Day 2 Quotes - NCAA Track and Field Championships
DAY 2 QUOTES - NCAA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Thurs., June 10 - Historic Hayward Field
----------------------------
Vin Lananna – Oregon
On the day for javelin:
“It wasn’t a great day for our javelin throwers. I don’t know how you comment on that. Yes there were tough conditions but coming from Oregon I’m not sure of that as an excuse.”
On Luke Puskedra:
“He didn’t race the plan we talked about. We talked about running a comfortable 5,000 then letting him push it. But I’ve been doing this for a while and in a lot of years doing this, I’ve learned you have to let kids go out there and compete with enthusiasm.”
On Ashton Eaton:
“Ashton is unflappable, he is ready to go.”
On the UO women’s team:
“Our girls did okay, we advanced two in the 1,500 and we have a great start for tomorrow. Were in good shape.”
On Andrew Wheating:
“Andrew looked good today, It will be a great race tomorrow, a great race.”
----------------------------
Jordan Scott – Kansas
Men’s Pole Vault (1st Place)
On his win:
“It feel phenomenal considering what went down today.”
On conditions today:
“We warmed up in a head win, then we compete in the rain, it was crazy.”
On his goal of a NCAA title:
“I’ve been after an NCAA title since freshman year. I’m in shock, it hasn’t quite hit me yet. It will sink in tomorrow when I take my victory lap and get my picture taken.”
----------------------------
Patricia Mamona – Clemson
Women’s Triple Jump (1st Place)
On the day:
“Jumping in this meet is a life goal. I’ve been trying so hard. I came for the win this time.”
“I opened up really well which I don’t normally do. After that, I thought it might be my day.”
On the crowd:
“The crowd was so great. I was feeling so enthusiastic. On my last jump I PR’d with everyone clapping and all of the adrenaline.”
----------------------------
Craig Kinsley – Brown
Men’s Javelin (1st Place)
On chances of winning:
“Any of the top guys have a chance on any given day. It’s all about consistency especially in the field events. I’m relieved and happy. It was really a culmination of a lot of hard work from the team and the coaches.”
“The series was a little erratic but I was really focused on the approach. A great place for it all to come together. PR by almost nine feet.”
----------------------------
Sam Chelanga – Liberty
Men’s 10,000m Final (1st Place)
On running alone:
“I kind of expected it. It wasn’t that easy. I was trying to hold on. I thought the weather was nice.”
On effort:
“I try to give it all I can. I don’t go out there looking to jog. Maybe the last lap I didn’t need to go at a 57.”
On Hayward:
“This place is awesome. The crowd was amazing and cheering. It means a lot. I know what it’s like to expect to win and not.”
----------------------------
Jessica Beard – Texas A&M
Women’s 4x400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 3)
On today's race and the crowd:
“We worked so hard to get here, the crowd really inspired me to run my heart out.”
On her performance today:
“I got out there and tried to run my race. I knew I had to come in and do my part.”
On competition:
“We just love competition and we use the media as motivation.”
----------------------------
Amber Purvis – Oregon
Women’s 4x400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the second leg:
“Since I’m not running any individuals, I had to put out a lot of energy. I did my best so Keshia wouldn’t have to run so hard. Overall, I think I did well today.”
On result:
“All that matters is that we qualified and won to get a good lane. I’m just excited for Saturday.”
----------------------------
Michele Williams – Oregon
Women’s 4x400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the goal of today:
“As of today we were just trying to qualify.”
“Our mind set is we can do anything, and with coach to lead us we can accomplish anything.”
On winning the race:
“We find it pretty important to win the race. Placing top two is definitely important, getting the preferred lanes four, five, six is a definite focus.”
----------------------------
Cyrus Hostetler – Oregon
Men’s Javelin (Did not place)
On his throws:
“The rain came down and at times made it difficult on the second flight.”
“You can always pop on any given throw, just didn’t get it. Some of my best throws come in the rain.”
On his final performance:
“It’s a hard way to leave Oregon.”
----------------------------
Alex Wolff – Oregon
Men’s Javelin (Did not place)
The elements:
“There’s no excuse, this is our home turf and we know how to play on it. You know, it’s really disappointing for Cyrus and I but for our team.”
On readiness:
“We were physically and mentally ready.”
On if any throw felt good:
“I’d like to say yes, but, no.”
