Quotes from the Pepsi Team Invitational
Pepsi Team Invitational Quotes
April 10, 2010
Sara Cole, Oregon, W Hammer Throw (1st)
On the event overall:
“It went really well. I started with a fifty meter throw, which was a good start. I came into the meet ranked third and after the first round I was ranked second. For the final throw I was really nervous, but the motivation definitely topped it. After the throw, I definitely felt that it was a PR; sometimes you just know. It was a really intense meet.”
Claire Michel, Oregon, W 3,000m Steeplechase (1st)
On today’s race:
“It’s a pretty day and a great crowd in Eugene. I have moderate feelings about my race. It’s really a time exercise and I ran a little slow in the middle of the race. It’s a tricky race because you have to be conservative and patient, but at the same time you can’t go too slow.”
On her goals this season:
“I want to do well at Pac-10 Championships first, then qualify for regionals and the finals at nationals. Here at the Hayward Field anything can happen. We really have the home-field advantage more than anywhere else.”
Kevin Burnett, Texas A&M, M 5000m (1st)
On the race overall:
“I love this place. Hayward Field is an awesome stadium with a great atmosphere and full crowd. We had a great competition with all the teams attending. The whole time I tried to be one of the first three or five people in the race and have a good attacking position. Last 200 meters I was hurting but so was everyone else. With Puskedra who is an All-American being so close, I wanted to win this race. I knew I couldn’t let anyone get much further than me. This was my season opener at distance and I am happy to contribute to the team points. We have a strong teams and good long-distance runners. We are an all around school.”
LaMichael James, Oregon, M 4x100m Relay (4th)
On the race overall:
“It didn’t go that well, but I don’t blame my teammates. We just started practicing together last week, we just need more practice.”
On the standing ovation by the fans:
“Without the fans we would be nothing. Oregon fans are great and have been so supportive.”
On the difference between track and football:
“It’s about training for us [Talmadge Jackson]. It’s a lot different than football without all the cutting and turning. We just have to get more reps in and we’ll be ok.”
Talmadge Jackson III, Oregon, M 4x100m Relay (4th)
On the race overall:
“It went pretty well. We got mixed up with the lanes. It was our first time we just had to get out there and see how it works. We definitely have stuff to improve on.”
On how he felt about the race:
“It felt good. I like to get out here and compete. I love running the turn.”
On the welcome from the track team:
“They have welcomed us with open arms. They have treated us really well.”
On the importance of offseason training:
“Once you get out there you forget about training for the offseason and you just want to compete and win.”
Katie Follett, Washington, W 1500m (1st)
How she felt about the race:
“It was great to come to Hayward and get a win under my belt. I wish I could have run a little faster, but overall I think it went well coming in and getting a win.
About going against Oregon girls:
“The atmosphere here is awesome and I love going head to head with the Oregon girls. It’s always good to see some friendly faces after having run against each other so often. We go on runs together, after the Stanford meet last week, we went on a long run together and it builds camaraderie.”
Brianne Theisen, Oregon, W High Jump (1st), W Javelin Throw (4th)
On her performance today:
“It wasn’t my best day. The most difficult thing when you do multiple events is to get organized and know where to go and be there on time. I was rushed through everything. My shot put today was not good. Javelin felt pretty good and I know I got some points for the team. Hurdles didn’t feel very good. We had a good competition with all the schools today and it’s nice to get a sense and feel of what it’s like at big meets.”
Jordan Stray, Oregon, M Hammer Throw (1st)
On his win:
“I got my season best and I am happy about it. It was a good competition against other guys from big schools. I had a solid throw and a couple ones that went pretty far too. If I throw this season the way I do in practice, it will get me into the nationals and I know I am capable of a PR.”
Gerald Phiri, Texas A&M, M 100m (1st)
On his race:
“I was disappointed in my race today. We had a long travel day yesterday. We got in late and then I had to wake up at 7am to get ready, I felt very heavy today, but it was good practice.”
