Pole-Vault Competition Could Be Class of the Meet

Some 1,000 athletes are expected to participate in the Steve Scott Invitational track and field meet at UC Irvine today.

The best world-class competition is expected to be in the pole vault.

The women’s pole vault features Melissa Price, a two-time NCAA indoor champion; Mary Sauer, who finished seventh last season at the U.S. Outdoor championships, and Lisa Kubishta, who is currently world-ranked. All three have cleared 14 feet this year.

The men’s pole vault is expected to feature Pat Manson, who was third at the 1999 U.S. Outdoor championships, and Borya Celentano, a two-time Big West Conference champion from Long Beach State. Manson has cleared 19 feet. Celentano’s best is a foot less.

Other top athletes expected to participate include triple jumper Von Ware, who was third in the 1999 U.S. Outdoor meet, and sprinters Tyree Washington, who was third in the 400 meters at the 1997 World Championships; Quincy Watts, the 1992 Olympic gold medalist at 400 meters, and Great Britain’s John Regis, whose career best in the 200 meters is 19.87.

Villanova’s Nnenna Lynch, the 1992 NCAA champion in the women’s 5,000 meters, is also expected to compete.

Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children and senior citizens. Information: (949) 824-5000.