Kansas Relays Quotes Day Three
April 17, 2009
Kansas Relays Quotes
Day Three
Friday, April 17, 2009
Stephanie Horton (Kansas) – Women’s Shot Put Champion
On today’s performance:
“It was really good. I started off the season really slow. This week kind of started off the same way. When I hit the 15-meter mark, it kind of helped me because I haven’t hit it this season yet.”
On today’s competition:
“I’ve competed against all of these girls before. We’ve seen each other all season so we have camaraderie. You don’t always know what everyone is doing. Anyone could step it up at any time.”
Crystal Manning (Unattached) – Women’s Triple Jump Champion
On her triple jump victory:
“You win some, you lose some, you live to play another day. I feel like I did ok, but that was not my best performance. I’m really not satisfied, but it will be ok.”
On if there is a difference in competing as an unattached competitor compared to as a member of the Jayhawks:
“I’m used to doing relay events like the 4×100 and the 4×400. I miss being part of the relay teams and traveling with the team.”
Ali Pistora (Kansas State) – Women’s Javelin Champion
On what the victory means to her:
“I was able to get my personal record and I haven’t been able to do that for awhile. The meet was good today. It is really nice outside and everyone was having fun.”
On her history at the Kansas Relays:
“I am from Lawrence and went to high school in Tonganoxie, so I have competed here before. We came here last year and I didn’t do well, so I was trying to redeem myself today.”
Oklahoma Christian – Men’s Distance Medley Relay Champions
Senior Curtis Pratt
On what the win means:
“Our goal coming into today was to set our school record and win the race and we were able to do both. We were able to get our indoor record in the relay at the NAIA Nationals and we were able to get the outdoor record in our first attempt today.”
Senior Jordan Powell
On the race:
“I was hoping somebody would take it out real quick, but it started out really slow at 63 seconds after the first lap. I was hoping for closer to 58 or 59 seconds. I wish I would have come out in first, but we were in the race, which is good.”
Butler County Community College – Women’s Distance Medley Relay Champions
Sophomore Crystal Stegman
On the race:
“We were able to get our school record and that is what we were shooting for today. Winning here was also a great accomplishment for us because we faced a lot of competition today that we don’t normally see. It was just a great win for us today.”
Sophomore Leah Thompson
On the Kansas Relays:
“We are only sophomores, but we ran here last year and throughout high school, so we know a lot about the Relays. We know how high the competition is here, so we always look forward to seeing how we can matchup against all the other teams.”
Jordan Scott (Unattached) – Men’s Pole Vault Champion
On competing at the Relays:
“First off, the crowd was better than I’ve ever heard it before. The simultaneous clapping and the roar were both awesome. That was a lot of fuel in and of itself. It felt great. I can’t believe how loud the crowd got.”
On his performance:
“I jumped pretty well today. It took a while to get going, but I ended up doing alright. That last height was the highest I’ve ever attempted. It was just to get ahead of a rival of mine, Jason Colwick from (Rice) in Texas. It was a great day and there was great wind. I just wanted to take advantage of the weather and see if I could get it.”
Illiyan Chamov (Lindenwood) — Men’s Triple Jump Fourth-Place Finisher
On his experience this year compared to last year:
“Compared to last year, this was a lot better. The weather was better and the competition was good. I always like to be here. This is my last season and unfortunately this is my last time here.”
On his fourth-place finish:
“I was far away from my personal best, which is not good for me, but fourth place at the Kansas Relays is pretty good.”
Ericka Joiner (Southwestern) — Women’s Steeplechase Champion
On coming from behind late:
“During the water barriers I would always catch up. I knew that if I could do the same thing on the last lap, then I might have a chance to catch up with the leader (Lisa Lewis).”
On the final stretch:
“I was so close and there was no way I was going to be kicked down.”
Missouri State — Women’s 4-Mile Relay Champions
Senior Jamie Vest
On her team’s performance:
“We ran the distance medley relay earlier today and we were expecting a win there so it was a little disappointing. We went into this race just going for it. I don’t think that we had a time goal, but we just wanted to go for the win. Wichita State has kind of been a big rival in our conference so that was icing on the cake to stop their streak.”
On running in the lead:
“I kept looking up at the screen to see if there were people behind me. I just had to chase the people ahead of me.”
On competing in the Relays:
“It is cool to be a part of the big tradition of the Kansas Relays. This is my sixth time here. It was definitely bigger in high school, but it is cool to come back here in college.”
Iowa Central CC — Men’s 4X1760-Yard Relay Champions
Freshman Terence Lee
On his performance:
“I didn’t feel as well as I should have, but I’ve been injured for awhile. This is my second race. I ran a race last weekend, but this was my first full week of practice. This is my first time, but my team won this race last year.”
Scott Russell (Unattached) – Men’s Javelin Champion
On his win:
“I feel old. No, I feel really good. It’s good to come out here every year and there’s always a huge turnout. I’d like to believe it’s for me, but I think it’s for everybody else too. It was a good start to the season because I’ve had a lot of injuries in the last year and I’m still carrying them. It’s (his throw) not where I want, but it’s good.”
