NCAA West Region Prelims Day One Quotes
05/26/11 | Track and Field
NCAA West Region Prelims-Day One
Hayward Field
May 26, 2011
Oregon Head coach Vin Lananna
On today's meet:
“Today isn't the big day tomorrow is the day that we need to be ready for.”
On strategy for meet:
“We needed to focus on getting through without any issues, and we succeeded at doing that.”
Amaechi Morton (Stanford), First Place, 400 meter hurdles
On First Round 400 meter hurdles:
“My main goal was to make it to the end, I needed to get comfortable so I could get into a good lane for tomorrow.”
“I felt good last night about this race, and I felt good about it today. I was ready to go fast and get 'em.”
Becca Friday (Oregon), First Place (Heat 1)-Sixth Overall, 1500 meter run:
On the race:
“Felt really good. I kind of tripped up a bit, but felt really relaxed.”
On if she felt boxed in:
“I knew I'd have to look for a gap or get outside eventually. I felt really good.”
Jordan Hasay (Oregon), First Place (Heat 3)-16th Overall, 1500 meter run:
On the qualifier:
“First round of three for the weekend, first one of four for the whole thing. I'm glad to get one over with. It's very nerve racking, you might fall, trip or not be feeling well in the morning. Glad to get it over with.”
“I just wanted to qualify and hold my breath until Saturday.”
On the significance of Heyward Field:
“I've only raced at Heyward once this season. It's really cool for everyone.”
On any advantage for the Oregon runners at home:
“I think it's an advantage for everyone. The crowd is so great, it gives you that extra boost. It's such an honor to be out there with fans who really understand the sport.”
A.J. Acosta (Oregon), 1500 meter run:
On the race:
“After Pac-10's, my confidence was, I wouldn't say low, but shaken. I'm just glad to come out and get through. I'm glad Centro and I could get through.”
“Vin was yelling at me, 'keep rollin', they're coming'. I just tried to keep my head straight. I definitely checked my peripherals. Just wanted to finish through the line. You never know who could sneak up at the end.”
Matthew Centrowitz (Oregon), First Place (Second heat), 1500 meter run:
On taking first in the heat:
“I didn't look back at all until the last 20 meters, and it felt good.”
“Running in this weather is a bit difficult sometimes, but I don't mind it. I know everyone else here does, but I will take that to my advantage.”
On being here at Hayward:
“I love racing here, it's always nice to get the crowd support when they call our names…it really helps me out.”
On the Pac 10 Race:
“I recovered fine from last week, the dry heat last week killed me, so it was nice to get back to the rain.”
English Gardner (Oregon) First P lace (Heat 1), 100m dash
On the race:
“You get used to it, I think everyone in Oregon is used to running in the liquid sunshine.”
“It's really hard to say coast in the 100m.”
Mandy White (Oregon), Second place (Heat Three), 100 Meter Dash
On Running at Hayward:
“The fans are the best part of running here are Hayward. They are so proud of you no matter how you do.”
On the Weather:
“We train in this weather and we know how to run in the rain, we use it to our advantage.”
On her race:
“It wasn't too cold, so I was able to get what I needed to get done. I ran a good race and I'm happy.”
Amber Purvis (Oregon), Fourth Place, 100m dash
On getting all three Oregon 100m runner through:
“That's so exciting. Not a lot of people expected that. But we've been proving ourselves all year so it's not a surprise to me at all.”
Jessica Beard (Texas A&M), 400m Dash
On the heat:
“It was slow. I won my heat though.”
“I was just trying to practice race strategy. It's kind of hard, I haven't had lane two all year.”
“I have a pretty strong finish, so just working on my start.”
On the crowd:
“It's a good crowd. When you're in front they'll cheer you on, I'll give them that.”
Mike Berry (Oregon), First Place (Heat Three), 400m dash
On the race:
“I just wanted to get out and run as hard as I could to get 1st place for a good seeding.”
“It felt good. They had us standing a while, some people tightened up but people ran well in my heat. Arizona State ran well.”
On age being a factor:
“It doesn't matter what grade you're in. You're competing against the best.”
Laura Roesler (Oregon), First Place (Heat Two), 800m run
On the race:
“I pretty much followed the race plan. The rain plays to our advantage. We just warmed up for a really long time.”
“Just taking it one day at a time. Trying to get through tomorrow and get as many Ducks into the NCAA's.”
Jamesha Youngblood (Oregon), Third Place, Long Jump
“I was hoping to get just one good jump in and hopefully it would have been good enough to get a pass.I got a bit more than that. “
“Coming out here today I just wanted to be safe, finish on the board, and make it to nationals.”
On Nationals
“I know it will be sixty degrees hotter in Iowa, so I know I will have to change my approach a little bit.”
“Since I know I'm not doing the relay, I'm hoping to get into two events for nationals. I'm excited.”
Elijah Greer (Oregon), First Place, 800 Meter Run
“Today I had to be confident, have good motion, and make a move.”
“While running, I tune out the crowd and stay relaxed.”
“Hard work and putting in time has paid off for me this season, and I'm proud of it.”
Alex Wolff (Oregon), Fourth Place, Javelin Throw
On his throw:
“It felt really good. I just knew I needed to throw well today to make it to NCAA's. I just dug deep.”
“I was kind of worried about the weather. I kept having flashbacks to last year's NCAA's.”
“I knew it was going to be over 70 meters. As soon as I let it go I knew I was punching my ticket. It feels really good.”
“I was nervous, I've got to be honest. But, nerves sometimes drive adrenaline.”
Bronwyn Crossman (Oregon), Ninth Place, 10,000m run
On qualifying:
“Amazing. It's something…I knew I had a chance. I'm overwhelmed. Just excitement and everything.”
On training and health:
“I honestly think it's iron. Training's been going awesome. I have a great training partner, great trainers; awesome team.”
Oregon Head coach Vin Lananna
On today's meet:
“Today isn't the big day tomorrow is the day that we need to be ready for.”
On strategy for meet:
“We needed to focus on getting through without any issues, and we succeeded at doing that.”
Luke Puskedra (Oregon), 11th Place, 10000 Meter Run
“I got a little antsy in the beginning and patience isn't my virture.”
“I was running slower laps by the time the pack caught up to me and I knew I had to gain my composure and stop counting heads. I knew I had to pull through on the last 800 meters.”
Parker Stinson (Oregon), 12th Place, 10,000m run
On the race and the qualification:
“I was a little nervous. I'm an even-paced runner and I've been working on kicks all year long. I think kicks are mainly mental.”
“I couldn't be happier today. It's just great to be here in Eugene. All my dorm mates came out and my grandparents.”
On Danny's presence:
“Danny really helps me when I think I can't do something. He's like a ghost of yourself.”
Players Mentioned
