Bruins Play Host to Trojans

One of the most storied collegiate track and field rivalries in the country will be renewed today when UCLA hosts USC in a Pacific 10 Conference dual meet at Drake Stadium.

The meet starts at 9 a.m. with the women’s hammer throw. Track events begin at 12:30 p.m. with the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase.

The USC and UCLA men’s programs have combined to win 34 NCAA outdoor titles, but the women’s meet will draw the most attention nationally because it matches the top two teams from last year’s NCAA meet.

USC won its first women’s NCAA title last year and is favored to win again at Louisiana State May 29-June 1. But NCAA runner-up UCLA is the five-time defending conference champion and has beaten USC in nine consecutive dual meets.

The Bruin women, who have a 15-3 series edge against the Trojans, have been the top-ranked dual-meet team in the nation for the last six years.

The results of the women’s shotput, discus throw, hammer and javelin could be crucial in determining the outcome because a traditionally powerful UCLA throwing squad is expected to be challenged by a strong group from USC.

The women’s meet will include five athletes who have produced NCAA-leading marks in their events this year and the men’s meet will include one.

The USC men ended a 22-meet losing streak to UCLA last year with an 82-81 victory, but the Trojans will be underdogs today.

USC leads the series, 39-29.