----------------------------
Bridget Franek – Penn State
Women’s 3000m Steeple Chase Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the race:
“The race went well. Everyone had to deal with the rain and I just try to put it out of my mind and focus on the race itself.”
“All of my competitors are in the same conditions and you just have to put it out of your mind.”
“I wanted to run a clean race and get to the finals.”
On Saturday:
“The goal for Saturday is to win the race.”
----------------------------
Emma Coburn – Colorado
Women’s 3000m Steeple Chase Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On the race:
“We were looking to see what the first heat did and then race to a qualifying time. It was more of our strategy to stay with the top group.”
On preparing:
“Accelerating in the last 200 to practice the kick for the final. I wouldn’t have minded jogging the last 200. It was nice to look up at the screen and see her (my teammate) right behind me.”
----------------------------
Ronnie Ash – Oklahoma
Men’s 110m Hurdles Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On the race:
“It went ok. I was feeling tired all day really. But I was able to accelerate to the end. I’m just looking forward to Saturday.”
On defending the title:
“I’m trying to get my fourth national championship, maybe with the record. It’s a defending title race so I’ve just got to take it one step at a time.”
----------------------------
Queen Quedith Harrison – Virginia Tech
Women’s 100m Hurdles Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On her race:
“It felt really good. I’m just trying to go through the rounds and get the fastest time I can, the goal is to qualify for the finals.”
“The 100 is a different race than the 200. There is no real lane advantage because it’s a straight shot.”
----------------------------
Brianne Thiesen – Oregon
Women’s Heptathlon (1st Place)
On winning the heptathlon:
“It was cool. The crowd was awesome out there. I’m a little disappointed falling short of the point goal but I’m still very excited.”
On the hurdles:
“The hurdles set me up for a good heptathlon. And I’m excited for a solid score next time.”
On the crowd:
I’m excited to do a heptathlon for them. It was important and it’s really great.”
“It’s a completely different feeling winning one for the fans. It’s awesome for the fans and it’s awesome for us as well.”
----------------------------
Nikola Lomnicka – Georgia
Women’s Hammer (1st Place)
On today:
“I felt good. I knew if my technique worked that I could win and it worked.”
“I was relaxed. I wanted to go all in on my first throw.”
“I was so happy that I had won.”
On Hayward:
“I can’t wait to come back here in two years.”
----------------------------
Jordan Hasay – Oregon
Women’s 1500m Prelim (3rd Place, Heat 2)
On her finish:
“My kick is coming along but I just can’t turn it over as fast as some of the other runners.”
On handling the pressure:
“I try and keep it low key and don’t get to nervous.”
On how her body is feeling:
“My legs feel really great, a mixture of low cross training and low miles help with that."
On the finals:
“Having Alex and I with this crowd finals are going to be amazing."
----------------------------
Alex Kosinski – Oregon
Women’s 1500m Prelim (7th Place, Heat 1)
On making it into the finals:
“I was so happy I got in, a PR by 3 seconds. I did get a little tired but I didn’t realize we were running so fast.”
On Zoe Buckman:
“It’s hard to see her not make it when she deserves it and has been working so hard all year. There are a ton of runners from the prelims who deserve to get through who don’t.”
On training:
“I spent so much time in the pool. Getting up every morning at six had paid off.”
On running the 1500:
“I was really hesitant to run the 15 but now my speed is getting up there.”
----------------------------
Matthew Centrowitz – Oregon
Men’s 1500m Prelim (3rd Place, Heat 2)
On the three Oregon runners in the finals:
“All three of our guys qualified. Can’t ask much more than that.”
“We have a day’s rest or so and that’s ok I guess.”
On how they approach the race:
“I approach the race like I’m going to win it, then the last 100 re-evaluate and get the place your looking for in a race like this.”
On Saturday’s race:
We need to set the tone for Saturday with this race.”
----------------------------
A.J. Acosta – Oregon
Men’s 1500m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On today:
“We did exactly what we wanted to do - got both Centro and I in. I ran a pretty fast time, but I’ll get rested and recovered.”
“It felt great out there so I just took it. The time was secondary, getting Centro and I in was great.”
On the wind:
“I wasn’t really thinking about it. I felt it on the last turn but it’s the same for everyone.”
On the crowd:
“I think Centro and I both took a huge boost from the crowd.”
----------------------------
Andrew Wheating – Oregon
Men’s 1500m Prelim (3rd Place, Heat 1)
On his race:
“I wasn’t running to win, I was running to get top five.”
