DRAKE RELAYS SATURDAY QUOTES April 26, 2008

Baylor, winner of women's university-college 4x1,600 relay in Drake Relays record of 19:05.80 which also was Drake Stadium mark and top time in U.S. this season.

Lauren Hagans, who ran anchor leg: "It feels amazing to break the Drake Relays record. I could feel the Minnesota anchor (Heather Dorniden) coming strong on the last lap so I just tried to hold her off. I could hear my teammates cheering for me and it really pulled me through the last lap."

Danielle Bradley, who ran the second leg: "Last year we ran the DMR and the 4x800 against Minnesota and we both broke records in the races, but they beat us both times. This year is a role reversal and it feels good to be on the winning side."

Erin Bedell, who ran third leg: "We love coming to Drake Relays. The crowd is always so great and very encouraging. We never really run individual races, so it's a lot of fun to compete with your teammates."

On winning a race that isn't run that often: "None of us really run individual races when we come here, so it's a lot fun. It's fun to come out here and try something different. A bunch of us ran the mile in high school, so we're used to the distance. It makes it fun to compete with your teammates and run for each other.''

Did you think Minnesota was your main competition?: We knew there were so many teams capable of running really fast. On any given day, anyone could be up there. We all wanted to run our own race. We had our set pace to run. We just wanted to come out here and have fun and run as fast as we could, whoever was going to try to compete with us.'' Did you have a time in mind?: We knew if we all ran between 4:40 and 4:45, we'd have a chance to set the record. We knew the conditions weren't going to be what we think is ideal, so we knew the elements were going to be an issue. But we had an idea of how we had to run, so that was kind of what pushed me a lot - and the girls that were in front of me.''

Senior Becky Horn, who ran anchor leg for Western Michigan which won women's university sprint medley relay for second straight year in 3:49.07. Horn also won women's university-college 800 on Friday for the second straight year: "The weather was better today compared to yesterday, but my coach told me not to worry about time today -- just to go out and run it and the time will be decent. But I ran a 2:08 yesterday in my open 800 and that's what it was close to today. I'm happy with that."

About being neck and neck with Arkansas' Paige Farrell during the 800 leg of the relay: "I wasn't going to fight her for the lead at the beginning of our leg. I just stuck right behind her the whole way because I knew I would have enough at the end to kick it in."

On her teammates and their race: "This year my teammates definitely made it easier for me. Last year I had to make up a 30-meter Arkansas lead and this year we were able to stay with them right from the beginning."

How does this Drake Relays championship feel compared to your others?: "This win feels just as good as the previous Drake Relays championships. I'm just as happy with this year's race as last year's. I really enjoy this meet."

About your future running schedule including the NCAA Regionals and then the NCAA Championships at Drake in June?: "I have already qualified for Regionals in the 400, 800 and 4x400, so I WILL be here in June and I'm looking forward to it."

Brittany Riley, senior, Southern Illinois, winner of women's university-college hammer throw at 217-4 (66.26M). Riley was the defending Drake Relays champion, setting an American collegiate record last year at 237-10. She was ranked second in the NCAA this year.

On repeating as champ despite fighting with her speed and technique in the ring today: "I feel good that I won. I'm just a little disappointed in my mark, but it happens."

On why she was bothered with her performance today: "I've been doing that a lot lately. We're trying to figure out what it is that I'm doing wrong. We're working on it real hard in practice."

On feeling any pressure as a defending champion and all her world and U.S. accolades: "No, not really. But I think this year - being an Olympic year - I'm putting a little but more pressure on me. So I take it a little bit more seriously than I did last year." On getting a good simulation for the NCAA meet here in June, given the talented field: "It's great competition. There's just good competition everywhere. I wanted to come here - also because I also love throwing here - because Arizona State is here and they're going to be big competition for nationals." Sarah Stevens, junior, Arizona State, runner-up in women's university- college women's hammer throw, 214-2 (65.29M). She is ranked third in NCAA Division I.

On the simulation she got for the NCAA meet back here in June: "Competition- wise, it was definitely a good meet and there were a lot of girls who weren't throwing super well, but we came through and competed. And sometimes, that's what it's all about. The weather was definitely an issue for us - coming from Arizona, where it's warmer. But I think as far as the facility and getting used the rings and the competition, it was a great meet."

On her inconsistency in the ring today, including a slip on her second throw of the finals: "Prelims were a little rough for me. I'm just working on some things and trying to change some things, and feeling things differently in practice vs. competition. So after my one good throw - my third throw - I felt more comfortable in the ring and tried to get after it a little bit in finals. And sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't."

Alex Freitas, Long Beach State, sophomore, anchored winning men's university-college men's sprint medley relay, 3:18.73. It was the school's first victory in the event.

On his carry, during which he raced Iowa's Adam Hairston before pulling away: "I needed somebody to go out hard with me. All year it's been pretty bad about that. It's been hard to get under 1:53 unless somebody's in front of me. I don't want to sound bad, but I've won my races usually and it's been hard for me to get in the fast heat. So I knew this would be good. I knew this would be a good race and I'm really glad I went out fast."

This was his first race at the Drake Relays: "I heard it's fun. We've come out here as a school once every few years. We know the competition is always good out here.''

Were you aware of where Northern Iowa's Tyler Mulder was? "That's what I heard about the whole time. I heard the Northern Iowa guy over the PA and I was like, I hope he's not that close.''

On opening up a big lead on Mulder after leading by 20 meters at the start of his carry: "That's been one of my problems -- getting hard off the start. I'm really glad he did what he did (hanging back until kicking late)."

Justin Gaymon, Georgia, junior, who defended title in men's university- college 400 hurdles (49.26): "I felt good with the race. I was even with my steps all the way around the hurdles. This is one of my favorite meets and I am looking forward to winning my third title next year. I like running on this track and feel that I will have an edge at the NCAA Championships here.''

Barnabas Kirui, Mississippi, junior, who won NCAA 3000 steeplechase title last year and also defended Drake Relays men's invitational crown Saturday in 8:52.56: "I am coming off an injury (Achilles tendonitis in right ankle) so I didn't have high hopes of breaking the record (Drake Relays mark of 8:31.02). My target today was to run anything under 9 minutes. I really like the crowd with everyone cheering. ``Drake is about the only place you see a big crowd like this outside of the Olympics.''

Tiffany Ofili, junior, Michigan, anchored winning university-college women's 4x100m shuttle hurdle relay (Bettie Wade, Charnee Lumbus, Katie LaValley, Tiffany Ofili) 55.04. Michigan won for the second straight year. "The prelims could have gone better, but we just had to concentrate on making it to the finals. We could have definitely given a little bit more. For the finals, we worked with what we had and it worked in our favor."

Tell me about your teammates and their race? "It's a collective effort. Everybody gave 100 percent and we're really happy overall as everyone contributed their best effort."

How does this Drake championship feel compared to last year's 54.82 finish?: "This one has a little more of a sentimental value because we dedicated this race to our late teammate, Joy. We were doing this for her and because of that we had different motivations this year."

About getting back to Drake in June for NCAA Championships: "Considering we're going to be on these facilities in a couple of months, it gives us a great idea of what we're going to see and can expect in June."

Brittany Reese, junior, Mississippi, winner, women's university-college long jump, 21-6_ (6.57M). Reese, the defending Drake Relays champion won the 2008 NCAA indoor title and is currently ranked first in the world.

On jumping today, despite sprain to her left ankle sustained Friday in the high jump: "The wind was messing us up today. I just had to go out there and do what I could do."

On how healthy she was in the competition: "It's a little better. I sprained my ankle a little bit. I just tried to get it taped up a little bit and do the best I can I guess - with it being hurt. It was my left ankle, and that's my jumping leg.

