Day 1 Quotes - NCAA Track and Field Championships
DAY 1 QUOTES - NCAA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Wed., June 9 - Historic Hayward Field
----------------------------
Vin Lananna – Oregon
On the first day of the meet:
“Not a lot happened. We advanced where we needed to advance. We will see what tomorrow brings.”
On Nicole Blood:
“I am glad she was able to pull together and be tough as usual. She will comeback for Friday for the 5,000 meters.”
On crowd:
“Fans did a great job of cheering people through the events.”
----------------------------
Lisa Koll – Iowa State
Women’s 10,000m Final (1st Place)
On the race:
“The plan was to go any time after 5k. I just kept looking at my coach and got a little antsy. But I got out with seven laps to go and then tried to enjoy the last lap and smile. My coach kept trying to get me to realize and enjoy it. Looking back and knowing Iowa State was going to go 1-2 was cool knowing that I was part of something that was bigger than me.”
On Eugene:
“Eugene is such a great place to run. Hayward field with the crowd, you can’t help but feel the nostalgia.”
----------------------------
Nicole Blood - Oregon
Women’s 10,000m Final (3rd Place)
On strategy:
“Be tough, put myself in front, and run hard the last two miles. I wanted to hang on and finish strong.”
On the atmosphere:
“That crowd carried me the last 600 meters when I felt like I had nothing left. I heard Blood being chanted and people started standing.”
On the finish:
“It was a long race and I was not thinking about a PR. I would have liked a couple more points, but I ran my heart out. The weather added to the 10K.”
----------------------------
Jeneva McCall – Southern Illinois
Women’s Discus Final (1st Place)
On the best throw:
It was on my last throw of the prelims. I was missing a lot and was going to go again and my arm kind of went dead. When I threw it I didn’t know what it would be.”
On the conditions:
“I don’t worry about the conditions. Everyone has the same conditions and has to throw in the same ring. So it becomes about adjustments.”
On today's outcome:
“I was disappointed that I didn’t reach my full potential.”
On the trophy:
“Trophies just take up space. That’s not why I do this. I do this because I love the competition and I do it because I love it. Send this one to grandma.”
----------------------------
Christian Taylor – Florida
Men’s Triple Jump Final (1st Place)
On the semis:
“It was great. I knew the weather would play a big part.”
“God bless, really. I am glad I made it.”
“I was trying to get a feel and take advantage and make the most of the race.”
“Texas A&M had a big jump and I knew I needed to step up.”
“Every night I want to go to sleep knowing I did something better today than yesterday.”
On the Hayward field atmosphere:
“It is a great crowd. It is the best atmosphere I have ever jumped in and I thank Oregon for that. This really is Track Town USA.”
On preparing for other races:
“God bless that I am healthy. I will make the best of any situation.”
“I am running tomorrow but I am taking one event at a time. I will get my mind ready for that. Then I have long jump Saturday.
----------------------------
Queen Quedith Harrison – Virginia Tech
Women’s 400m Hurdles Prelims (1st Place, Heat 1)
On today:
“It felt really good. Not the best weather to be sprinting and hurdling. But the goal was to make the finals. I wanted to be the top qualifier. There’s something about having a target on my back.”
On running hard in first heat:
“You never know what the next heats are going to do. They could come out and jog. So you’ve got to sprint the first heat.”
----------------------------
Ti’erra Brown – Miami
Women’s 400m Hurdles Prelims (1st Place, Heat 2)
On semis:
“I’m happy, it has not hit me yet. It will once all three of us are lined up on Friday night. We have all worked hard.”
“We want to represent Hurdle U.”
----------------------------
Fawn Dorr – Penn State
Women’s 400m Hurdles Prelims (1st Place, Heat 3)
On the conditions:
“It was really calm. I felt really controlled just doing what my coaches asked of me. The goal was to move into the finals. It’s more than just qualifying it’s about getting a good lane assignment.”
