May 3, 2007

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Head coach Robert Gary and members of the men's track and field team met with the media Thursday at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Gary and the Buckeyes conducted interviews with local media to preview the 2007 Jesse Owens Classic. The meet begins at 10 a.m. Saturday in JOMS.

Robert Gary, men's track and field head coach
On the Jesse Owens Classic
"This a great meet that is named after a great man. This has really been a showcase meet the last few seasons for some of the best Ohio track athletes and also is a big meet for professional track and field athletes as well. This is one of the best track venues in the Big Ten and the country, and this is a great meet to showcase Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium."

On Ohio State track and field
"This is also a great meet for the Buckeyes. We get to showcase some great athletes right before the Big Ten championships."

Dan Potokar, sophomore sprinter and wide receiver on the football team
On running track
"I am very excited to come out here and help the track team and have some fun. Most of us who are on the football team ran track in high school it is a lot of fun."

On the Jesse Owens Classic
"It will be nice to run at the meet where I set the meet record in high school in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes."

On the transition from football to track
"The training is different. In football, we are just trying for a quick 30-40 yard burst. In track, we are learning to make that burst and then hold it for 100 meters."

Donald Washington, sophomore long jumper and defensive back on the football team
On competing in the long jump "This is really exciting to be back running track. I haven't had the chance to be on a track team since my senior year of high school and it is a lot of fun to be back out here."

On the long jump
"It is going to be great. I love jumping. It gives me a chance to work on being a great athlete, not just a great football player or runner."

Chimdi Chekwa, freshman sprinter and defensive back on the football team
On running track
"It is great to be out here on the track again. I have missed it. This experience will really help me to become a better runner."

Tony Cole, junior sprinter
On the 4x100 meter relay team
"Well right now, these guys (Malcolm Jenkins, Chimdi Chekwa and Dan Potokar) are in what we call `football shape' in track. They just need a little most conditioning and they will be in great "track shape" and once they are there, we have a great shot at the Big Ten title."

Malcolm Jenkins, junior sprinter
On running track
"No matter what it is, we want to be the best at it. Everyday we are out here on the track just trying to get better and better. Our goal is to win the Big Ten title in the 4x100-meter relay."

On Butch Reynolds, Ohio State football speed coach
"Coach Reynolds was one of the driving forces to get us out here on the track. He told us we were fast, but if you wanted to be a better and faster runner this was the place to do it."

Lenny Jatsek, junior thrower
On the Jesse Owens Classic
"This is the prefect meet to have before the Big Ten championships. We really get a chance to shine in our home stadium."

Kevin Mannon, men's throws coach
On Lenny and Veronica Jatsek
"Having Lenny and Veronica together creates a good link between the men's and women's teams. Even though we are separate now, we still like to cheer for each other and see each other put up good marks. Lenny and Veronica really embody that."