“I had a lot left, I kept looking at Vin (Lananna) and he was telling me I was doing fine. Then I came around and he told me to get third and I got it and basically fell asleep to hold it.”
On tomorrow’s race:
“It’s going to be a great competition and a fast race.”
----------------------------
Evander Wells - Tennessee
Men’s 200m Prelim (2nd Place, Heat 1)
On his race:
“The race felt good. It’s good getting back in the finals.”
On his time, 20.81:
“The main purpose is to advance to the finals, You just have to come back and get to the finals.”
On being a senior:
“This is your last chance whatever you got, you need to put it all out there now.”
On new goals:
“Right now the goal is to get out and run fast.”
----------------------------
Rondel Sorrillo - Kentucky
Men’s 200m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On today’s race:
“I just focused on executing. I made a few slip-ups.”
On the wind:
“I almost hit a wall because the wind was so strong. I just had to keep my focus.”
On doubling the 100 and 200:
“It is tough. But then again, track and field was never meant to be easy.”
----------------------------
Curtis Mitchell – Texas A&M
Men’s 200m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 3)
On the race:
“It was fun. I just wanted to have fun. I didn’t try to blast the turn like most guys would. I just wanted to try and control the race and I eased on in. The reason I raced like that was because I have four running events at this meet.”
On the upcoming 100m:
“I just try to take it day by day. I find that if you skip over a race you won’t do as well. I am going to focus now on the 100m. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to run against all of these guys.”
----------------------------
Marshall Ackley - Oregon
Men’s 400m Decathlon Final (3rd Place, Heat 1)
On today:
“Tomorrow is the day that I like the most with the hurdles and the javelin. The crowd pushed me so much today to do what I did. I’m just hoping they can push me again.”
----------------------------
Ashton Eaton – Oregon
Men’s 400m Decathlon Final (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the crowd:
“I was thinking they helped me across the finish line for a PR and that I should thank them for it. I can’t run that fast on my own.”
On the day:
“Obviously there are disappointments, in the high jump and shot but it’s a multi so you get it back in other places. I couldn’t be happier with the 400.”
On setting the college record tomorrow:
“Records just kind of come on their own.”
On mindset:
“Right now it’s just taking care of business and then it’s all fun and games after that.”
Thurs., June 10 - Historic Hayward Field
----------------------------
Vin Lananna – Oregon
On the day for javelin:
“It wasn’t a great day for our javelin throwers. I don’t know how you comment on that. Yes there were tough conditions but coming from Oregon I’m not sure of that as an excuse.”
On Luke Puskedra:
“He didn’t race the plan we talked about. We talked about running a comfortable 5,000 then letting him push it. But I’ve been doing this for a while and in a lot of years doing this, I’ve learned you have to let kids go out there and compete with enthusiasm.”
On Ashton Eaton:
“Ashton is unflappable, he is ready to go.”
On the UO women’s team:
“Our girls did okay, we advanced two in the 1,500 and we have a great start for tomorrow. Were in good shape.”
On Andrew Wheating:
“Andrew looked good today, It will be a great race tomorrow, a great race.”
----------------------------
Jordan Scott – Kansas
Men’s Pole Vault (1st Place)
On his win:
“It feel phenomenal considering what went down today.”
On conditions today:
“We warmed up in a head win, then we compete in the rain, it was crazy.”
On his goal of a NCAA title:
“I’ve been after an NCAA title since freshman year. I’m in shock, it hasn’t quite hit me yet. It will sink in tomorrow when I take my victory lap and get my picture taken.”
----------------------------
Patricia Mamona – Clemson
Women’s Triple Jump (1st Place)
On the day:
“Jumping in this meet is a life goal. I’ve been trying so hard. I came for the win this time.”
“I opened up really well which I don’t normally do. After that, I thought it might be my day.”
On the crowd:
“The crowd was so great. I was feeling so enthusiastic. On my last jump I PR’d with everyone clapping and all of the adrenaline.”
----------------------------
Craig Kinsley – Brown
Men’s Javelin (1st Place)
On chances of winning:
“Any of the top guys have a chance on any given day. It’s all about consistency especially in the field events. I’m relieved and happy. It was really a culmination of a lot of hard work from the team and the coaches.”
“The series was a little erratic but I was really focused on the approach. A great place for it all to come together. PR by almost nine feet.”
