Page 6 University Daily Kansan, April 19, 1982
Runners must clear the water jump six times during the Larry Winn 3000-meter steeplechase.
Fans, weather boost Relays tradition
As it does almost every year, rain fell on the Kansas Relays.
But this year, the rain didn't last for long. Unlike last year's deluge that forced the field events indoors and turned the Jim Hersberger track at Memorial Stadium into a lake, the annual Relays downpour lasted for only about an hour on Friday morning, long before most of the major events were scheduled.
And the 10,688 fans and athletes who turned out for the grand finale of the 57th annual Kansas Relays on Saturday were treated to a beautiful April day and some of the finest track and field action to be found in the country.
The fanfare, sunshine and pleasant temperatures brought out a lot of people, track fans and otherwise. For some, coming to the Relays was a tradition.
"We graduated from KU in 1925, and we've been coming back ever since," Ralph King, 79, of Stuttgart, Ark, said.
King, who was accompanied by his wife, said that he had attended every Relays since the first one back in 1923.
The first of four generations to attend KU, King said he liked the individual competition and excitement of a track meet.
Gary Barber, Topeka sophomore, said he was down to watch some of the star athletes expected to compete.
"I wanted to see Tyke (Peacock) jump, and I wanted to see that spriter from Nebraska (Merlene Ottey)," Barber said.
An enthusiastic track fan, Barber said he had been going to the Relays for the past four or five years.
"I wish they had more home meets here," he said. Not only did the fans enjoy themselves, but the athletes seemed to have a good time, too.
"It was the best meet I've ever been to," John Edwards, a middle distance runner from Brigham Young, said.
Edwards said he enjoyed the meet because of the facilities, the friendly people and the good competition.
But Robin Small of Nebraska, who took first place in the women's discus, had probably the best reason of any athlete to enjoy the Relays.
"I won," she said.
JON HARDREY-BOTTOMBERG
KU's Kim Jones flies through the air during the jump competition.
Jones placed fifth with a jump of 20-1.
MARK McDONALDI/Kansan Stat
Anders Hoff, Southern Methodist University, strains as he spins to throw the hammer, a metal ball and cable, during the hammer throw finals.
MARK McQONALDjKansan Staff
Debbie Chmielewski, Oakville, Mo., senior, takes shelter from the cold winds Friday.
Story by Dave McQueen
JON HARDESTY/Kansan Stadi
JOHN CHURCHILL-VINCE BARN
The vaulting pole flexes as KU's Jeff Buckingham tries to make it over the upright. Buckingham placed
fourth with a vault of 18-6.