----------------------------
Jeshua Anderson – Washington State
Men’s 400m Hurdles Prelims (1st Place, Heat 2)
On today’s race:
“I feel good in this cold weather. I’m happy with my performance today. Getting the top seed was the goal for today.”
“I exerted a little energy down the stretch. It all worked out. I’ll have tomorrow to rest.”
On the finals:
“I don’t think there’s a limit for anyone. I think there’s a world record out there to be had on this track. I know we’re going to blow out fast. Everyone’s hungry for that title.”
----------------------------
Johnny Dutch – South Carolina
Men’s 400m Hurdles Prelims (1st Place, Heat 3)
On semis:
“I am a little winded but I felt pretty good. I opened up fast in the first round. This race prepared me for a good final.”
On competition:
“These guys trained just as hard and have just as much heart.”
----------------------------
Donn Cabral - Princeton
Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On his heat:
“I didn’t feel as great as I would have liked to. It was ok though.”
On the conditions:
“Conditions were great really. There was not too much wind. I was tight in the pack and I usually like to be in the front”
On the Hayward Field atmosphere:
“The crowd was awesome I have never raced in front of a crowd like that.”
----------------------------
Matt Hughes - Louisville
Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the pace:
“It got out to a 5:56 pace. I wanted to stay out of traffic at the beginning.”
On the conditions:
“I’ll run in anything. It was a little windy so I didn’t really want to be out there in the front like that.”
On Hayward Field:
“I’d never ran in front of that many people before. I had heard all about it. It was great.”
----------------------------
Blessing Okagbare - UTEP
Women’s 100m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On today’s race preparing for the finals:
“I felt good. I’m much more ready for the finals.”
----------------------------
Mandy White – Oregon
Women’s 100m Prelim (6th Place, Heat 3)
On the weather:
“It gives us more of an advantage, the wind being behind us helped us out.”
On recording a PR:
“I had a really good start, drove hard, and relaxed at the end.”
On 4x100 finals:
“I still have the 4x100 with 80 degree weather and hopefully a new PR.”
On this year:
“I seem to get faster everytime I run. I have had a lot of PRs and worked really hard. Not too many people can say they have been on indoor and outdoor national championship teams.”
On competition:
“Texas A&M will be stiff competition. We just have to do what we do. We need to get the baton around and run fast.”
----------------------------
Jeneba Tarmoh – Texas A&M
Women’s 100m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 3)
On losing a teammate at the regionals:
“Of course it affects us. In a meet like this we’ve all got to step up. It’s unfortunate we lost her but we have to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
On the 100m:
“I’m really excited. It was probably the best race I’ve had all year.”
On conditions:
“We’ve been through it all this year so nothing new with the rain and the cold. Coming here earlier helped with getting used to the atmosphere and the time change.”
----------------------------
Jeff Demps – Florida
Men’s 100m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the race:
“I was pretty satisfied to come out and run it like that with the conditions. Not the best start though. Get through and prepare for the finals.”
On conditions:
“It was cool and wet, but it was cool and wet for everyone else too, so I can’t complain.”
On scoreboard watching:
“We’re just going to focus on Florida and how we go out and execute.”
----------------------------
Brianne Theisen - Oregon
Women’s Heptathlon (2nd Place after Day 1)
On today’s events:
“I can’t say that I’m not a little disappointed. Especially with the high jump and shot put. I lost my rhythm in the high jump and I was a little rattled going into the shot put.”
On the hurdles PR:
“The hurdles was amazing. Usually I run my best races when there’s someone ahead of me. It didn’t rain that much when we were out there. So overall it was a pretty good day.”
On position going into tomorrow:
“I feel good. All year long I haven’t had the strongest second days. If I can get a really solid long jump that will put me in good position.”
----------------------------
Francena McCorory - Hampton
Women’s 400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 3)
On heat:
“I got out in the first 100. It is a good practice race for Friday. I need to do a little better Friday, but I am getting a feel for it.”
