Night Two Winners’ Quotes: 2014 Men’s NCAA DI Swimming and Diving Championships

Tony Cox – 200 Medley Relay

On how important momentum is in a meet of this caliber: It’s very important. Just having the whole team behind us and seeing our fans in (Cal) Bear suits just really got us going. We honestly didn’t think we had a chance to win that. We just wanted to go fast and do the best that we could.

On if the relay went according to plan: It went a little better than planned.

On breaking the American record: It was pretty good. We didn’t think we’d break it by that much so it was pretty exciting so we’re moving on to our next events now.

Kevin Cordes – 100 Breaststroke

On winning so many NCAA titles in his career: It never gets old. It’s what you work for the whole year. the team works for it. I’m really excited to bring another one back to Arizona.

On breaking his American record twice today: I’m pretty excited so far. It’s not over. We still have a lot of work to do but it’s really a good feeling.

On his race: I tried to take it out faster and it really worked with the speed in my turns.

Joao De Lucca – 200 Freestyle

On if an NCAA title is better the first or second time: I don’t know, it’s different. I think the first one I never realized how it would feel to be a national champion. I wasn’t here to defend anything. I’m always attacking, I just feel unstoppable.

On winning an NCAA title in his senior year: It’s really good. I’m returning something back to the university that has done a lot for me. I remember when I first came to Louisville I had no idea what Louisville was. It was something new for me and way different from where I’m from. They supported me and they did so much for me. I’m very happy to be able to give something back to them. This school means a lot to me.

Ryan Murphy – 100 Backstroke

 On winning the NCAA title as a freshman: That’s been the goal all season, especially with how this meet has been going. I put a lot of pressure to perform well at that event for the team and I think we’ve got a lot of momentum now going into this last relay and into tomorrow as well.

On his mindset going into the race: For that race I just wanted to go out fast because I knew there was a bunch of really fast guys in that race. I just hoped that my 200 training would help me in that last 25.

Chase Kalisz – 400 IM

On breaking the American record: It’s been a goal of mine all season long so to finally accomplish it, I couldn’t be happier right now. I feel like I’m on top of the world right now.

On if he thought he could break the record: Obviously when you set goals you have to believe in yourself. I had an idea but luckily it worked out for me today.

On being an NCAA champion: It feels just as good as it did last year. It never gets old.

Michael Hixon – 3 Meter Springboard

On his contribution to Texas’ point total: We had a great prelims this morning and we kept the finals going. Those 20 points will help. Any points will help here. It’s going to be tight. Cal is swimming unbelievable.

On how much the crowd energizes him: That crowd is unbelievable. Having my boys right there, right beside the 3-meter, that was unbelievable. I kind of went a little crazy after my last dive, probably a little bit too much. I just tried to get them going.  It was an unbelievable atmosphere out there.

Cristian Quintero – 800 Freestyle Relay

On his performances so far: It’s my last NCAA (Championships) so it’s a big deal for me how well I’ve done these two days. I’m really proud of what I’ve accomplished. We still have one more day and I wanted to step up and go fast. It’s really been good.

On winning the last event of the day in a dominant fashion: It’s really exciting. Swimming relays is always really exciting. I love swimming relays. It’s a risk with the exchanges and all of that. But it’s a fun race, especially with the 800 free relay when you win like that.

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A$AP DINGO
10 years ago

Oh true 100 fly winner must have not been important

G
Reply to  A$AP DINGO
10 years ago

maybe they couldn’t reach him for a comment

A$AP DINGO
Reply to  G
10 years ago

False, he held a press conference

About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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