2007 Finish Line USA Junior Championships athlete quotes - Thursday

Kevin Snyder - Men's High Jump

It was a great day to jump. There was a good group of guys here and I just wanted to do my best. I matched my PR, which I haven't done in awhile.

Nicole Blood - Women's 3,000m

I just wanted to feel comfortable and when I did, I took the lead. I've been feeling great -fit and stronger. I definitely want to go to Pan Ams. It's only in two weeks, so that's good.

Ryan McDermott - Men's 3,000m Steeplechase

I ran a lot smarter today. I just stayed with the pack and then with about 1,000m to go I took it home. That's what my goal was the entire season - try to win this, then go to Brazil for the Pan Ams. When I saw Christian Thompson fall, I thought, 'Now I can win this.'

Kristi Castlin - Women's 100mH

I had a tough week last week at NCAA's, so I was just trying to focus on the small things. It is tough running two rounds in one day, but you make it work.

Brendan Ames - Men's 110mH

I skipped out on the Nike Outdoor Nationals because I was afraid I'd peak too soon. I wanted to come here and make the national team so I could go to Brazil. I was looking for 13.3 or .4 and when I saw 13.15 I couldn't believe it.

I'm going to the University of Kentucky next year. I just started running the hurdles last year so not too many schools were looking at me.

Jason Allen - Men's Long Jump

I felt good today. My game plan was to go one and done. I wanted to get them on my first jump, then just stay relaxed and pretend it was practice. I did my best and my first jump was my best.

Lynne Layne - Women's 100m

I just came out to do my best today and get a good PR. Winning is an extra bonus - it feels great. My season has been going up and down. I wanted to end with a big bang and I think I did that.

In the 200m, I just want to do the same thing. I don't have any expectations and I just want to try to get a fast time.

Rynell Parson - Men's 100m

My race was strong. I stayed in my drive phase longer and I think that's what got me out there. I'm satisfied with my time - I'm just a sophomore, going to be a junior, so I'm more than satisfied.

Shana Woods - Women's Heptathlon

It was a surprise when they told me (that I was only the second girl to repeat). Overall, it was a really good competition. It evened out - some events I did good in, some not so good. I'm excited to go to Brazil for the Pan Ams.

I was the underdog last year so there was less pressure, but this year I can in on top so I felt some pressure to defend my title.

Jamesha Youngblood - Women's Long Jump

One minute the wind was kind of strong, then another minute you didn't feel it at all. It made getting on the board tough because one minute I'd be on the board, another in front and another behind, but I just had to keep adjusting.

My plane ride was horrible, but I got down here and relaxed. I came last night and got a little warm-up, then saw the chiropractor and got a massage so that was nice.

I'm kind of nervous about Pan Ams, but I'm anxious to go.

Darius Savage - Men's Discus

It was pretty good. I started out rough in the shot, but I came back strong and won the discus. Unfortunately I will not be going to Pan Am Juniors, because I have some football obligations.

Sara Neubauer - Women's Shot Put

We had beautiful weather for the meet. I started out slow, just trying to get a mark in, trying to compete. I was happy with the throw. I'm working on getting my passport, so hopefully I'll get it in time to be able to go to Pan Am Juniors.

Nick Adcock - Men's Decathlon

I was second coming into today. My day was good - with the lower hurdles and lighter discus I scored some extra points. I PRed in pole vault and now I'm going to Brazil.

Emily Bernhardt - Women's Hammer Throw

It was a little nerve-racking at the beginning when I fouled my first two throws. I thought, 'As defending champion, it would look pretty bad if I didn't make finals.' But I got in and threw well enough to win.

Jordan Scott - Men's Pole Vault

It started out really rough. I made 5.00 meters on my third try. After I had it won, I jumped up to go for the meet record, which is just below my PR. I took my first jump at the meet record and made it, so I called it good for the day because I have to jump tomorrow. I didn't jump a lot today so I think I'll be OK tomorrow. Tomorrow is just for fun, of course. It's amazing (to get the meet record) - the guy who had the record (Lawrence Johnson) is a collegiate legend.

Elliot Heath - Men's 5,000m

I didn't have too much of a plan going in. I wanted to be sure to stay with the front pack as long as I could. This one was a little bit slower from the get go. I guess I like the slower paces, but you have to be prepared for whatever pace comes. If it's slower you have to be sure you are up in the group. It's all about pacing.