On finals:
“Once you get to the finals, it is the finals, and you go all out. I am glad we only get to run twice.”
“I will try my best to try to break 50.”
----------------------------
Keshia Baker - Oregon
Women’s 400m Prelim (2nd Place, Heat 3)
On the 4x100m relay:
“We made it to the finals in the 4x1. One mishap but we did a great job.”
On emotions of today:
“It’s so exciting. Graduation on Monday, having my family here, having the race at my home track. The crowd was beautiful and they really made me feel special. It’s just overwhelming with all of the emotions.”
On nerves:
“My nerves are a lot more calmed down. The 4x4 is something that’s really special to me so I want to get a good cool down and be ready to come out tomorrow.”
On weather conditions:
“I’m fine with the weather! I’ve been here four years!”
----------------------------
Jessica Beard – Texas A&M
Women’s 400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the race:
“I was trying to run through the conditions, win my heat, get a good enough time to get a good lane so that I can worry about the final.”
On the team:
“Just trying to get used to the conditions and get prepared. We’re going to try and get as many people into the finals as possible.”
----------------------------
Donald Sanford – Arizona State
Men’s 400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 3)
On the race:
“It was a competitive race. Everyone wants to get through.”
“I do whatever it takes to get the win. I had to run a guy down to get it.”
On the finals:
“Nobody wants to go home. I will work hard to prepare for the final.”
----------------------------
Joey Hughes – USC
Men’s 400m (1st Place, Heat 2)
On race conditions:
"I have really small spikes on so I was slipping all over the place. I feel that if it’s going to keep raining like this they should let us have longer spikes.”
On mindset going into final:
“Do what my coaches have been telling me to do. They’ve preached staying consistent. You don’t want to change anything at a big meet like this.”
----------------------------
Phoebe Wright – Tennessee
Women's 800m Prelims (1st Place, Heat 2)
On feeling of race:
“I felt surprisingly good, and I usually do not in prelims. I remained really comfortable around the curve and I held my ground for the last lap.”
On finals:
“This year I have been working on not getting over anxious. I promised myself I would go into the NCAA like every other meet.
On expectations:
“I do not perform well unless I have pressure.”
----------------------------
Anne Kesselring – Oregon
Women's 800m Prelims (2nd Place, Heat 2)
On bad weather:
“We’ve had a couple of practices like this in the winter and with cross country. It’s just how it is and you have to race whatever you get.”
----------------------------
Robby Andrews – Virginia
Men's 800m Prelims (1st Place, Heat 1)
“Feels good. It’s real tough out there. Those guys are unbelievable.”
“It’s just so great running on this track.”
“It’s such a loaded final. Nothing is given. I’m just thankful to be in the final and just trying to have fun.”
----------------------------
Andrew Wheating – Oregon
Men's 800m Prelims (1st Place, Heat 3)
On the windy and rainy conditions:
“I am a Duck, hopefully I can learn to swim in it.”
“My legs felt alive, I hammered that out. It was the easiest 1:48 I have ever run.”
“The final will be anybody’s race. I am really eager to get to it.”
-----------------------------------
Elijah Greer - Oregon
Men's 800m Prelims (3rd place, Heat 2)
On the race:
“I felt good. The race was hard. The first lap was easy, I ran 54, 52. Some guys got in my way, but I ran hard and got a new PR. It is exciting.”
----------------------------
Ryan Whiting - Arizona State
Men's Discus Final (1st Place)
On winning the title:
“I’ve been throwing well in practice, it just came out at the right time.”
“I was just worried I was going to lose by an inch again.”
“At Regionals and Pac-10’s I’ve come through on my last throw so I know it’s in there. It’s not so much a mental thing.”
-----------------------------------
Jamesha Youngblood - Oregon
Women's 4x100m Relay Semis (2nd place, Heat 2)
On the hand off:
“We will fix it next time. We got through.”
On how to preparation for finals:
“We will watch video, see what happened, and go from there.
“If the weather was better it would be more exciting, but it is still exciting.”
