Matt Battaglia – Southern Oregon – JR – 800 meters
On his performance in the race …
“Coming into the race, I was little tired from the 1,500 yesterday. We actually went out pretty slow. We went out with a 58 second first lap. The last 200 meters I kind of got boxed in so I had to go around and get that kick in.”
On the final stretch of the race …
“I saw the Concordia guy moving and I knew I had to go around and catch him. The last 50 meters was crazy. I was just really happy to pull out with the win.”
On being a conference champion …
“It feels awesome, just awesome. I’m so happy. I was number one coming into the race, and it’s just exciting to win. I really can’t explain it.”
Eric Whalen – Concordia – SR – Shot Put
On his performance in the shot put …
“I started off really well. Southern Oregon’s Max Perry really challenged me with his second throw, which was a big PR for him. It was definitely bigger than my PR at that time. My third throw I really popped it off and got 59-11. I was really happy with that. The finals didn’t go as well, I scratched a couple, but I still got the win and I’m excited for nationals.”
On the other throwers in the conference …
“I could honestly say that the CCC is the best conference for throwing. Year-by-year we have the best throwing performances at nationals. It definitely makes us work a lot harder, because it comes down winning the conference as a team, last year we won by half a point over SOU.”
On individual goals and team goals for nationals …
“We’re definitely in the running for team national contender. If everyone hits their marks or exceeds them, I definitely think we have a great chance to win as a team. For me, I’d like to place in javelin and get as many points as possible. In the shot, I really just want to win it. Win it and break 60 feet is what I want to do.”
NyEma Sims – Concordia – SO – 200 meters
On her overall experience at the meet …
“I think I did pretty well, especially with everything I had working against me. I was in eight events. So, yeah I think I did pretty well.”
On her 200 meter finish …
“I was excited with my finish. After winning the 100 the other day, I felt I could do better than I have all season. So, I just pushed it and let loose. It felt really good.”
On expectations for the national championships …
“I have to first see where I’m ranked at in each event. I want to do what’s best for my team, so we can try to be a contender for the national title.”