2008 NCAA? Midwest Regional Event Winner Quotes - Friday, May 30, 2008
Mike Cast, Sr. ? <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Texas Tech Red Raiders ? Men’s Javelin
On making his first trip to the NCAA Championships...<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>
“Making the NCAA Championships is something I have been working on for four years. I don’t think it has really sunk in yet that I made the meet.”
Loren Groves, Jr. - Kansas State Wildcats ? Women’s Hammer Throw
On her performance in the hammer throw...
“My first throw went really well and I knew for sure I was going to nationals and I didn’t even expect to win, so that was even a bigger surprise when I found out. It was really exciting because it’s the first time I’ve gone to nationals outdoor. It’s all very exciting.”
Dusty Jonas, Sr. ? Nebraska Cornhuskers ? Men’s High Jump
On only taking four jumps today...
“It felt good today to come out and only take four jumps (7-1, 2.16; 7-3 ?, 2.22; 7-4 ?, 2.25; and 7-7, 2.31). I wanted to limit myself today and doing that was a positive.”
Blessing Okagbare, So. ? Texas-El Paso Miners ? Women’s Long Jump
On placing first today and advancing to the NCAA Championships...
“It was a good jump, but I didn’t jump as far as what I wanted to today. I competed in the NCAA Indoor Championships and got second place and was an All-American in long jump. This will be my first outdoor championship.”
Keith Lloyd, Jr. ? Nebraska Cornhuskers ? Men’s Shot Put
On what propelled him to victory today...
“About three weeks ago I switched to a smaller ball. It really helps me accelerate and finish faster. It also helps to be throwing at home and have my family and fans behind me.”
Sally Kipyego, Jr. ? Texas Tech Red Raiders ? Women’s 5,000-Meter Run
On what her key to success was today...
“My preparation for each race is very key. When the race begins I just like to get into the groove and go from there.”
Brent Vaughn, Sr. ? Colorado Buffaloes ? Men’s 5,000-Meter Run
On his race today...
“I decided to let some of the other guys do some of the work this time. Jeremy Johnson from New Mexico led for the first few laps and I decided to get up there and help him midrace. So I helped him for a few laps and then [Shadrack] Songok took the next few laps. I decided that I wanted to take it with about three laps left and see how fast I could run the last 1,200 meters.”
Alicia Rue, So. ? Minnesota Golden Gophers ? Women’s Pole Vault
On making the national meet...
“I’m really excited to make it to nationals because last year I made it as a freshman and no heighted and I was really disappointed. I just tried my best all meet and it worked out well for me.”
Rachel Talbert, Jr. ? Oral Robert Golden Eagles ? Women’s Discus
On going to nationals...
“I’m definitely thrilled. That’s my best throw and I’ve been competing with some of these girls for years so it’s nice to bounce around a little bit with them.”
Nicholas Gordon, Fr. ? Nebraska Cornhuskers ? Men’s Long Jump
On tying the regional meet record...
“Today I just wanted to come out and finish in the top five and make nationals. Setting a new personal-best and tying the meet record is awesome. I am jacked for nationals.”