2006 TFM at NCAA Mideast Regional -- Day 2 Quotes
5/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track & Field
U-M Sophomore Mike Woods
On his 1,500-meter race ... "I'm obviously relieved that I got into the NCAAs, but it was something that I felt was more or less a given. I'm disappointed that I didn't win, because that was really my goal coming into the meet to build some confidence. If anything, I think it's a good learning experience, because I have two weeks to prepare for the meet that really matters. I think if I'm able to work on my speed and work on finishing strong, I'll definitely be capable of running better at nationals."
U-M Fifth-Year Senior Rondell Ruff
On the tight 800-meter finish ... "It kind of surprised, but, at the same time, it didn't for the fact that the first 400 split wasn't too fast. So, I knew it would be a finish to the end. Coming home, with about 150 to go, I kind of got boxed in and had to fight my way out of it. On the straightaway, I felt good and just wanted to hold my form, knowing I'd finish pretty well. There wasn't really any way for me to make a clear attempt for the line; I would have had to push people out of the way. It was just tight, and I really didn't have anywhere to go."
On registering his second personal best in two weekends ... "It was only a 10th-of-a-second PR, so it wasn't as exciting as it could have been. But PRing is like saying you did your best. When you don't make it with a PR, you can't really ask for too much more. So, it is a good feeling. But I told Ronnie (Warhurst) today that I'm really starting to feel good, and my body isn't ready to give up yet. I think I've got a couple more competitions left in me, so I really hope a couple people don't declare and I can get in."
U-M Senior Brad Miller
On his high jump performance today ... "I was obviously happy to make the first attempt at the opening bar. We knew coming in that if we made 6-9 and 6-11 on the first two attempts, you would punch your ticket and make it in. So, I was right in there after the first bar with nine guys left. I thought all three were good attempts at 6-11; it just wasn't there for me today. I'm disappointed not to make it to nationals, but, at the same time, [6-11] is the opening height at nationals, and if I just can't make it, maybe I don't deserve to be there anyway."
On his career progression from a walk-on to regional qualifier ... "If you would have told me then that I'd be doing as well as I have, especially this year, I would have said you were crazy. I expected a little bit of improvement, but it turned out to be pretty substantial for me. I owe a lot to coaches and teammates, who have really helped me over this time. That's probably the thing I'm most proud of from my whole career. I did make the improvements, and I reached this level. Maybe I'm not a top-20 guy nationally, but I'm really pleased to be where I'm at."
Players Mentioned
