University of Minnesota Athletics
Big Ten Track and Field Championships Quotes - Day One
3/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Minnesota's Liz Roehrig, Four-Time Big Ten Pentathalon Champion
“I was really looking forward to today, because the season so far hasn't been going so good. Coming into this meet I felt the best I've ever felt, so I was really excited to go out there and compete today.'
On becoming the first Golden Gopher to win an event four consecutive years:
“It's a pretty cool honor. It's not really anything I thought about a lot coming into the meet, because when you think of that then you just put more pressure on yourself. I just wanted to come into today and have fun, and that's what I did.'
On making up more than 40 points in the high jump and shot put:
“Hurdles isn't as great an event for me as the shot put and high jump, compared to everyone else. It was a good time coming in for me my second best time this season.'
Minnesota's Liz Podominick, Big Ten Shot Put Champion
“It was my best throw of the year, although not my PR but I'll take best throw of the year, especially at Big Tens.'
On if she was expecting more out of
“She looked a little off, but she's doing a lot of events. It was a great competition; a lot of girls got their PRs, and it was just a lot of fun to throw.'
On winning in front of the hometown crowd:
“It was amazing. I have my parents here, my grandparents, a lot of family and friends. I couldn't ask for anything better it's my senior year, and it's been a blessing.'
On if the Gophers can win the conference team championship:
“The way we're going, it sure looks like it... But it's a long meet, and there is still a lot of competition left. If everyone keeps doing what they're doing, we'll have a chance.'
Minnesota's Alicia Rue, Big Ten Pole Vault Champion and Current Gopher Record Holder (13 feet, 9.25 in)
On her record-setting day:
“It's been an excellent day. My goal for the day was to come in and jump my best, and I got a PR for the day in 4.2 meters, and that's also the automatic qualifier for NCAAs. That was my big goal for the day.'
On jumping over a foot father as a sophomore than her freshman indoor-best height (12'6'):
“As a freshman last year, I was learning a lot, and with a year behind me and a lot of training, I was a lot better. I was excited to see how well I could do."
Michigan's Tiffany Ofili, Big Ten Long Jump Champion:
"Coach told me to go out there and give everything that I had. He said 'Go out and try your best every time."
Iowa's Meghan Armstrong, 3000-Meter Champion:
On what made the difference during Saturday's race:
"Consistent training, even with all the ice and snow that we had, and being a senior definitely helped me want to win the race."
On what she's running Sunday:
"I'm running the 5K tomorrow, and then I'm looking forward to nationals."
Minnesota head coach Matt Bingle:
"I think the team had fun and they enjoyed themselves today. Liz Podominick, Alicia Rue and Liz Roehrig all came through today, and it was awesome. It was exactly what we needed, and it was a big boost of momentum for us. Any time you see someone doing well, it rubs off on you."
"We need to come out tomorrow, have fun and compete."
Players Mentioned