----------------------------
Sam Chelanga – Liberty
Men’s 10,000m Final (1st Place)
On running alone:
“I kind of expected it. It wasn’t that easy. I was trying to hold on. I thought the weather was nice.”
On effort:
“I try to give it all I can. I don’t go out there looking to jog. Maybe the last lap I didn’t need to go at a 57.”
On Hayward:
“This place is awesome. The crowd was amazing and cheering. It means a lot. I know what it’s like to expect to win and not.”
----------------------------
Jessica Beard – Texas A&M
Women’s 4x400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 3)
On today's race and the crowd:
“We worked so hard to get here, the crowd really inspired me to run my heart out.”
On her performance today:
“I got out there and tried to run my race. I knew I had to come in and do my part.”
On competition:
“We just love competition and we use the media as motivation.”
----------------------------
Amber Purvis – Oregon
Women’s 4x400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the second leg:
“Since I’m not running any individuals, I had to put out a lot of energy. I did my best so Keshia wouldn’t have to run so hard. Overall, I think I did well today.”
On result:
“All that matters is that we qualified and won to get a good lane. I’m just excited for Saturday.”
----------------------------
Michele Williams – Oregon
Women’s 4x400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the goal of today:
“As of today we were just trying to qualify.”
“Our mind set is we can do anything, and with coach to lead us we can accomplish anything.”
On winning the race:
“We find it pretty important to win the race. Placing top two is definitely important, getting the preferred lanes four, five, six is a definite focus.”
----------------------------
Cyrus Hostetler – Oregon
Men’s Javelin (Did not place)
On his throws:
“The rain came down and at times made it difficult on the second flight.”
“You can always pop on any given throw, just didn’t get it. Some of my best throws come in the rain.”
On his final performance:
“It’s a hard way to leave Oregon.”
----------------------------
Alex Wolff – Oregon
Men’s Javelin (Did not place)
The elements:
“There’s no excuse, this is our home turf and we know how to play on it. You know, it’s really disappointing for Cyrus and I but for our team.”
On readiness:
“We were physically and mentally ready.”
On if any throw felt good:
“I’d like to say yes, but, no.”
----------------------------
Bridget Franek – Penn State
Women’s 3000m Steeple Chase Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the race:
“The race went well. Everyone had to deal with the rain and I just try to put it out of my mind and focus on the race itself.”
“All of my competitors are in the same conditions and you just have to put it out of your mind.”
“I wanted to run a clean race and get to the finals.”
On Saturday:
“The goal for Saturday is to win the race.”
----------------------------
Emma Coburn – Colorado
Women’s 3000m Steeple Chase Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On the race:
“We were looking to see what the first heat did and then race to a qualifying time. It was more of our strategy to stay with the top group.”
On preparing:
“Accelerating in the last 200 to practice the kick for the final. I wouldn’t have minded jogging the last 200. It was nice to look up at the screen and see her (my teammate) right behind me.”
----------------------------
Ronnie Ash – Oklahoma
Men’s 110m Hurdles Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On the race:
“It went ok. I was feeling tired all day really. But I was able to accelerate to the end. I’m just looking forward to Saturday.”
On defending the title:
“I’m trying to get my fourth national championship, maybe with the record. It’s a defending title race so I’ve just got to take it one step at a time.”
----------------------------
Queen Quedith Harrison – Virginia Tech
Women’s 100m Hurdles Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On her race:
“It felt really good. I’m just trying to go through the rounds and get the fastest time I can, the goal is to qualify for the finals.”
“The 100 is a different race than the 200. There is no real lane advantage because it’s a straight shot.”
----------------------------
Brianne Thiesen – Oregon
Women’s Heptathlon (1st Place)
On winning the heptathlon:
“It was cool. The crowd was awesome out there. I’m a little disappointed falling short of the point goal but I’m still very excited.”
On the hurdles:
“The hurdles set me up for a good heptathlon. And I’m excited for a solid score next time.”
On the crowd:
I’m excited to do a heptathlon for them. It was important and it’s really great.”
“It’s a completely different feeling winning one for the fans. It’s awesome for the fans and it’s awesome for us as well.”
----------------------------
Nikola Lomnicka – Georgia
Women’s Hammer (1st Place)
On today:
“I felt good. I knew if my technique worked that I could win and it worked.”
“I was relaxed. I wanted to go all in on my first throw.”
“I was so happy that I had won.”
On Hayward:
“I can’t wait to come back here in two years.”