On gutting out a victory in a competition featuring the runner-up to her (Blessing Okagbare, UTEP) at the indoor NCAA meet: "Blessing's good. The wind messes her up. too. We just both came out here and tried to fight against the wind. It was alright."

On the support she got from the crowd as a defending Drake Relays champion: "I was amped about it. Still, a victory is a victory."

Jessica Pressley, senior, Arizona State, winner, of women's university- college shot put, 56-10_ (17.33M). Pressley was fifth at 2008 NCAA indoor championship meet and is currently ranked fourth outdoors.

On a better performance in shot put than she threw in the hammer throw: "The hammer throw was a little rough, but my last throw in hammer was my best throw at 203, so it was an OK day."

On throwing shot put at the Drake Relays: "I was just really excited to throw shot here in front of all these people. It's a great atmosphere, so it was just awesome."

On her winning throw: "My winning throw was my second throw and it felt really good and I think I just tried to get after it in all my other ones. But it was one of the best throws I've had all season."

On the simulation she got from the experience for the NCAA meet in June: "I can't wait to come back. It's an awesome ring over here."

April Steiner, Adidas, winner of women's special pole vault, 14-2 (4.32M). Steiner was a 2007 Pam-Am Games silver medalist, and was a three-time NCAA champ at the University of Arkansas.

On vaulting in the windy conditions when she was the only one to clear the bar: "It was brutal, but the meet officials were working with us and trying to give us a chance to jump. So it was just tough on us on the runway, I guess, to prevail and beat the wind."

On getting the fan support after being announced over the PA prior to her winning vault: "When you get energy from the crowd, it really helps you focus and get that tunnel vision. It always helps to have the crowd paying attention and clapping and cheering for you."

On her season to date, which includes a world best, in an Olympic year: "I'm hoping to keep maintaining those high marks and roll on into the Olympic Trials and make the team." On what it does for her Olympic goal to win the Drake Relays in some tough conditions: "You never know that the conditions are going to be, and you don't know what they're going to be at DrakeI'm thankful for the warmer weather. It always helps us jump better and you just have the deal with the wind, and that's it."

Abe Jones, winner of men's invitational 400 hurdles (50.01): "Outside the stadium, the wind gave a lot of scare to a lot of runners. I knew going into the race I had to relax a lot. There was a lot of talent coming off back the back stretch. I had to stay solid, stay disciplined, so I could compete with Joey (Woody) and all the runners.''

On racing Joey Woody: "I've been racing Joey for about four years now. I love racing Joey. Whenever I have questions, he answers them very clearly. He's a good guy."

On applauding when Woody was introduced in the starting blocks: "I have a lot of respect. Even though it's a big competition, I have a lot of respect for the runners. I'm a student of the sport still. The respect I have for Joey is very strong. I'm surprised I was the only hurdler out there applauding. I think they should have applauded as far as I was concerned.''

How do you see Drake Stadium as the site for the NCAA championships?: " think it's going to be huge. I like this place better than California. What the town has and gives to Drake Relays, it's amazing. I was downtown and the women were like, `Oh, are you running in the Drake Relays? Yeah.' Am I supposed to say that? Drake will be one of the big supporters.''

On winning: "I have a lot of respect for Joey (Woody), so it feels great. Just to get a win in front of this crowd in itself is amazing. How can you not have a good time running in front of a crowd like that? It's also the honor of being in Joey's last race.''

One the last 100 meters of the race: "I saw a lot of runners coming out of the last turn. Being so far out there, I was pressing. I knew I had to really relax if I wanted to go faster. I really took a step back and relaxed and finished the race nice and clean.''

Joey Woody, former Northern Iowa runner and current assistant track coach at Iowa, 10-time Drake Relays champion, fourth in men's invitational 400 hurdles, 50.93, his last race at the Drake Relays. "I've been looking forward to this day for a lot of reasons. Obviously, the Drake Relays is my favorite race. The support of the crowd, as you can see, is always amazing, but it was time (to retire). I've been competing at this level a long time. I turn 35 next month. This is my last year. I felt like it was time to hand the baton on to somebody else.'' ¶ On the support at the Drake Relays: "My son's name is Drake (he turns 6 next week). Every year I come here it's been a blessing, no matter what the weather is like. There's always great support for me being the hometown guy.''

How emotional was it?: "It was very emotional. I just tried to keep myself together. Who wouldn't get emotional over a standing ovation? (PA announcer) Mike Jay, who does all our meets at Iowa, to have him announce my last race here is pretty awesome.''

On running with the younger guys: "It's a great honor for me to still be competitive and have those guys look up to me. Abe is such a great young guy. He's had some ups and downs with injuries and things. It's great to see him do some good things.''

Why is it time to give it up?: "A lot of it is my demands. I'm a full-time assistant coach at Iowa. That's a big part of it. If I was to continue competing after this, I'd be so busy at this time of year. To be able to race at this high a level really difficult to do.''

Would anything change your mind?: "If I make the Olympic team.'' Did you think you had a good chance at winning today? "I came in feeling I had a great shot at winning. It really set me up good through eight hurdles. I just didn't have the gas at the end. I gave myself a chance to win, it just didn't happen. It's a great field. I like to be able to compete against great guys rather than have a weak field and go out on top and run a slow time.''

Neville Miller, New York Athletic Club, formally of the University of Missouri, winner of the men's invitational 800 (1:49.01): "I tried to be in good position from the beginning. I kept hearing the crowd cheer for the guy behind me, so I knew he was close. Last year, the pace started really slow, so I'm glad we were able to keep the pace consistent. In the past I had stuck towards the back and waited to make my move. I've learned after being in these races a few times now, that you can't do that. These guys are just too good."

On the time and the field: "I really felt like I could have went faster than 1:49 [1:49.01], despite the conditions and the wind, I thought I could have broke it out faster. With the trials coming, it is a great feeling to have won at an elite event such as this, it definitely gives me a lot of confidence heading into these next months."

On winning his first individual Drake Relays crown: "[The Drake] Relays are always such a special occasion to be a part of. When Derrick [Peterson, also formally of Mizzou and current training partner] would say how cool it was to be a part of this event, I thought to myself that if I could win at Drake one day that would be a huge piece of putting together a great running career."

Christian Cantwell, Nike, formally of the University of Missouri, winner of the special men's shot put for a record-setting sixth time:

On his day's throws: "I felt like I had a big throw in me today, but it just didn't happen. Maybe I'll claim the weather had something to do with it, but, nonetheless, it was great to have a consistent day of throws. Weight training has been going awesome, but actual ring time has been lagging this spring because of the weather. The throws will come, I still wish I would have done better today though."

On the Drake Relays atmosphere: "I absolutely love it here. The Drake Relays are by far the best event in the country. Everyone in Des Moines when we go out are always so friendly and accommodating. This is such a fun event and, everyone, the officials and fans, are great at making this feel like home. This is the event I look forward to the most every year."

On winning a record sixth Drake Relays title: "This was a piece of something I wanted to get for a long time. I had first thought about this record two years ago and it's a great honor to be a part of. I have (my first) son that is coming in June and it will be special to see him be a part of this in the next years, considering I still have a good 8, 9, 10 years left at this thing. I was joking around with Brian Brown (current Drake Relays meet director) about how he must be trying to sabotage me getting my sixth because he put together such a great field."

On moving on from 2004: "It was a part of my life and just have to deal with it. I was young, only 23 years old, so I know its something I can still learn from. Look, going to the Olympics would be special. But, there is no point in going if you can't win it. Knock on wood, I'll be in Beijing trying to mine gold."

