2004 Relays a Success
Dec. 17, 2004
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
Day One- Kansas junior Kim Clark recorded a first place finish in the unseeded 800-meter run with a time of 2:11.30 in the opening day of the 77th annual Kansas Relays at Memorial Stadium. The day was highlighted by sunny skies as many watched an exciting distance carnival.
“Without a doubt this is the best distance carnival we have seen in my time at Kansas,” Meet Director Tim Weaver said. “The combination of tough competition, a great atmosphere and outstanding weather gave us a exceptional start to what promises to be a fantastic weekend.”
Wichita State sophomore Desiraye Osburn won the 3000-meter run in a time of 10:05.98, while Mary Grene of Athletics Wichita took home the 1500-meter title in a time of 4:55.52.
On the men’s side of competition, Nick Welihozkiy won the hammer throw with a mark of 210-09. Kansas State’s Ryan Creadick threw the hammer a regional qualifying distance of 185-08 to finish second overall, while teammate Mathew Chesang recorded a first place finish in the 5000-meter run with a time of 14:29.69.
KU sophomore Adam Fitts finished third in the hammer with a season-best mark of 181-07 and freshman John Cook recorded a season-best in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:54.17.
Day Two- A total of three Kansas Relays records were set on day two of the 77th Kansas Relays at Memorial Stadium. The pleasant weather and great competition set the stage for an exciting day of track and field action.
“Today exceeded all of my expectations. From a meet management point of view, it was the best Friday we’ve enjoyed since I’ve been meet director,” Tim Weaver said. “We were right on schedule or a few minutes ahead all day, the officials and volunteers were dedicated and plentiful, and all of our fires were small ones.”
Sarah Stevens started off the day by setting the Kansas Relays record in the girl’s shot put with a throw of 48-08 ¼. The previous record was held by Manhattan’s Pinkie Suggs, who threw the shot 46-11 ½ at the 1982 Kansas Relays.
Shawnee Heights senior Trisa Nickoley won her fourth-straight 800-meter title at the Kansas Relays in a record time of 2:06.76. Nickoley broke her own record of 2:12.53 that was set at the 2003 Kansas Relays.
Korene Hinds, who finished with a time of 10:34.43, set the women’s 3000-meter steeplechase record. The previous record was set by Melissa Teemant, who finished with a time of 10:44.88 at the 1997 KU Relays.
Freshman Gavin Ball threw a personal-best 59-09 ½ to win the men’s shot put title for the Jayhawks. The KU women’s distance medley relay team of Angela Pichardo, Octavia Garrett, Kim Clark and Megan Manthe took home a first place finish with a time of 12:04.97. KU great Scott Russell recorded a first place finish for Nike Athletics in the javelin with a throw of 242-08.
“Looking at the day through a fan’s eyes, we had amazing weather, a great crowd, and some outstanding record-breaking performances. Everything contributed to a festive atmosphere. Add to that Al Oerter, Jim Ryun, Billy Mills, Wes Santee, and Bob Timmons walking around in the crowds, and it was a very special day,” Weaver added.
