Arizona, UCLA make jumps in USTFCCCA polls

SAN FRANCISCO -- OREGON leads the Pac-12 in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) polls this week, despite not competing last weekend. The Duck women are No. 3 in the polling this week, while the men are No. 7. In all, four Pac-12 women’s teams are among the top 25 in the country this week, while three men’s squads are ranked.

The Oregon women slipped two spots after earning the No. 1 ranking in last week’s poll. USC also slipped several spots but remains in the top 10, going from No. 3 last week to No. 7. STANFORD improved on place in the poll, inching up to No. 11, while ARIZONA made a big jump, up to No. 18 after spending last week at No. 23. Helping the Wildcats’ ranking is senior Nnenya Hailey who continues to turn in strong performances, posting the nation’s fast time in the country in the 400-hurdles for the second time this season.

UCLA men jumped to No. 16 this week, up seven spots from last week, due in part to senior Nicholas Scarvelis’ shot put throw of 67-7.50 (20.61m) over the weekend, which not only leads the nation but is also an Olympic qualifying mark. Oregon slipped to No. 7 in the country and USC is No. 23 this week.

The National Team Computer Rankings are complied by a mathematical formula based on national descending order lists. The purpose and methodology of the rankings is to create an index that showcases the teams that have the best potential of achieving the top spots in the national team race. Rankings points do not equate with NCAA Championships team points. Preseason marks will be included through week three of the rankings.

The next USTFCCCA ranking will be released on May 2. For more information, visit www.ustfccca.org.