Olympian Reese Hoffa, New York Athletic Club who was third, in men's special shot put (66-8). He was the 2008 world indoor silver medalist and the 2007 outdoor world champion. "I don't know what was going on with the competition today. With my practices leading up to this meet, I thought I was easily going to go 71-0 today, of maybe 72-0. And I got out here and I was throwing decently well, but we started the competition and my first throw went 19.10 (meters) and I thought 'Oh, I'm in trouble now, I better start building it up.' And slowly but surely I did. And finally in the fourth round, I threw to the 20.32 (meters)You're going to have days like that and you just come in here and you kind of grind it on out and get something decent out there. I think that was OK, but definitely some bigger throws are on the horizon for me."

On competing against Christian Cantwell in an event where he has been dominant and a fan favorite: "This is a Midwestern meet and he (Cantwell) just feels comfortable here. He can drive here. He doesn't have to fly. So for him, this is like a home meet. And of course, it's definitely going to make it a little more tough on me, because we kind of have a rivalry going back-and-forth. So I guess ultimately, I'll give him this one. And maybe the next time we meet, he'll give me that one."

Dana Pounds, USAF-Nike, threw 57.34M (188-1) in women's javelin. Three- time Drake Relays champion, defending U.S. champion, two-time NCAA champion at Air Force, now a lieutenant in the Air Force.

On her throw: "I was pretty happy with my throw since I was coming into my first meet. 188 feet is nothing to be ashamed of right now since I'm at the beginning of my season. I know I've got the power and strength to continue to throw farther and I'm looking forward to working on my throws in practice.'

On the Drake Relays: "The weather didn't affect me that much and I love opening my season at Drake. It's one of my favorite meets."

Matt Turner, Arizona State, senior, winner of men's university-college long jump, 7.53M (24-8_). He tied with Louisville's Andre Black in finals at 7.53M, but won with the second-longest jump at 7.52M. Turner is ranked second in NCAA and finished fifth at the 2008 NCAA Indoor Championships.

On the closeness of the competition, since he tied with unattached JaRod Tobler through prelims (7.52M) too: "I kind of feel like I under achieved today, even though I won. 7.53 isn't a jump that I normally can get out. But it was fun. The wind was kind of funky and swirling, and I'm not used to the cold. But competition-wise, Andre Black, he's a good guy. It's not personal and I like jumping against him. And I'm just waiting for nationals coming out here and hopefully having a better competition than we did today."

On trying out the runway he'll be jumping for NCAA meet: "This was a fast runway. I actually had to back up a little bit because I wasn't sure if I was getting a tailwind. But even without the tailwind, I was still getting to the board and I had to move back a few feet. Compared to my school, this is pretty nice. It's hard and fast and, like I said, at nationals I think it's going to be a whole other competition. We'll just see what happens." On winning a Drake Relays championship: "This is the first time I've ever been here. I've always heard about this meet. I was looking at your brochure with 99 years, and that's really incredible. Like I said, to win here, it's a big deal. My coach was talking about it being a big deal, so I have to take it like it's a championship thing."

Lolo Jones, Asics, Des Moines Roosevelt HS graduate, 2008 world indoor champion in 60 hurdles, winner women's invitational 100 hurdles in 12.74, Drake Relays and Drake Stadium record. Jones ran under Drake record last year, but it was wind-aided. She ranked third in the U.S. last year and sixth in the world.

On a legal wind: "That was what I was looking for. What was the wind, what was the wind? I wanted to know what the wind was even before the result. It's legal.''

On coming back home: "It's exciting to be back. It's great opportunity for people to see me run who never get a chance to. I run most of my meets in Germany, Spain, France. It's nice that people here can see me run at top speed. It's always great to come back, You never get tired of home. That's a great, warm feeling.''

On the race: "Toward the end is when I tried to turn it over and run faster. People ran great for the conditions.''

On the possibility of being an Olympian: "It's still not hitting me, even though I'm a world champion. I won't have that confidence until I actually make the Olympic team.''

When did you first want to be in the Olympics?: "I came home from summer practice, I was in middle school, and the Atlanta Olympics (1996) were on. I remember watching and thinking, `I don't know how those girls are doing it. I don't know how they're running that fast, but I'm going to be there someday.' That's why I'm so excited about this year.''

On the wind: "It was a mental reminder to keep everything tight. That's what the wind does to you.''

How do you rate your race: "It's definitely a good stepping stone. It's just a good atmosphere, the type of atmosphere they have in races over in Europe. It's hard to find this combination in the U.S., the crowd, the good track, people clapping and cheering. Track meets in U.S. have half-empty stands because there are so many sports to compete to compete with.''

Your emotions after the race, when you threw your sunglasses into the crowd: "The emotion is just running like crazy here. Normally I just run off track. Here I do a victory lap, friends are extending their hands, it's just incredible.''

Laverne Spencer, St. Lucia, winner of women's special High Jump, 6-0.75 (1.85M). Spencer won the bronze medalist at the 2007 Pan-Am Games. "I had a goal, which I didn't achieve. I'm happy I won, but I'm really, really disappointed because that's my lowest height for a long time. I wanted to at least jump 6-4 or 6-5, because I've jumped 6-4 for the year so far. But I guess it was just the day. Hopefully, next time."

On the experience of jumping in front of the loud and supportive Drake Relays' crowd: "I like the crowd and how they were supportive, but I'm not a big fan of clapping while I'm jumping. It was kind of distracting. It breaks my concentration and I didn't like it. I mean, I'm happy for them wanting to support the athletes, but I just didn't like it. But, it's OK."

On what allowed her to prevail today: "I was expecting to come out on top today, even though they had those big names in there because I've competed against most of those girls. I know what they jump and know they're not any better than I am. I wasn't nervous or anything. I just came to win - and that's what I did. I just didn't jump what I expected to.

Three-time Olympia Amy Acuff, Asics who tied for second in women's special high jump, 5-11.25 (1.81M). Acuff won three straight Drake Relays championships between 2004-06 and has been a six-time USA Outdoor champion.

On how fun it is to compete at Drake Relays: "It's still a great opportunity to compete hereIt's a special place and they just put on an incredible meet here in the middle of Iowa. There are not too many places like this in the country, or the world even close to here."

On being a fan favorite as a past champion: "They're so nice here. They're just kind of happy to see people jump. So, it's a softer, warmer welcoming here in Iowa. They're more forgiving here."

Olympian Derek Miles, Nike, winner of men's special pole vault, 18-4.75 (5.61M). On taming the wind, since he only had one miss through his winning height, which he cleared on his first try: "It was still pretty touch and go. I just got a little more lucky than the rest of them did. There were a few times early in the competition where the wind was pretty favorable. It was going right down the runway kind of light. It just seemed like it got going a little more at the later heights. It seemed to be a little more consistent, hard, blowing over benches and blowing over the time machine. So I just think in those kind of situations, it's just luck of the draw. If you get up there and the wind calms down and goes a little tail-wind on you, you take advantage of it. But otherwise, you have to wait it out. Everyone has it, but I guess I might have been a little more fortunate than the other guys."

On having the pole of choice, since defending Drake Relays champion Jeff Hartwig also used it on his final two attempts at 18-4.75: "It actually was a good set-up. When the wind blew tail-wind, all the conditions were set for a pretty high jump. In those type situations, you need bigger poles. You know, if you're going to go real fast in a car, you've got to get to a fifth-gear kind of thing. So, getting on the largest pole, we just couldn't find a pole that was slowing us down enough. Jeff obviously borrowed it, and was having a little more success with it then I was. It was still a good competition. I think the crowd really makes up the energy and the fans of Drake Relays really make up for any type of bad conditions you might have down the runways."