Wed., June 9 - Historic Hayward Field
----------------------------
Vin Lananna – Oregon
On the first day of the meet:
“Not a lot happened. We advanced where we needed to advance. We will see what tomorrow brings.”
On Nicole Blood:
“I am glad she was able to pull together and be tough as usual. She will comeback for Friday for the 5,000 meters.”
On crowd:
“Fans did a great job of cheering people through the events.”
----------------------------
Lisa Koll – Iowa State
Women’s 10,000m Final (1st Place)
On the race:
“The plan was to go any time after 5k. I just kept looking at my coach and got a little antsy. But I got out with seven laps to go and then tried to enjoy the last lap and smile. My coach kept trying to get me to realize and enjoy it. Looking back and knowing Iowa State was going to go 1-2 was cool knowing that I was part of something that was bigger than me.”
On Eugene:
“Eugene is such a great place to run. Hayward field with the crowd, you can’t help but feel the nostalgia.”
----------------------------
Nicole Blood - Oregon
Women’s 10,000m Final (3rd Place)
On strategy:
“Be tough, put myself in front, and run hard the last two miles. I wanted to hang on and finish strong.”
On the atmosphere:
“That crowd carried me the last 600 meters when I felt like I had nothing left. I heard Blood being chanted and people started standing.”
On the finish:
“It was a long race and I was not thinking about a PR. I would have liked a couple more points, but I ran my heart out. The weather added to the 10K.”
----------------------------
Jeneva McCall – Southern Illinois
Women’s Discus Final (1st Place)
On the best throw:
It was on my last throw of the prelims. I was missing a lot and was going to go again and my arm kind of went dead. When I threw it I didn’t know what it would be.”
On the conditions:
“I don’t worry about the conditions. Everyone has the same conditions and has to throw in the same ring. So it becomes about adjustments.”
On today's outcome:
“I was disappointed that I didn’t reach my full potential.”
On the trophy:
“Trophies just take up space. That’s not why I do this. I do this because I love the competition and I do it because I love it. Send this one to grandma.”
----------------------------
Christian Taylor – Florida
Men’s Triple Jump Final (1st Place)
On the semis:
“It was great. I knew the weather would play a big part.”
“God bless, really. I am glad I made it.”
“I was trying to get a feel and take advantage and make the most of the race.”
“Texas A&M had a big jump and I knew I needed to step up.”
“Every night I want to go to sleep knowing I did something better today than yesterday.”
On the Hayward field atmosphere:
“It is a great crowd. It is the best atmosphere I have ever jumped in and I thank Oregon for that. This really is Track Town USA.”
On preparing for other races:
“God bless that I am healthy. I will make the best of any situation.”
“I am running tomorrow but I am taking one event at a time. I will get my mind ready for that. Then I have long jump Saturday.
----------------------------
Queen Quedith Harrison – Virginia Tech
Women’s 400m Hurdles Prelims (1st Place, Heat 1)
On today:
“It felt really good. Not the best weather to be sprinting and hurdling. But the goal was to make the finals. I wanted to be the top qualifier. There’s something about having a target on my back.”
On running hard in first heat:
“You never know what the next heats are going to do. They could come out and jog. So you’ve got to sprint the first heat.”
----------------------------
Ti’erra Brown – Miami
Women’s 400m Hurdles Prelims (1st Place, Heat 2)
On semis:
“I’m happy, it has not hit me yet. It will once all three of us are lined up on Friday night. We have all worked hard.”
“We want to represent Hurdle U.”
----------------------------
Fawn Dorr – Penn State
Women’s 400m Hurdles Prelims (1st Place, Heat 3)
On the conditions:
“It was really calm. I felt really controlled just doing what my coaches asked of me. The goal was to move into the finals. It’s more than just qualifying it’s about getting a good lane assignment.”