----------------------------
Jordan Hasay – Oregon
Women’s 1500m Prelim (3rd Place, Heat 2)
On her finish:
“My kick is coming along but I just can’t turn it over as fast as some of the other runners.”
On handling the pressure:
“I try and keep it low key and don’t get to nervous.”
On how her body is feeling:
“My legs feel really great, a mixture of low cross training and low miles help with that."
On the finals:
“Having Alex and I with this crowd finals are going to be amazing."
----------------------------
Alex Kosinski – Oregon
Women’s 1500m Prelim (7th Place, Heat 1)
On making it into the finals:
“I was so happy I got in, a PR by 3 seconds. I did get a little tired but I didn’t realize we were running so fast.”
On Zoe Buckman:
“It’s hard to see her not make it when she deserves it and has been working so hard all year. There are a ton of runners from the prelims who deserve to get through who don’t.”
On training:
“I spent so much time in the pool. Getting up every morning at six had paid off.”
On running the 1500:
“I was really hesitant to run the 15 but now my speed is getting up there.”
----------------------------
Matthew Centrowitz – Oregon
Men’s 1500m Prelim (3rd Place, Heat 2)
On the three Oregon runners in the finals:
“All three of our guys qualified. Can’t ask much more than that.”
“We have a day’s rest or so and that’s ok I guess.”
On how they approach the race:
“I approach the race like I’m going to win it, then the last 100 re-evaluate and get the place your looking for in a race like this.”
On Saturday’s race:
We need to set the tone for Saturday with this race.”
----------------------------
A.J. Acosta – Oregon
Men’s 1500m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On today:
“We did exactly what we wanted to do - got both Centro and I in. I ran a pretty fast time, but I’ll get rested and recovered.”
“It felt great out there so I just took it. The time was secondary, getting Centro and I in was great.”
On the wind:
“I wasn’t really thinking about it. I felt it on the last turn but it’s the same for everyone.”
On the crowd:
“I think Centro and I both took a huge boost from the crowd.”
----------------------------
Andrew Wheating – Oregon
Men’s 1500m Prelim (3rd Place, Heat 1)
On his race:
“I wasn’t running to win, I was running to get top five.”
“I had a lot left, I kept looking at Vin (Lananna) and he was telling me I was doing fine. Then I came around and he told me to get third and I got it and basically fell asleep to hold it.”
On tomorrow’s race:
“It’s going to be a great competition and a fast race.”
----------------------------
Evander Wells - Tennessee
Men’s 200m Prelim (2nd Place, Heat 1)
On his race:
“The race felt good. It’s good getting back in the finals.”
On his time, 20.81:
“The main purpose is to advance to the finals, You just have to come back and get to the finals.”
On being a senior:
“This is your last chance whatever you got, you need to put it all out there now.”
On new goals:
“Right now the goal is to get out and run fast.”
----------------------------
Rondel Sorrillo - Kentucky
Men’s 200m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On today’s race:
“I just focused on executing. I made a few slip-ups.”
On the wind:
“I almost hit a wall because the wind was so strong. I just had to keep my focus.”
On doubling the 100 and 200:
“It is tough. But then again, track and field was never meant to be easy.”
----------------------------
Curtis Mitchell – Texas A&M
Men’s 200m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 3)
On the race:
“It was fun. I just wanted to have fun. I didn’t try to blast the turn like most guys would. I just wanted to try and control the race and I eased on in. The reason I raced like that was because I have four running events at this meet.”
On the upcoming 100m:
“I just try to take it day by day. I find that if you skip over a race you won’t do as well. I am going to focus now on the 100m. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to run against all of these guys.”
----------------------------
Marshall Ackley - Oregon
Men’s 400m Decathlon Final (3rd Place, Heat 1)
On today:
“Tomorrow is the day that I like the most with the hurdles and the javelin. The crowd pushed me so much today to do what I did. I’m just hoping they can push me again.”
----------------------------
Ashton Eaton – Oregon
Men’s 400m Decathlon Final (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the crowd:
“I was thinking they helped me across the finish line for a PR and that I should thank them for it. I can’t run that fast on my own.”
On the day:
“Obviously there are disappointments, in the high jump and shot but it’s a multi so you get it back in other places. I couldn’t be happier with the 400.”
On setting the college record tomorrow:
“Records just kind of come on their own.”
On mindset:
“Right now it’s just taking care of business and then it’s all fun and games after that.”