On the special Drake Relays week, with the competition at the Jordan Creek Mall earlier in week: "You know it's funny, for a state that doesn't have the pole vault, it's kind of rare for the people to really appreciate the sport. We go to competitions all over the United States and all over the world and there are few select places that fans really play an integral part of the success of the athletes. And this is one of those locations where everyone gets behind them and you sense the energy from the crowd. It was the same way in the mall and it's the same way here at the stadium. Iowa for track and field, you can't beat it for the venue."

American indoor and outdoor record holder Jeff Hartwig, who was runner- up in men's special pole vault, 18-1 5.51M. Hartwig was seven-time Drake Relays champion. On the difficulty of the wind today at the heights they get to: "With the wind being so strong, it's just every time you step on the runway, it's the first jump of the day and a different set of circumstances. You make an adjustment, and that's kind of the progression of the pole vault. You take a jump, evaluate what you did, and you make an adjustment. And it seems like on a day like this, it's just a complete guess as to the right adjustment. And I ran out of poles because the wind was so strong. So physically, I'm very pleased for the shape that I'm in. But boy, it was really difficult today putting consistent jumps together and I wished I had jumped at least one more bar."

On how he looked forward to defending his Drake Relays championship: "Ever since this special men's pole vault was first suggested, I've been sort of enamored with the environment that is the Drake Relays. The City of Des Moines, and the greater state of Iowa is just unbelievable. They come out, they support events like this. And this being my first meet of the year, I've been looking forward to this meet before the indoor season. It's certainly a great way to kick off the beginning of my last season."

Shareese Woods, Adidas, winner of women's invitational women's 400 (51.75). Woods won 400 at the 2008 U.S. Indoor Championships and earned bronze in 400 at 2008 World Indoor Championships. "I saw how cool of a temperature it was out there today and the wind played a real big factor, so I just wanted to make sure to execute the way I usually do. I had to make sure I got out of the block hard and finish strong and was glad to get out of the blocks with the wind today."

Preparing for a colder condition: "My coach makes sure I practice in conditions like this, not too often in order to stay healthy, but just enough to prepare me for all temperatures and weather conditions."

About the Drake Relays: "The Drake Stadium is beautiful, I love the crowd turnout, and people are so welcoming and encouraging. I heard the crowd on the straightaway and it gave me that extra little push I needed to finish such a difficult race. Hopefully I can come back again next year - that would be great."

About running against Jamaica's Shereefa Lloyd: "I didn't know if I was winning during the race, but I stilled tried to finish the race as if I wasn't ahead. Shereefa (Lloyd) is a wonderful competitor. I rarely get a chance to race against her, so I really wanted to take advantage of racing against her and all the other ladies that were out there today. Having her there to push me really played a role in my fast time this early in the season."

How are you preparing for the Olympic Trials? "Making it to the Olympics is my dream. My coach prepares me mentally by setting the atmosphere for the practices. Whenever I'm having a hard time hitting the range or making times at practice, he's the first to remind me of my dream. Running against athletes of such caliber, such as Shereefa (Lloyd), also prepares me mentally.''

Greg Nixon, Asics, who earned gold medal on U.S. men's 4x400 relay at 2008 World Indoor Championships, won men's invitational 400 (46.26):

On his race (first open 400 outdoor): "You never know what to expect in an opener, but with the weather conditions I thought it was pretty good. I ran some 200s, maybe two or three, just to get ready. But I can't complain.''

Good to get the first one out of the way: Definitely you get the first one out of the way, then you can gauge on whether you need more strength or speed work. But I'm pretty satisfied with what I did today.

On winning a race that has attracted outstanding runners through the years: "It's an honor to come in my first year and win Drake. It's an honor to be one of the winners of the 400.

Where was the wind the most troubling? "On the backstretch. It kind of beat us up back there. But I did a lot of good strength work, so I got through it.

On coming out of the backstretch: "Depending on how in shape you are, you feel a little tired because you've been working so hard on that back 100. I felt a little bit lighter, but I kind of saw where I was in the race. I knew if I hit another gear, I'd finish. That's what I did, just finish.

Cory Martin, senior, Auburn, winner of men's university-college hammer throw, tying a Drake Relays record, 238-9 (72.78M). Martin is ranked first in the NCAA (73.09M).

On winning with a record-tying throw: "It was pretty good. I wanted to come in and make sure I got over 72 (meters). I wasn't expecting anything big, but the series was very good and it was the best series I've had all year. I can't complain."

On his record-tying throw: "I set up pretty well. I got a little fast in one and two (phases), and then three and four I just knew I had to hit it. So I just came through and finished it."

On throwing in the ring where he'll have to throw to win an NCAA championship in June:" I like the ring a lot. It was kind of weird getting used to it because I didn't get out here the other day to check it out. But getting on it, I really like the facility and I like the ring."

On beating his teammate and defending NCAA champion Jake Dunkleberger, who was second (230-4, 70.20M): "We're roommates and it's not really competition at practice - we're just trying to push each other. That's the name of the game. He's the NCAA champ from last year. He's defending the title and I'm just trying to stay up there with him."

Quentin Iglehart-Summers, Baylor, junior, anchored winning men's university 4x400 relay (3:04.13). Baylor has won the 4x400 26 straight times since finishing third at the 2006 NCAA outdoor championships. It was Baylor's fourth straight victory in the event and 18th in the last 24 years. (Justin Boyd, Trey Harts, LeJerald Betters, Quentin Iglehart-Summers)

How do you keep running hard when in control and so far ahead? ""Being the anchor leg for Baylor, I have to run out in front a lot. I still try to run as hard as I can because I don't want to let my teammates down. If I didn't run hard then it would make their race mean nothing. I'm usually the anchor, so they always tell me to go out and run hard and run like it's a time trial

On the other legs: "Trey (second leg Harts) had a great leg to put us in the lead. He had a great weekend, winning three relays."

Was it a good run for the team? "I think we ran pretty well. I think Trey busted one wide open I think from the sounds of it. LeJerald (third leg Betters) and I just tried to keep us in front, do what we could do.''

On the Baylor tradition in the 4x400: ``If we don't think about, somebody always brings it up. They always tell us how we're Quarter-miler U and the 4x4 University, so we try to keep it that way. LeJerald's got a good little streak going. He's never lost a relay, so I'm trying to keep that while I can for him. Hopefully we can just keep up the good work. We're running pretty good early, so we're going to try to keep it up.''

Dorian Ulrey, Northern Iowa, sophomore, who ran anchor men's university distance medley relay which was (9:49.38)

On losing the lead to Indiana so close to the finish: "That's the toughest way to lose a race. You're already out of it a little mentally by the time you get the baton being (so far behind the leaders). I had confidence in the way I race that I can go out smart, control my pace and work my way back to the top."

On the race not going as expected: "I figured once I got out front it was over, but things just don't happen that way sometimes and you have to take these bad races and learn from them. It's a good reality check, I guess, having problems like that."

DRAKE RELAYS Friday, April 25 Quotes Notre Dame, winner of men's university-college 4x1600 relay for third straight year, fourth time in five years and fifth time in seven years with a world best 16:51.82 clocking. Patrick Smyth (4:17.3), Dan Clark (4:09.8), (Jake Watson (4:11.3), Kurt Benninger (4:13.4). Benninger has run on the last four Irish teams to win at Drake.

Third leg Jake Watson: On taking control in the third leg after Missouri's Kyle Rood was drafting off him: ``If I was in his position, I would definitely be drafting. The wind was pretty brutal on the backstretch and coming out on the second turn. I knew he was going to be there. I just didn't know for how long. I told myself on the second lap that on the third lap, I would try to break him. When I came around into the third, he wasn't with me, so it kind of took care of itself. The wind was tough. He definitely used it to his advantage.''

