June 21, 2003
Head Coach Curtis Frye
On qualifiers for the World Championships-“Today was a great day in terms of getting our automatic qualifiers into the World Championships. I am excited that our group came through today. It is a result of what happens when you do not have to run so many races like our current athletes did at the NCAA’s.”
On current USC athletes-“Corey Taylor made the semifinals in the 110m hurdles and has a shot at making the Pan American Games team. We have Tiffany Ross and Erica Whipple who both have a chance to make the National team at the Pan Am Games. Overall, we have a lot of kids that have an opportunity to compete in International competition this summer.”
Corey Taylor (110m Hurdles)
On his semifinal race-“I have no regrets. I felt good throughout the race and thought I was making a move near the end but had some mishaps on hurdles seven and eight. I’m not walking away from this race upset. The other hurdlers are great athletes and I was truly competing against the best. I’m going to wait until next year, come back and try again.”
Demetria Washington (400m Dash)
On her second-place finish in the finals-“Coming in I was focused on finishing in the top three and going to the World Championships. I had tough competition in this race against some tremendous young ladies. I am happy to go on and compete at the Worlds and that means a lot to me. My goal there is to make the final against the great competition that will race there.”
Allen Johnson (110m Hurdles)
On his finals race-“I had to battle the wind but I was just focused on my line of hurdles. I saw Terrence Trammell coming up along side me, but did not know it was him at the time. We had a race to the finish and I dipped at the line. It was not my best race, but it was good enough to get the job done today.”
On winning his sixth U.S. title-“These days are the prime of my career. A lot of athletes can having a longer ‘prime’ to their careers by working hard, eating right and staying healthy. You can maintain your peak from age 20 through 40 if you want.”
Terrence Trammell (110m Hurdles)
On his second place finals finish-“I just started back training about three weeks ago after having a hamstring injury. My mechanical technique is better now after the injury but I still have a lot of work to do. By the time the World Championships I should be performing well and I am looking forward to that.”
Chelsea Hammond (Long Jump)
On competing at the USATF Championship-“This meet was another experience for me, especially since I am in the ‘senior’ group now. I was happy to get the experience and it is something I will carry into next year. Next season, I plan on making it onto the national team.”
Kenneth Ferguson (110m Hurdles-Junior Men)
On his first round race-“I feel alright and am just taking things step by step right now. I am ready for the 110 finals and still have the 400m hurdles first round also. It was tough running against the wind today and it felt like I was pushing when I was running against it.”
Greig Cryer (Long Jump-Junior Men)
On his third-place finish-“I felt like I had a chance to win but I faulted on four of six attempts. I cannot complain, though. I was a guy that came out of high school jumping 22′ 11″ and now I am jumping 25 feet. I’m grateful for what I got in this meet and I am blessed to do that.”