On coming to Hayward:
“It’s important for me to come out and see the environment here. They have great spectators and a great team. I see why it’s called Track Town USA, they love their track here. The people have been so nice and inviting here. The track here is fast, but my time wasn’t fast enough for me.”
On running against Oregon:
“The rivalry between Oregon and Texas A&M is growing. Oregon is great competition, where they are weak we are strong and where we are weak, they are strong.”
Gabby Mayo, Texas A&M, W 100m (1st)
“I’m happy we came out 1-2-3, that’s great for our team. And, I’m happy I came out on top.”
“I’ve never had anyone that close to me on anchor.”
“It’s good to be ready and to be able to adapt to whatever happens.”
“I love the competition, it makes everyone work harder. It’s going to be down to us and Oregon in the end. Whoever comes out on top will be the best team overall.”
Anne Kesselring, Oregon, W 800m (1st)
On the race overall:
“I am totally pleased. I wanted to get out there and get a good race. It’s my first race at Hayward Field so I was really excited.”
“I was able to pass people on the homestretch which felt good.
On the crowd:
“It was so exciting. That crowd is huge. With the cameras and the victory lap and the cheering, I was so excited.”
On running 800 vs. 1500:
“It depends on the points we need for the NCAAs, but wherever they put me I’ll go out there and race it.”
On the team atmosphere:
“It is such a strong community and I feel so welcome. Even though I’m not a native speaker I never feel out of place. It is inspiring to be with them as people as well as athletes.”
Mac Fleet, Oregon, M 800m (1st)
On the win:
“I wanted to get points for the team so we can win the meet. I’m happy to finally get a better time than I have been. Great win for the 1st race in Oregon uniform. “
On running from the back:
“I’ve been focusing on running from the back. I have now realized that I have good finishing speed, and no matter where I’m at, I’m confident I can come from the back.”
Amber Purvis, Oregon, W 100m (1st), W200m (1st)
On her two wins:
“It’s an exciting day, it gives me a lot of motivation to work. It’s a great practice to run and win against Texas A&M. I want to get a little faster, but I like where I am at now. I wanted to show everyone that we have really good sprinters on our team. I am focused on running. Today, I actually liked the 200 meters better than the 100. I am also excited for the relay. We ran our fastest time. The hand-offs are still a little shaky and we have to work on that.”
Matthew Centrowitz, M 1500m (1st), M 800m (8th)
On his races:
“Today was a good work out. We have a great weather and fans. I tried to score points for Oregon. Mac Fleet did a really good job too. In both races I wanted to go out pretty hard on a 52-53 second-pace. I ran 800 meters in high school so I feel comfortable with it. I enjoy the 5000 meters too. I had a good week of training and while running especially the second race I tried to be as relaxed as possible. I had a good winter and I think I am pretty quick for this time of a year.”
On running against Texas A&M:
“The rivalry and competition against them will help our confidence and preparations. Usually we only compete with them at the nationals, so this is a great and exciting opportunity for us to have their team in Eugene.”
Scott Roth, Washington, M Pole Vault (1st)
On being at Hayward:
“I’m pleased with it here, it’s awesome. Everyone is so supportive of each other and all the fans were cheering for me, it was really nice, I like that about here.”
“I changed my steps today, which meant that I had to adjust every jump today, but I was very pleased with how I adjusted on my steps.”
Nicole Blood, Oregon, W 1500m (2nd), W 5000m (2nd)
On the race overall:
“It was tough to tell how I was going to feel before the race because there wasn’t that much time after the 1500m. The plan was to get a certain time to get on the regional list, I was shooting for 16.25. I put myself in that position, and it was good to have Jordan out there as a bullet-point. It’s a hard race to run by yourself.”
On Hasay:
“I don’t think she is entirely pleased with the race, she is obviously in shape to run faster. The 5K on a track is a whole different race, you can’t compare it to cross country or to the 1500m.”
On teams invited to the meet:
“It’s exciting to get a whole other team here, it gives us a little preview and more adrenaline.”
Sam Humphreys, Texas A&M, M Javelin (1st)
On the day overall:
“I knew I had to step up my momentum. Coach told me to throw low, and on that fourth run I hit it really nice and really clean. I didn’t realize it was going to be that much of a PR.”