On Notre Dame's dominance lately: ``Every year we come out here and we always run this relay and the fact we've been able to win it four of the last five sort of establishes a tradition now. It's something we look forward to every year. Last night we had a dinner with the alumni association of Des Moines. We do that every year we come out here. They take care of us really well. We just have a strong mid-distance, distance program in general. That's sort of where our orientation is as far as track and field goes. This relay is perfect.''

Anchor leg Kurt Benninger On the wind: ``It just slows you down and it's tough to get into a rhythm. You try to stay relaxed and you have to fight through the wind to keep on going. And it's cold out there today. When you get into the wind, it just cools you down a lot. It's tougher to stay in a rhythm, it's tougher to get going, tougher to stay relaxed because you're trying to stay warm at the same time.''.

Why has Notre Dame dominated this race lately? ``I think it's because we have a great group of athletes. Patrick's been an All- American three times, Jake twice, I've been six times and Dan Clark's come on really well. With guys like that running, not many teams out there can put together a team like that. When you can put a distance group together like that, it's going to be tough to beat.''

Patrick Smyth: On his leadoff leg: `I was trying to hold on for dear life. Dan Clark did a lot to get us back into it. I've got to throw the credit his way because I didn't do a whole lot to get us in the mix.'' Bethany McCoy-Carr, Olivet Nazarene, anchor leg for winning college division distance medley relay, 11:43.08. McCoy-Carr, who also ran the anchor leg for the 2007 Relays champion event, broke away from a tie with 200 meters remaining on the last lap to lead ONU to its second straight title On repeating as a champion: "It's amazing running here. The crowd is amazing. You are always running against someone good." On making her final move at the first turn of the last lap: "I had to have enough left to make sure if someone went with me, I could go with them." Durrell Williams, Oklahoma Baptist, anchor leg for winning college division men's 4x800 relay, 7:38.78 On giving his Drake Relays flag to a young boy in the crowd: "It was my little cousin. My family came up from Chicago to see this. It was great to have them here." On defeating conference rival Oklahoma Christian at the tape: "We just had that type of race against them a week ago. I knew the guy was right beside me. I'm just glad my teammates gave the baton to me in a great spot to run a good anchor leg." Jennifer Jorgensen, senior, Southwest Webster-Grand, first to win girls high school long jump three straight years, 18-3.50.

On winning three straight years: ``It's really exciting. I didn't think anything of it when I was coming in. But after getting the flag, it definitely feels really amazing. Not many people can do that. Coming in as a freshman, I didn't even make the finals. It means a lot. There's a lot of good jumpers. It feels really good.''

On her first two victories: ``The first time I was shocked, because I hadn't even made finals the year before, so I was kind of shocked. Last year was more nerve-wracking because I had that target on me. This year I was like, you know what, I don't have anything to lose. If it happens, it happens, if it doesn't, it doesn't.''

On competing at Drake Stadium: ``It's amazing. The Relays are really cool because you've got such a huge crowd and there's college people running and there's so much going on. And it's really exciting. My dad ran here in the Drake Relays. This is the 99th year, so it's really exciting.''

On beating athletes from bigger schools: ``The big school people have that tough competition every single meet they go to. I don't necessarily have that. So coming in and being able to compete with them is really exciting.''

Becky Horn, senior, Western Michigan, winner university-college women's 800 for the second straight year, 2:08.55. ````The crowd really helps, especially when it's cold out. The crowd really gets it going. That helps a lot.'' Everybody always talks about what time you run. But I just figure it's cold, but I've got to get it together and get out there and try to keep running the best I can.''

On being the defending champion? ``I'd say it was a little motivation. Not really pressure because it's a fun meet to run at. Whoever wants it can get it. But it's more motivation to try to defend it.''

She also ran in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays Friday and will run the sprint medley relay Saturday. ``I run everything from the 100 through the 800. The 1500 sometimes. But I'm mainly a 400-800 runner. Those are my best events. I've qualified for the NCAAs already in the 400, the 800 and the 4x400.''

Racheal Gehret, sophomore, Louisville, winner university-college women's high jump, 1.79M (5-10_). She won in a jump-off with defending champion Brittney Reese (Mississippi) after Reese pulled out because of an ankle injury. Gehrer cleared 1.73 M (5-8) to win the jump-off.

On the weather: "The weather's not perfect I must say, but I'm from Pennsylvania so I'm kind of used to this weather. I PRed today, so I can't complain at all. I stayed focused throughout the whole thing."

On the bizarre ending when she simply had to make a height to win the jump-off, but missed at four heights before clearing 1.73: "In high school, I had a situation like that, but the girl had not dropped out. This time, she dropped out, and normally you have a jump-off. In this case, she wasn't here to participate in the jump-off. I had to wait, and then take my jump, and wait and take my jump."

How difficult it was to get the winning height, because of the strange finish: "I definitely should have made it a long time ago, but I was getting colder and colder as the day went on and I didn't have my competition here to keep my adrenaline rushing. It's just all mental and it took a while, but I finally got it."

On what allowed her to be the surprise champion: "It was just staying focused. Track and field is so mental, especially high jump. So just keeping your focus throughout these two hours, or however long it takes you is huge - and that's what I was able to do today."

Ruby Radocaj, senior, Minnesota, winner university-college women's javelin (54.85m, 179-11), She was ninth at last year's NCAA outdoor championships and was the No. 1-ranked collegian coming in.

On her winning throw: ``I'm happy with it, but I would have liked to thrown farther since I'm 10 feet from my PR. So it's not too shabby, but I know I need to work on my footwork and hand positioning to be better next time."

On competing at the Drake Relays: "Luckily, everyone had to throw in this weather, so I tried to disregard it and luckily it worked. It's a great accomplishment to be a Drake Relays champ."

On throwing with Dana Pounds of Nike, a three-time Drake Relays winner: "She's amazing and is such a great person and athlete. It's a great time to get together and throw."

Aaron Studt, Minnesota, sophomore, winner, university-college men's shot put, 18.49M (60-8)

On the winning throw, his first in the finals: "I had some decent throws in prelims, but I knew there was a lot more in there. And basically, I just tried to stay relaxed. That's my biggest problem is I usually try to get too into it and I lose positions. So I just tried to stay relaxed and I just stayed wrapped on the ball and had a nice strike. I just kept it in, and that was the biggest thing."

On winning among this competition: "I was just happy I could compete against these guys. These guys are just on a whole other level and I'm not used to it. So I'm kind of new to this, but it was a whole lot of fun. This was a great experience overall."

On beating Iowa All-American and Big 10 rival John Hickey in his home state: "It was pretty nerve-wracking, because he's pretty prestigious in the shot put, so I really put on my best performance in order to stick with him. It just happened that I turned out on top, but he's definitely a great competitor and we really pushed each other."

John Hickey, Iowa, junior, All-American, defending Big Ten outdoor champion, runner-up, university-college men's shot put, 18.37M (60-3_)

On the competition: "All and all, it was a really good competition. It's kind of cold out, but everyone has to compete in the same weather. It was just really good and I'm really happy for Aaron. He struggled indoors last year and outdoors, but he's the leader in the Big Ten right now and I've got some work to do if I'm going to catch him."

On the top two finishers both hitting their best throws back-to-back on their first throws in finals: "It's just a credit to him and his coach and me and mine. I mean, we know when we've got to do it and honestly, if he wouldn't have thrown far, I wouldn't have thrown far. I need some motivation and I'm really glad he was here to throw far. It really helped me."

On his spiky, two-toned hairstyle: "I actually got this done at spring break, right after indoor nationals. It's just a fling. I thought I'd try something new. Lately, it hasn't brought me much luck, actually."

Dana Pounds, USAF-Nike, threw 57.34M (188-1) in women's javelin. Three- time Drake Relays champion, defending U.S. champion, two-time NCAA champion at Air Force, now a lieutenant in the Air Force.

