Athlete Quotes - EVENT

Dorian Ulrey – Winner Men’s 1500M (Heat 1)
 
On his prelim race:
“I felt really relaxed. I tried to do something that I didn’t do in the NCAAs, which was to not press and stay on the inside (instead of lane two and out to lane three). It just felt really good. The work has been done, I knew that I only had to rely on the last 200 meters. When I moved, I didn’t feel like I had another gear, but out of nowhere I just kind of exploded with about 150 to go.”
 
On Historic Hayward Field:
“The track was spectacular. Being a distance runner, everybody grows up and hears about Steve Prefontaine, Bill Bowerman and Hayward Field. Being an Arkansas guy, I’m probably one of the only to admit that this is Tracktown USA. The track is phenomenal and the fans are great. The stadium and the meet have lived up to everything I thought it would be.”
 
Lopez Lomong – Winner Men’s 1500M (Heat 2)
 
On his prelim race:
“It felt good. It was a fast race, and a good start for today. I am looking forward to a few more after a few days.”
 
On his expectations:
“The goal was to finish in the top two in order to secure a spot. Just tried to get out and stay out of trouble. I wanted to run in the front two since I never have before. It felt good to look over my shoulders and see nobody around.”
 
William Leer – Winner Men’s 1500M (Heat 3)
 
On his prelim race:
“To be honest I was pretty nervous for today. We had a pretty stacked heat coming in. It turned out that two of our big guns scratched (with Andy and Jim). That took a little bit of the stress out. With 50 guys in the field going through the prelims, you know that you have to be on you’re a game. I’m just glad I came out with one of the top two spots.”
 
Leonel Manzano – Winner Men’s 1500M (Heat 4)
 
On his prelim:
“I give all the credit for my win to my friend Stephen Pifer. He came out and set a fast tone and everything fell into place for me.”