----------------------------
Jeshua Anderson – Washington State
Men’s 400m Hurdles Prelims (1st Place, Heat 2)
On today’s race:
“I feel good in this cold weather. I’m happy with my performance today. Getting the top seed was the goal for today.”
“I exerted a little energy down the stretch. It all worked out. I’ll have tomorrow to rest.”
On the finals:
“I don’t think there’s a limit for anyone. I think there’s a world record out there to be had on this track. I know we’re going to blow out fast. Everyone’s hungry for that title.”
----------------------------
Johnny Dutch – South Carolina
Men’s 400m Hurdles Prelims (1st Place, Heat 3)
On semis:
“I am a little winded but I felt pretty good. I opened up fast in the first round. This race prepared me for a good final.”
On competition:
“These guys trained just as hard and have just as much heart.”
----------------------------
Donn Cabral - Princeton
Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On his heat:
“I didn’t feel as great as I would have liked to. It was ok though.”
On the conditions:
“Conditions were great really. There was not too much wind. I was tight in the pack and I usually like to be in the front”
On the Hayward Field atmosphere:
“The crowd was awesome I have never raced in front of a crowd like that.”
----------------------------
Matt Hughes - Louisville
Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the pace:
“It got out to a 5:56 pace. I wanted to stay out of traffic at the beginning.”
On the conditions:
“I’ll run in anything. It was a little windy so I didn’t really want to be out there in the front like that.”
On Hayward Field:
“I’d never ran in front of that many people before. I had heard all about it. It was great.”
----------------------------
Blessing Okagbare - UTEP
Women’s 100m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 2)
On today’s race preparing for the finals:
“I felt good. I’m much more ready for the finals.”
----------------------------
Mandy White – Oregon
Women’s 100m Prelim (6th Place, Heat 3)
On the weather:
“It gives us more of an advantage, the wind being behind us helped us out.”
On recording a PR:
“I had a really good start, drove hard, and relaxed at the end.”
On 4x100 finals:
“I still have the 4x100 with 80 degree weather and hopefully a new PR.”
On this year:
“I seem to get faster everytime I run. I have had a lot of PRs and worked really hard. Not too many people can say they have been on indoor and outdoor national championship teams.”
On competition:
“Texas A&M will be stiff competition. We just have to do what we do. We need to get the baton around and run fast.”
----------------------------
Jeneba Tarmoh – Texas A&M
Women’s 100m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 3)
On losing a teammate at the regionals:
“Of course it affects us. In a meet like this we’ve all got to step up. It’s unfortunate we lost her but we have to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
On the 100m:
“I’m really excited. It was probably the best race I’ve had all year.”
On conditions:
“We’ve been through it all this year so nothing new with the rain and the cold. Coming here earlier helped with getting used to the atmosphere and the time change.”
----------------------------
Jeff Demps – Florida
Men’s 100m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the race:
“I was pretty satisfied to come out and run it like that with the conditions. Not the best start though. Get through and prepare for the finals.”
On conditions:
“It was cool and wet, but it was cool and wet for everyone else too, so I can’t complain.”
On scoreboard watching:
“We’re just going to focus on Florida and how we go out and execute.”
----------------------------
Brianne Theisen - Oregon
Women’s Heptathlon (2nd Place after Day 1)
On today’s events:
“I can’t say that I’m not a little disappointed. Especially with the high jump and shot put. I lost my rhythm in the high jump and I was a little rattled going into the shot put.”
On the hurdles PR:
“The hurdles was amazing. Usually I run my best races when there’s someone ahead of me. It didn’t rain that much when we were out there. So overall it was a pretty good day.”
On position going into tomorrow:
“I feel good. All year long I haven’t had the strongest second days. If I can get a really solid long jump that will put me in good position.”
----------------------------
Francena McCorory - Hampton
Women’s 400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 3)
On heat:
“I got out in the first 100. It is a good practice race for Friday. I need to do a little better Friday, but I am getting a feel for it.”
On finals:
“Once you get to the finals, it is the finals, and you go all out. I am glad we only get to run twice.”