On her throw: "I was pretty happy with my throw since I was coming into my first meet. 188 feet is nothing to be ashamed of right now since I'm at the beginning of my season. I know I've got the power and strength to continue to throw farther and I'm looking forward to working on my throws in practice.'

On the Drake Relays: "The weather didn't affect me that much and I love opening my season at Drake. It's one of my favorite meets."

Matt Turner, Arizona State, senior, winner, university-college men's long jump, 7.53M (24-8_). He tied with Louisville's Andre Black in finals at 7.53M, but won with the second-longest jump at 7.52M. Turner is ranked second in NCAA Division I and finished fifth at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

On the closeness of the competition, since he tied with unattached JaRod Tobler through prelims (7.52M) too: "I kind of feel like I under achieved today, even though I won. 7.53 isn't a jump that I normally can get out. But it was fun. The wind was kind of funky and swirling, and I'm not used to the cold. But competition-wise, Andre Black, he's a good guy. It's not personal and I like jumping against him. And I'm just waiting for nationals coming out here and hopefully having a better competition than we did today."

On trying out the runway he'll be jumping on in nationals: "This was a fast runway. I actually had to back up a little bit because I wasn't sure if I was getting a tailwind. But even without the tailwind, I was still getting to the board and I had to move back a few feet. Compared to my school, this is pretty nice. It's hard and fast and, like I said, at nationals I think it's going to be a whole other competition. We'll just see what happens."

On winning a Drake Relays championship: "This is the first time I've ever been here. I've always heard about this meet. I was looking at your brochure with 99 years, and that's really incredible. Like I said, to win here, it's a big deal. My coach was talking about it being a big deal, so I have to take it like it's a championship thing."

Joe Berry, Tennessee, freshman, winner, university-college men's pole vault, 5.05m (16-6.75). On his jump: "I'm definitely surprised I won today. The conditions were not ideal, but I have a competitive attitude. I actually didn't take a vault in warm-ups because the winds were swirling so bad. I wasn't confident that I could even clear the first attempt. I actually missed my first attempt, but I told myself that I just had to do it. As I peaked over the bar on the final jump, I was just pumped and started screaming to the few fans that were left out here. I was just so amped to clear the bar."

On the weather: "The winds were going crazy and the temperatures were dropping, but I tried not to let it bother me as the wind was straight in my face. Everyone else is competing in the same conditions and I've jumped in conditions like this in my hometown in Pennsylvania. I strive to compete in any conditions possible.

On winning a Drake Relays championship: "I was a Penn Relays (high school) champion last year and I couldn't be happier to add a Drake Relays championship to my list. I at first didn't think I could win, but I'm so glad I was able to compete in the conditions. I am amped for my win today and now that I'm a Drake Relays champion, I would like to come back again."

Heather Dorniden, junior, Minnesota, 2006 NCAA Indoor 800M champ, anchor Minnesota, winner of university-college women's 4x800 relay (Jamie Schwengler, Jamie Cheever, Gabriele Anderson, Heather Dorniden), 8:32.73. Minnesota repeats as Drake Relays champion with the same four members as last year's winning team (8:27.42).

On defending their Drake Relays title: "That's always going to be the goal when you come back from the year before after winning it. We were really excited because this is one of our favorite meets and there are so many great people out there cheering for us and everything. So, we really feel there's no way we can't win it. We have so much support and love out here."

On coming into her anchor leg: "I was really proud of these three girls running before me. They did an awesome job and just put me in a perfect position. But I still had someone to kind of push me (N. Dakota St.), but I still felt confident that I could bring it in for us."

On how they're running at this stage of the season, preparing for NCAAs here in June: "I feel like we're getting in the right spot. We've had some up meets and some down meets, but mostly the weather's just been very interesting this year so far. I mean, none of us have peaked too early and we just keep coming, so that's great."

On how this Drake Relays' championship compares to the other one and sets the stage for tomorrow's competition: "Last year was amazing because we won all three of the distance relays. And we didn't have as good of a start coming off of this morning's DMR, but I think tomorrow will be great and this really is my favorite meet to come to - no matter what. I can't compare it to anything else."

Trey Harts, sophomore, Baylor, anchored winning university-college men's 4x200m relay (Courtney Thomas, LeJerald Betters, Marcus Boyd, Trey Harts), 1:23.77. Baylor has the world's second-fastest time in the 4x200 relay (1:22.05). Baylor also had fastest qualifying time in 4x100 and 4x400 earlier Friday.

Considering the weather conditions, how do feel you ran today? "We're looking forward to coming here in June and it shouldn't be quite as hot as it would be in Texas. To not have to put your body through extreme heat or cold will be great in race time and recovery. There is only so much you can do in cold weather and strong winds."

Tell me about your teammates and their legs of the race? "Courtney Thomas always runs a great strong first leg. LeJerald is real solid and he's been working on his foot speed and it's definitely starting to show up on his quarter. Boyd is someone I can count on and he brought in the third leg extremely strong. Since they did all their hard work, I thought it was time to do mine so I brought it home for them."

How does it feel to be a Drake Relays Champion? "This is my fourth Drake championship and it's a great feeling. It's a great honor and I hope to add two more to my Drake Relays resume tomorrow."

About the Drake Relays now and the NCAA championships in June: "We came here twice last year for Drake Relays and regionals and I like the Drake track because it's so fast and the fans are great. It's a great warm-up to what we can expect at nationals here in June."

Carla Grace, senior, Baylor, anchored winning women's university 4x200 relay (Tiffany Townsend, Brittany Carr, Brittany Bruce and Carla Grace), 1:34.75. Baylor won the university women's distance medley relay earlier in the day.

On battling the elements in winning the race: "It was cold and the wind was in my face for the first 100. As long as I got through that, I was alright. I was just trying to get a good hand-off and finish it with a win."

On getting the opportunity to run on the track that will be used for the NCAA meet in June: "Yeah, we're used to this track. We've been here for the past four years. We know this track pretty well."

On her teammates getting her the lead: "They had me at a very nice position - it was great. I saw how the stagger was already broken up and it just made the race easier for me. I'm really proud of those girls (the other three members, who were all freshmen). They ran really well."

Northern Iowa which defended title in men's university 4x800 relay in 7:28.98

Tyler Mulder, Junior, rAnchor leg, 4x800 relay On his strategy for the anchor leg: "I didn't want to get out to early. I have a whole never level I'd could take it to, but I didn't want to do anything stupid, I just wanted to be patient. I knew if I was patient I could outkick anybody, and it paid off."

On the team's celebration: "It's kind of the equivalent to a touchdown. We were thinking about doing a little touchdown dance, but maybe we'll save that for tomorrow."

On importance of winning at the Drake Relays: "This is always a big goal. When we're making goals, it's (the Drake Relays) and conference and nationals. Some of the biggest college meets."

On winning on a national stage: "We're here to show everybody it's a Panther state, and we're also here to show the nation that it's a Panther nation and we're a force to be reckoned with."

Dorian Ulrey, sophomore, Second leg, 4x800 relay On taking his exchange from Jack Ogden in a tight pack of runners: "It might have been a half-dozen, but it felt like 20 guys. It was a big cluster, but we got the baton where we wanted it and stayed out of trouble. I went on the outside and it felt good, so I just kept charging."

On thoughts after his leg: "I knew we had it. I have confidence in all our legs. Mike Craddick is hungry. He's hungry for a (champion's) flag out there today and I knew he was going to do whatever he had to do to keep us in contention. I had no fear whatsoever for the second half of the race."

On winning the 4x800 a second time: "It's better. It feels better this time."

