Colorado University Athletics
Big 12 Outdoor Quotes - 1,500 Meter Champions
Men’s 1,500 Meter Champion
Leo Manzano,
On The Race
“It was my first final ever at altitude, so I just wanted to come out and run but I didn’t know what to expect with the altitude?everyone was talking about it. They kept saying it’s going to get you, it’s going to get you and (Colorado senior) Brent Vaughn said ?you’re going to feel it around 1200m’ so I wasn’t looking forward to that. It feels a little different, but not as bad as I thought. All the credit goes to my boy (Stephen) Pifer because he went out and took it, he made it an honest race and he really carried me along. Especially with the wind he really helped me out there.”
On His Strategy
“I think the strategy for both of us. He took it out and made people hurt, he knew I had a good kick and he knew the best way to take it out of me was to take it out. Like I said he did a great job and took a lot of people out of the race at the same time. I felt the burn of the altitude and when I did I had to get it in my head and go from there.”
Texas Associate Head Coach/Distance Coach Jason Vigilante
On The Race
“I think what sets the drama is that Stephen races one way and Leo races the other. It kind of sets the audience up, and makes it exciting. I was really impressed with how brave of a pace Stephen established today, with the conditions being as windy as they are. I am thoroughly impressed with the courage that Stephen showed and I was really happy that Leo was able to come away with the title.”
Women’s 1,500 Meter Champion
Sally
On The Race
“I think I did pretty good. The fact that there was a lot of wind today, but it didn’t really bother me?I think I did pretty good today. My goal was to come back here and successfully defend my title, and I’m very happy about that.”
On Moving On To Regionals And Nationals
“I’m very excited about it, but it’s so far away I haven’t really had a chance to think about it. I just hope my body can support the training the way that it has been doing.”
On Defending Her 1500m Champion
“It’s definitely amazing. I’m just so proud right now, it was a tough field and with everything that has happened I really appreciate it and I’m just really happy.”
Men’s 1,500 Meter Runner-Up
Stephen Pifer,
On His Strategy
“I wanted to play to my strengths and give a good, honest effort. I know there are a lot of really good runners in the field?
“My game plan was 60 (seconds), 60, 58 and then bring it home with whatever I had that last lap. I got out a little quicker than I anticipated.”