“I will try my best to try to break 50.”
----------------------------
Keshia Baker - Oregon
Women’s 400m Prelim (2nd Place, Heat 3)
On the 4x100m relay:
“We made it to the finals in the 4x1. One mishap but we did a great job.”
On emotions of today:
“It’s so exciting. Graduation on Monday, having my family here, having the race at my home track. The crowd was beautiful and they really made me feel special. It’s just overwhelming with all of the emotions.”
On nerves:
“My nerves are a lot more calmed down. The 4x4 is something that’s really special to me so I want to get a good cool down and be ready to come out tomorrow.”
On weather conditions:
“I’m fine with the weather! I’ve been here four years!”
----------------------------
Jessica Beard – Texas A&M
Women’s 400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 1)
On the race:
“I was trying to run through the conditions, win my heat, get a good enough time to get a good lane so that I can worry about the final.”
On the team:
“Just trying to get used to the conditions and get prepared. We’re going to try and get as many people into the finals as possible.”
----------------------------
Donald Sanford – Arizona State
Men’s 400m Prelim (1st Place, Heat 3)
On the race:
“It was a competitive race. Everyone wants to get through.”
“I do whatever it takes to get the win. I had to run a guy down to get it.”
On the finals:
“Nobody wants to go home. I will work hard to prepare for the final.”
----------------------------
Joey Hughes – USC
Men’s 400m (1st Place, Heat 2)
On race conditions:
"I have really small spikes on so I was slipping all over the place. I feel that if it’s going to keep raining like this they should let us have longer spikes.”
On mindset going into final:
“Do what my coaches have been telling me to do. They’ve preached staying consistent. You don’t want to change anything at a big meet like this.”
----------------------------
Phoebe Wright – Tennessee
Women's 800m Prelims (1st Place, Heat 2)
On feeling of race:
“I felt surprisingly good, and I usually do not in prelims. I remained really comfortable around the curve and I held my ground for the last lap.”
On finals:
“This year I have been working on not getting over anxious. I promised myself I would go into the NCAA like every other meet.
On expectations:
“I do not perform well unless I have pressure.”
----------------------------
Anne Kesselring – Oregon
Women's 800m Prelims (2nd Place, Heat 2)
On bad weather:
“We’ve had a couple of practices like this in the winter and with cross country. It’s just how it is and you have to race whatever you get.”
----------------------------
Robby Andrews – Virginia
Men's 800m Prelims (1st Place, Heat 1)
“Feels good. It’s real tough out there. Those guys are unbelievable.”
“It’s just so great running on this track.”
“It’s such a loaded final. Nothing is given. I’m just thankful to be in the final and just trying to have fun.”
----------------------------
Andrew Wheating – Oregon
Men's 800m Prelims (1st Place, Heat 3)
On the windy and rainy conditions:
“I am a Duck, hopefully I can learn to swim in it.”
“My legs felt alive, I hammered that out. It was the easiest 1:48 I have ever run.”
“The final will be anybody’s race. I am really eager to get to it.”
-----------------------------------
Elijah Greer - Oregon
Men's 800m Prelims (3rd place, Heat 2)
On the race:
“I felt good. The race was hard. The first lap was easy, I ran 54, 52. Some guys got in my way, but I ran hard and got a new PR. It is exciting.”
----------------------------
Ryan Whiting - Arizona State
Men's Discus Final (1st Place)
On winning the title:
“I’ve been throwing well in practice, it just came out at the right time.”
“I was just worried I was going to lose by an inch again.”
“At Regionals and Pac-10’s I’ve come through on my last throw so I know it’s in there. It’s not so much a mental thing.”
-----------------------------------
Jamesha Youngblood - Oregon
Women's 4x100m Relay Semis (2nd place, Heat 2)
On the hand off:
“We will fix it next time. We got through.”
On how to preparation for finals:
“We will watch video, see what happened, and go from there.
“If the weather was better it would be more exciting, but it is still exciting.”