Jack Ogden, junior, who ran opening leg: "It's my first time in a big race like this and the weather definitely played a big role in it. It's hard warming up because you have to warm up inside and walk all the way over (to the track). It's tough, but the team made the best of it."

On nerves before first major collegiate race: "I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be, but it was still nerve-racking knowing a lot of how our team would be successful rested on my shoulders because that first leg is so big."

Colette Gnade, junior, Waukee, winner high school girls 800, 2:14.09. She beat a strong field that included Blaire and Brooke Dinsdale of North Tama; Katie and Betsy Flood of Dowling Catholic and Shelby Houlihan of Sioux City East. She anchored Waukee's sprint medley relay victory earlier in the day.

On winning: ``I'm just surprised actually. I worked my butt off this winter. This is one of the ultimate goals for me. State's next. It's just such an honor to run with all those girls. It's one of the most competitive races for high school girls at Drake this year and it's just great to say that I won.''

On her supporters: ``There's a lot of people that believed in me this year and I have to thank everyone - all my coaches, the people I run with, it's just a great feeling. And I know it's as exciting for them as it is for me. That's how passionate people I run with and coaches are.''

On the race: ``I think it was Blaire that was in front of me. All was I thinking about was getting Blaire. I was thinking, is Houlihan going to come or is Brooke going to come or one of the Floods. You just have to block that out and cross the finish, give your strongest finish, because that's all you've got.

On the other runners: ``I ran with the Dinsdales and Besty (Flood) my freshman year at AAU nationals. I was kind of the little one, I guess, because they're all a year older than am I. I looked up to them as a freshman and now beating them is just such an honor.''

Did you think you'd be able to reach the level of the others? ``I always thought, like, wow, they're all amazing. I've seen Betsy beat the Dinsdales. I guess it was my time now. Looking up to them, I was like, I can never get that fast. All of them work so hard. They're intense. It's an honor.''

Has it been a Waukee day? ``It has been. It will be a Waukee Drake Relays, hopefully.''

2008 DRAKE RELAYS QUOTES Thursday, April 26, 2008 Fiona Asigbee, unattached, former Missouri athlete, winner women’s heptathlon with 5,788 points, Drake Relays record, seventh best score in the world this year, second best in U.S. ``It’s pretty early in my training season. This is my second meet of the whole year. I didn’t do indoors. So to be able to put together a hep and do all seven events is a blessing. So I was pretty thankful for the outcome.’’

When did you begin to think you would win? ``I’m a pretty good long jumper. I kind of started my career as a long jumper. So I just wanted to come out and jump well. I really don’t think about numbers and what the other competitors are doing. I just try to focus on myself and try to do the best of my ability. So when I popped off a good jump, I knew that would carry me to my other events.’’

What do you have to work on the most? ``Probably getting my speed back and a little bit of my fitness. I had some injuries (groin problem) in the indoor season and had to take a little time off. I definitely need to get back to getting a little bit quicker and little bit more fit. Plus every event. You can always improve your events.’’

On what the performance does in her U.S. Olympic Trials preparations: "I looked at this meet as a good way to gauge where I was in these next few months leading to the Olympic Trials. There is always a motivation to do your best in these months to really see what you need to get done by late June."

On winning despite being two points down to start the day: "The heptathlon is always unpredictable and it is hard to tell what the others will do in their day. I really don't get too caught up in point totals during the meet, but focus on each event individually, and if it all pans out, that's a great added bonus."

On claiming a Drake Relays record: "It's truly a blessing and am very thankful to have met the meet record. While this is only my second competition all year -- as I took off the indoor season due to injury -- I felt this was a solid opening score to the season, but I still know there is a lot of things I can improve upon to reach my goals."

Tamilee Kerr, Iowa, second-place finisher in heptathlon with 5,417 points, a school record and her personal best. She’s a senior from Kingston, Jamaica: ``I was not expecting a score like this. We’ve got the Big Ten meet coming up in two weeks so this is a good start for that.’’

On her performance: ``I would rate my performance as being good. Coach (Victor Houston) told me we were coming out just to get the feel of the meet. It was my first heptathlon since last year, so I was not coming in expecting to do anything great.’’

On help from former Iowa teammate Peaches Roach, who finished third: After the first race (Wednesday), I was kind of down. But I had my former teammate with me and she helped me get my confidence back. I ended up with PRs in three events the first day (200, shot put, high jump).’’

Peaches Roach, Jamaica, former Iowa athlete, third in heptathlon with 5,412 points: “I’m just grateful to finish, javelin is one of the events I have never done before. When I fouled on my first throw, I was kind of nervous and I’m like, OK, I just need to get to sixth so I could move on to the 800 and finish. So I’m grateful to finish.’’

On what’s next: ``I’m excited to have finished and now I have a starting point and I can move on from that ‘’

Chaunte Howard, winner, women’s downtown, high jump at 6-4.75; downtown event record. Howard also won the event in 2006. ``I was really pleased with the height I was able to clear today. I’m just happy that God allowed me to jump as high as I did.’’

On the atmosphere: ``I always love coming to Drake because the children come out here and they are so enthusiastic and excited about high jump, and for a lot of them it is the first time they have seen a high jump competition. It’s a great atmosphere with the music and the crowd. We play music a lot at home, so I feel at home here with the music.‘’

Olympian Jamie Nieto, winner men’s downtown high jump at 7-4.50 ``It was good. Last weekend didn’t go as well for me. I knew I could jump 7-4.5 I came and proved it to myself today, so I’m happy. Still looking forward to that eight standard, the last mark that I was jumping at. I got a little tired, but it was a lot of fun. I’m glad the kids came out. I mean, it was great. Two championships in a row, so I am happy about it.

On the atmosphere: ``The atmosphere here was comparable to a lot of the high jump-only competitions in Europe. So coming here is like old news to me, but it’s new news because it’s here in the U.S. and they are doing such a great job. (Relays director) Brian Brown is holding a fantastic meet.’’

Kinsey Farren, Missouri freshmen, winner, women's 10,000-meter run (36:54.70)

On the race: "I like to get out fast and settle in from there, but we went out really slow. Coach kept telling me to stay close to Katie [Baylor’s Shaw ] and I went with her. I have to make my move early since I don't have the best kick, and did so around the ninth or tenth lap. After that, I went steady and smooth. “This was my first-ever 10k on the track, so I didn't know what to expect. Coach (Rebecca Wilmes) and Kate (Greer, teammate) gave me a good rundown of what to expect and they were right on."

On the Drake Relays: "This was a great experience, hearing the crowd behind you and listening to your teammates give you encouragement was really an awesome feeling. It's really cool to have won on my first go-around."

On the warm afternoon: "I would have liked to run a faster time, but the coaches warned me that this is not the time or place to do so this time around. They told me that if I ran my type of race and didn't get anxious, that I could I do very well among the field. Growing up in Texas you get used to these type of conditions, but I guess I've been in Missouri too long to say that I'm still comfortable with it."

Lisa Koll, sophomore, Iowa State, winner women’s invitational 5,000, 15:59.2, ranks No. 4 in NCAA this year. Koll is the American collegiate record holder in the 10,000. ``Going in I wanted to break the meet record. Obviously, that didn’t happen. It’s OK, because I was kind of used to it in high school. I don’t really mind running alone. It was something I kind of planned to do.’’

On winning at Drake: ``I’m excited. I’m not completely happy with my performance, but I’m really happy to win Drake Relays to check that off the life goal list.’’

On being the 10,000 record holder: ``It gives me tons of confidence. The record was something I obviously never want to take back, but it puts things in a new perspective for me. There’s still places I want to go and still things I want to do. ‘’

On the shorter distance in the 5,000: ``I went out pretty fast because I figured I was in 15:31 shape. Because even on the second half of my 10K, I think I ran 15:54. Obviously, a lot plays into it – training and conditioning -- but I expected to run faster today.’’

