seniors Zibby Boyer and Alexis Walker both cleared 5-8.75 in the high jump. Boyer won on misses while Walker followed in third.
UCLA will remain at home to host the Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational. The annual event is scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at Drake Stadium.