On the weather:
“There was a little headwind and it was a little cold, coming from Texas.”
On Hayward Field:
“It’s nice to come out here and see the track and the weather before NCAAs.”
Jordan Hasay, Oregon, W 5000m (1st)
On the race overall:
“It was great. The crowd was really helpful. It was tough for me, and I didn’t have a great time. It’s hard being out there by yourself. It was my first time doing the 5K and it is definitely a different race. I tried to stick to a solid pace, and I thought Nicole was going to get me in the end.
On the crowd:
“The crowd is great. Hopefully I can put on a better show for them next time.”
On running alone:
“I’m a competitor, so it’s hard to run by yourself.”
On the atmosphere of the race:
“It’s definitely a mental race. It’s nice to get one under my belt and I can get a better mental picture for next time.
On UO:
“It’s an honor to be a Duck. NCAAs will be amazing and I’m pumped for that.”
Jessica Beard, Texas A&M, W 400m (1st), W 4x400m Relay (1st)
On her race:
“I feel like I accomplished what I wanted. I was able to take advantage of the day to prepare and get ready for what Nationals will be like. I just wanted to work on my start and work on my own mind set. I feel like I accomplished what I came here to do so I’m happy.”
On Oregon:
“Oregon pushes us, we’re trying to defend our title against them this year.”
Texas A&M Coach Pat Henry
On the day:
“There was great competition today. I’m proud of our kids. For our people at this level it’s important to see what the clerking and practice areas as well as the crowds are going to be like for Nationals.”
On what to do before a meet:
“We have to get together and say this counts and make it count and win.”
On Kevin Burnett:
“He’s a young kid, but he’s a hard worker. It was fun to see him come around the corner and win like that.”
Keshia Baker, Oregon, W 400m (2nd)
On her performance:
“This meet was amazing. We won and we scored some points that people didn’t expect us to win. Amber Purvis dominated today and I am so happy for her. We had some personal bests on the team so this really was a good day. Our short relay was great. It went well and it’s only going to get better from here. I have a lot of faith in our team and I know we will continue to grow with each other for the rest of this season. I am looking forward to bringing good meets to our home crowd.”
On her competition against Texas A&M’s Jessica Beard:
“I focus on my own race. She is a great runner and I look forward to running against here later this season.”
Oregon Head Coach Vin Lananna
On team performance:
“We sat down with my staff and put up the best line-up we could just like we do for every meet. We try to pick the best suited people to get the job done. Amber Purvis was great today. Also freshman Jordan Hasay and Mac Fleet stood out. And of course our Ashton Eaton, who scored 45 points.”
On Mac Fleet:
“Mac Fleet’s been a pleasure. He gets very excited and competitive. He is a real athlete and he sets up his race from athletic perspective. He played it just right today. We are certain he can run a big-time 800 meters. He’s confident, but not arrogant. He’s a very gifted athlete.”
Ashton Eaton, Oregon, M Long Jump (1st), M 110m Hurdles (1st), M 4x400m Relay (2nd)
On the highlights of the day:
“The hurdles went well. That false start is tough, especially in 2010 with that one and done rule, he was going to be the one that would push me. The 400 was another big highlight."
On the hurdles:
“I got really excited with the Hayward crowd and I got behind on my steps and I could feel it. But I got my act together on the second one. “
On beating Texas A&M :
I don't know if they were at full steam today, and I know a couple of points could be shuffled here or there. But, it was a good confidence boost.”
“We thought we would win, maybe not dominate, but win. We knew they had more sprinters, and we had more distance runners, so we expected the balance that way.”
On last year at Oregon:
“It’s sad I don’t get many chances to wear an Oregon uniform in front of this crowd. I feel it in moments. I have thought about what my last lap of the 1500m at the NCAAs. It’s an emotional thing and it’s weird to think about it.”
“I just think I have to have fun. That’s the key to track. As a freshman, I was so uptight. Now I am seasoned and it’s fun running out here and doing well.”