On running in college: ``When I was in high school, I’d always look up to collegiate runners. That was something I always wanted to do. And I always wanted to be there. I knew in my head I could achieve it, but to actually be there now, it’s surreal.’’

Are you still surprising people? ``I don’t really know. I guess I don’t really pay attention to it that much, because it’s something I never paid attention to before. So even now that I’ve done something, I don’t really want to change it. I think paying too much attention to what other people think can be a bad thing.’’

What’s next? ``Just keep getting better. I’d love to make Beijing in the 10K. So that’s kind of a goal for the end of this year. I kind of had to rewrite in running log after the 10K (record) because I didn’t think it was going to happen this year. But the end goal never changes. You just get better and get faster.’’

On her sudden rise to prominence: ``It’s surreal. Sometimes I wonder when I’m going to wake up.’’

Joe Detmer, unattached, former Wisconsin athlete now training in Cedar Falls, Iowa, ranked eighth in U.S. last year, winner decathlon with 7,712 points. ``The Drake Relays is awesome. It’s always awesome to say you’re a champion here, so that’s definitely a plus for me.’`We knew before the 1,500 it was going to come down and be really close (with runner up Mat Clark), because we had our PRs right around that 22-second difference that it was going to come down to. I wasn’t really concerned with the win. I was trying to help Mat Clark make it into the Olympic Trials with his mark.’’

Did you know how far you had to finish ahead of runner-up Raven Cepeda? ``I had a rough idea it was around 20 seconds. I wasn’t too concerned with the win. I was looking to get Mat’s score as high I we could. If Raven ran whatever he ran, good for him. We got (Mat) a B standard. His score should get in.’’

On the athletes finishing 1-2-3 all training in Cedar Falls: ``That was the fun part of it all. I’m guess I’m not necessarily part of the team, but I like to think of these guys as my teammates. It’s just fun to push them and be pushed by them and all of us to score great.’’

Why he came to Cedar Falls: ``I was really looking to improve my vault and various other aspects, just get a different view on things. I know Travis (Geopfert) has done a great job with those guys. I thought I’d give him a shot because they have a really good vault program down there. It’s working pretty well.’’

On his pole vault: ``That was huge for me. I definitely did not come into the meet expecting to make high 15s. I was happy to make mid 15s. It’s been coming around, but early in the season it was just not really going very well. It was a huge breakthrough today. I was over 15-9. I more or less made the 16-foot bar, but brought it down with my hands. That was a bit frustrating, but it was really exciting at the same time.’’

Feeling going into the 1,500: ``I knew Mat (Clark) needed to beat my by two seconds (to win the decathlon). I was just trying to pace him through 1200 and if he could go, he could go. And when he just took off with 300 to go, I had to do a gut check and wonder if I really wanted to go with him or just let him go. I tried to catch up and it ended up for the best.’’

Mat Clark, junior, Northern Iowa, who was second in decathlon with 7,691 points, a personal best and provisional qualifying score for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

On the 1,500: ``I just tried to focus on staying with Joe (winner Detmer). I knew if I did that, it would take care of everyone behind me. With 300 (meters) left, I just tried to take off and I knew he’d do a gut check and he finally got me.’’

On his PR in points and beating teammate Raven Cepeda, who was third: ``The most important thing was getting my automatic mark for nationals, so I can go there and then trying to qualify for the Olympic Trials, which I got the B standard. I’ve had more meets outdoors than Raven. So I’ve got a little more under my belt at this point, because this is his first decathlon and it’s my second. As far as beating him, it was nice. The most important thing was the PR score because I know later in the season he’ll be a little higher up in the events he hasn’t been able to compete in yet this year.’’

Was the javelin a turning point for you? ``It was a definitely a turning point. I was definitely frustrated after the vault. I was over a foot off my PR, so I was a little upset about that. I just knew I had to launch a big one in the javelin to get back into it. I just got really aggressive on my approach and launched a good one to stay in the game. It was almost a 10- foot PR.’’ Raven Cepeda, senior, Northern Iowa, third place in decathlon with 7,687 points. Cepeda was the defending champion.

“I was just coming out here trying to get a qualifier (for the NCAA championships). I wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary or supernatural to happen. I just came out to do my 10 events.”

On clearing 16 feet, 3/4 inches in the pole vault: “I dropped quite a few points in the vault, couldn’t quite get five meters, but I got a 4.90 bar, which was enough to get me the (NCAA championships automatic qualifying) mark. I came out to get a spot in nationals, and I did that.”

Tyler Sigl, senior, Wisconsin-Plattteville, winner men’s invitational 10,000. Sigl is a six-time NCAA Division III All-American and defending champion in Division III outdoor 10,000.

On winning at meet the caliber of the Drake Relays: ``I raced here my freshman year. I got third or fourth place and I had a time about the same as I had today. I don’t get to race at meets this big too often, once maybe twice a year. Its cool racing out here with the crowd.’’

On his performance: ``I would have liked to have gone a little faster. The qualifying time for Division III is 30:14, so I was just under that. I will probably still make it, but it’s always nice to know you are going to go for sure.’’

On the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference meet next week: ``I have the top time in the 5K. I’m also racing in the 1,500 and I have won that the last three years, so hopefully we can make it four in a row.’’

Japheth Ng’Ojoy Texas-El Paso senior, winner of men’s 5,000 (14:06.99) “I knew that I was going to win because I was here last year and I tried and it was really easy. It wasn’t a struggle but something where I was trying to find a rhythm. The pace was really nice and a uniform pace I really wanted.”

Katie Flood, Dowling Catholic sophomore, who defended high school girls 3,000 (9:56.23): “I actually ran slower than I did last year but I know it has been a while getting going this year so I’m happy with it and I hope I improve.”

Betsy Flood, Dowling Catholic senior, who was second in high school girls 3,000(9:58.25) “It was a real exciting race especially since the 3000 I’ve never thought of as my race. That has always been Katie’s thing, but I set a PR today and I felt like I could stay with her so I tried to. I tried to stay with her and that worked until the last two seconds.”

Leyden Tolhurst, Drake junior, winner of men’s unseeded 1,500 (3:51.21): “Amazing. I’ve had sort of a bad season, bad weather, but Des Moines put it on for today. It’s brilliant, really nice to win in front of the home crowd. It was probably a PR by about three seconds. It is nice to put it on for everyone here, all your friends. I’d say family but they’re a wee bits away (Tolhurst is from New Zealand) but it’s cool. I ran last year but it was appalling so this race made up for it this year.”

Nicole Braunsdorf, junior, Drake, fifth in women’s unseeded 1,500 in 4:30.81. ``This is the first time I got to run in an open race, so it was pretty exciting to be able to run in something that wasn’t a relay and be able to run on my own. I had a seven-second PR today.’’

On her motivation: ``Knowing my friends and coaches are watching is just a really great experience. It really helps you in your race knowing that you have the support of your community.

Goals for the season: ``This is the closest I have gotten to qualifying for the NCAA meet. I’m not sure what the time is, but I’ve definitely got my sights set on it and hopefully I can make that time. If not, it will be a big boost for next year.

Casey McDermott, freshman, Drake, eighth in women’s unseeded 1,500 in 4:35.23 ``I was excited I got to run here. It was a great experience. I ran here in high school, but it is different at the college level.

On her performance: ``I wish it could have been better. Nicole (Braunsdorf of Drake) ran really well. I thought she ran a smart race. I think it will help my nerves for the MVC because I get really nervous. I feel like today I controlled my nerves really well. Hopefully this will be what it’s like at conference.’’