November 20, 2006 NCAA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS QUOTES TERRE HAUTE, Ind.- The following are quotes from the top three men's finishers along with Stanford Head Coach Peter Tegen and Colorado Head Coach Mark Whitmore. Southern Utah - Jess Baumgartner Third Place Part of the lead pack. Got up to front between 1 and 2k. Stayed there the whole time. The last 500 yards Josh and Neff broke off and I was trailing them. On the 8k split I split the pack. I had main goal of top 15. Feeling good. I was not as injured in this race as in the past. I knew I would run well. The last 500 yards Josh and Neff broke off. At the beginning I was a little tired but I felt strong at the end. It’s a big accomplishment. Before this, I had lots of injuries and had to cut a few seasons short. I’m very excited. I was excited for the mud. Stanford - Neftalem Araia Second Place First two races I started out really far back. This was my third season, I needed to start upfront. When it did get hard. I said promise yourself you’ll get up the next hill, and the next hill. I just took it one step at a time. Finishing second is a step in the right direction. It is bittersweet to come so close. It was like running at home since I’m from Indianapolis. I loved it. It was in the last turn, in the straightaway, I was telling myself keep going. I was pushing myself as hard as I could. I thought second’s not so bad, just finish it up. It’s what I expected. (on finishing second). If you approach every season as an individual, you get a whole lotta highs and lows. It starts to become very emotional. I tried to approach every meet as a continuum; part of a process. It was just one more stepping stone. It wasn’t the end. Stanford - Head Coach Peter Tegen (On taking pressure off of runners) Everything you try to do, It all goes out the window once the gun goes off. Wanted to make sure not to do extracurricular, heroic, or special things during the race. Make sure they ran to best ability. When this kind of environment happens, it evens the playing field quite drastically. (difficult to focus on not doing anything drastic?) It is a real challenge. The main challenge. We do what we can do well and know what we can do well all season. I definitely reinforced that just by repeating it. The men in the race need to start out pretty good to make an impact at the end of the race. It was a great breakthrough for Neff. I’m very happy for him. BYU Josh Rohatinsky First place I’m way excited. In the first 4-5k I did not feel good but I worked with Neff to get away from the pack. Two years ago I did not race well in the mud but I mentally made sure that I wouldn’t worry about it this time. I was back and forth the whole race but about 2-3k to go, I pushed and separated myself. (When did you know you were in the lead) Last corner I took a look behind and saw no one was there. I told myself, don’t fall down. For me and Neff to finish 1 and 2 is a big confidence builder. Lets me know I can win big races. (Future plans) I’m getting ready for the USA Nationals. (on winning) It hasn’t sunk in yet. Really excited. Between the 5 and 7k the coach had a feeling something would happen. With 2-3k to go, I had to tough it out and knew I would do well. Mark Wetmore - Head Coach Colorado There’s always a different leader in every race. I’m thrilled for Eric. Excited as I can be. (Intangibles you did bring to the race) Our team has a great comradery. They’re best friends. They were relaxed yet confident and willing to work hard. They are a pleasure to be around. Sea level track teams are able to handle these races. (on how team feels) The team is jumping up and down. They are thrilled for each other. We never ranked number one before but it didn’t stop us from trying to win it.
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