UCLA’s Joyner Might Try 7 Events in NCAA Track and Field Meet

Versatile Jackie Joyner could compete in as many as seven events in an effort to lead UCLA’s women to the team title in the NCAA track and field meet that begins today in Austin, Tex.

Joyner actually qualified for eight events, but she didn’t compete in the heptathlon, which concluded Tuesday.

The Olympic silver medalist in the heptathlon, Joyner passed the event in order to take part in as many open events as possible.

“Our main job is to make sure Jackie gets to all her events on time,” said Bob Kersee, UCLA women’s track coach.

Joyner has qualified for the 100 and 400-meter hurdles, high jump, long jump and triple jump and is expected to run a leg on the 400 and 1,600-meter relay teams.

Gail Devers also is expected to provide the Bruins with some points. Devers, a freshman from San Diego, has qualified in the 100-meter hurdles, 100 meters, 200 meters and long jump.

Men’s teams from UCLA and USC once dominated this meet but the schools don’t figure to make much of an impact this year.

UCLA is represented by eight athletes, USC by six.

USC sprinter Darwin Cook will be contending for the 100-meter title. He is the Pac-10 champion and has consistently run in the 10.10-seconds range in recent weeks.

Trojan sprinter Antonio Manning will not compete. He has leg and groin injuries.

In addition to Cook, Ed Tave (long jump), Steve Klassen (pole vault), John Wolitarsky (hammer throw), Mike Pullins (triple jump) and Mike Gonzales (decathlon) comprise USC’s team.