QUOTES FOLLOWING TULANE'S NCAA INDOOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE
Mar 11, 2016 | Track & Field
Tulane Senior Sprinter Jasmine Blocker
On how she felt about her performance and the tougher competition…
"This was a whole new level of competition for me. I've never competed on the national stage this way and I will say that when lining up, I was a bit nervous, and even running, when that nervousness usually fades away, I was still a bit panicked. This was definitely a learning experience for me. We've been building up conference play all season, and nationals came as a gift, and I don't want to say that I wasn't ready, but I think I need to have a mindset throughout my season that I belong on the national stage, and that's what will happen moving forward."
On what lessons will be carried to the outdoor season…
"For me, this whole season has been working to learn to get out quicker, and I think I've gained a lot of confidence in that. Looking to outdoor, my focus is not only going to be getting out faster, but also holding on and staying up with the leading pack because it's a different race when you're out there with everybody. It's just different than catching up and I need to work through my strategy even more so."
Tulane Senior Sprinter Lilla McMillan
On the day's experience…
"This is our first time at this level of competition, so we were definitely feeling those nerves before we went out there. Getting in the first heat, I was in a lane I didn't necessarily love but ended up being a lane I needed to be in was good. I was kind of happy just being in the first heat and getting it out of the way instead of being in Jasmine's position, where you see all the times that have been posted and they're running through your mind. I had to bring everything I had and I think I ran a really good first 200. I was right where I needed to be into the break and then things got a little choppy going into that last turn. I was kind of boxed in. I wouldn't say it was a stumble or anything, but it got a little physical with the girl on the outside. We kind of came into contact with each other on that curve and then she kind of backed off on me. I was feeling really good, and then I got in that home stretch and those girls caught up to me and at that point, I didn't have much left in the tank. My legs were feeling like they weighed 1,000 pounds and everything was really heavy, and you feel that pressure when girls are going past you, it feels like the air is getting sucked out of you. It's hard to describe, but it feels like a loss of momentum almost. Even after giving everything you had, you always feel like you could've given more in hindsight, but I think I gave everything I had. It's a lot to ask of us to come back and replicate those races in conference. I still ran over half a second faster than I've been running all season, so that's nothing to be ashamed of, and I'm just happy that we were able to come out and represent Tulane on this level and get our name in the mix.
Tulane Director of Track and Field Eric Peterson
On using this experience to transfer into the outdoor season…
"Unfortunately, their inexperience at this level showed and the things I hope they're able to learn and take away from this experience is just what it takes mentally, physically, and emotionally to be able to compete well at this level. Obviously they're capable of it and we're going to work hard at using this experience in a positive way to help them both continue to grow and develop as they move on in the sport. They've got a great chance looking forward to get back to this meet during the outdoor season and I know they both will expect to do that as they lead our team."
On the pride of having multiple Tulane members running at this stage…
"We all have high expectations for ourselves and I certainly have high expectations for our program and in order to meet those expectations, we must have athletes that are talented and capable of competing at the very highest level. I'm very proud of Leila and Jasmine for getting to this meet for the indoor season. To be honest, they both seemed to be a little ahead of schedule. I've been watching them grow and develop throughout this year and certainly knew of the high potential to qualify for the outdoor championship, but to get here and gain this experience, I know it's going to serve them well and it's a great example for the rest of the athletes in our program and this is what we aspire to. To be the best and to be challenged at the highest level and it's great to have these two leading the way."
Players Mentioned
