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The UCLA track and field program suffered a big blow this past week when it was announced that jumps coach Robert Johnson would be leaving the Bruins to head the Oregon jumps program. So far, the Bruins have not announced a replacement for Johnson, but it is already known that his presence will be sorely missed. “We really are thrilled with what Robert did for us,” men’s track coach Art Venegas said. “We are happy with his results as both a coach and mentor to his athletes.” Johnson had been with the Bruin program for two seasons and had just completed his first year as the coach of the women’s and men’s jump program. With his presence, the Bruins’ jumps program moved back into the national spotlight, especially with the success of senior Candice Baucham. This past year, Johnson coached Baucham to the NCAA outdoor title in the triple jump with a score of 46 feet 2 inches, which was a school and NCAA meet record. Baucham, however, wasn’t the only one to improve under Johnson’s direction. Freshman triple jumpers Dominique Easterling, Michael Johnson and Demetre Howard all recorded points and helped the Bruins’ to a second-place finish in the Men’s Championships. “Coach Johnson will truly be missed,” women’s track coach Jeanette Bolden said. “He brought a lot of life back into our jumps program and we wish him all the best and much success in his new adventure with the University of Oregon.” As Bolden said, Johnson’s biggest effect on the UCLA program were the recruits he brought in and the improvement he brought to the program. During his tenure, Johnson signed highly touted high jump recruit Luke Barr of Allen, Texas, and developed sophomores Chris Merriweather, freshman Joel Tuosto, freshman Alexander Pearlstone and decathletes Dave Murphy and freshman Matt Reuter. “As you can see on both the men and women’s side, everyone improved and I’m very proud of that,” Johnson said. “My four male freshmen posted personal bests in their first collegiate season, while the women also showed improvement.” The only question is where the Bruins go now with Johnson’s departure.

MEN’S GOLF: UCLA sophomore Kevin Chappell lost a heartbreaking match in the third round of the U.S. Amateur Championship on Thursday. Chappell defeated Sihwan Kim in the first round on Wednesday and had beaten David Lutteras earlier on Thursday to advance to the third round. Chappell had a three-hole lead on Canadian Mark Leon, but saw his lead evaporate as the match went on. Chappell lost when Leon made a 25-foot putt on the final hole to win 1-up.

HAVNER HONORED: Spencer Havner was named to the preliminary list of 65 candidates for the Butkus Award. The Butkus Award is awarded annually to the most accomplished college linebacker as determined by a selection committee composed of 29 national media members. Watch-list candidates are updated and tracked throughout the season and the award will be presented on Dec. 10 in Orlando, Fla.

Compiled by Bruin Sports senior staff.