June 13, 2003
Curtis Frye (women’s 4x100m relay)
“I thought it would take 42.50 to win the race and 42.55 won it. We ran a school record. These young ladies worked very hard. Everyone counted us out. In the trials we ran 43.50 and everybody thought we were dead. We aren’t dead yet.”
(Frye on overall night)
“This was an overall team effort tonight, including Aleen’s win,” said USC Head Coach Curtis Frye. “She has been working hard the last month. She has had great practices. She was able to do something for her teammates, that’s what she is all about, and that’s what I love the most about her.”
“It’s a long way to the finish (on being in first tonight). All we control is our destiny tomorrow. We have to fire on all cylinders tomorrow. Then just be happy and satisfied with the finish,” said Frye. “We are were we are right now due to a great coaching staff and wonderful support from our trainers, massage therapist – everyone involved with our program. All the coaches helped Aleen, Tony – the entire team get to this position. We are blessed.”
Aleen Bailey (4x100m relay)
(On running 42.83 for a school record): “I had faith in my teammates that we could pull it off and everything happens for a reason. We ran 42. for the first time in school history and that’s great.”
(on winning the 100m – National Champion)
“I just did Coach Frye told me to do. Just relax and tap and keep my legs under me. The only person I was concentrating on was right by me when I passed her.”
Erica Whipple (4x100m relay)
“Alexis and I had a great exchange. Tiffany and I had a great exchange. Everybody did their best and we ran great. (Surprised 42.83 didn’t win?): Yeah, I am kind of surprised but we did our best and we are very proud.”
Tiffany Ross (400m hurdles)
“I was so excited coming off the 4x100m relay – we almost won it. So the adrenaline was in my race. I came off the curve and started to feel fatigue,” said Ross. “I thank God I got third, it’s quite an accomplishment. I am disappointed in my time but it’s points for the team and I am happy about that. Next week I will just run the 400m hurdles at USAs and hope for a better time. Tomorrow I have two races and I have to concentrate on that. I am not satisfied with my time tonight, but I have to put it behind. Take an ice bath and get ready for tomorrow.”
Tony Allmond (long jump)
“He came in seated 16th and finished 2nd. I came in seated No. 16 and to finish second is very good. I told Coach Frye I wanted to compete well for the team. I broke the school record yesterday, first in the preliminaries and that was cool. Today I had the lead for awhile and then the Auburn jumper finished it. I have confidence for next week (USAs) and this just helps me get ready for next year – I was to win.”
