Volume 125 Issue 2
kansan.com
Monday, August 20, 2012
KANSAN FILE PHOTO
OLYMPIC DREAMS
Junior Diamond Dixon sprints at the Kansas Relays in April. Dixon won gold in the 2012 London Olympics after running a heat in the 4x400 relay event.
DIAMOND FOR GOLD
KU track star Diamond Dixon achieved a dream running in the Olympics
MAX GOODWIN
mgoodwin@kansan.com
Diamond Dixon,donning U.S. Olympic team apparel and a gold medal draped around her neck spoke to reporters at the Anderson Family Football Complex on Wednesday about her experience in London.
Dixon ran in the semifinal heat of the 4x400-meter relay and received a gold medal for her team's first place finish in the final at the London 2012 Summer Olympics. She is the first female track runner in University of Kansas history to compete at the Olympics and is now the first female from the university to win gold. Dixon is also the only NCAA athlete who won a gold medal in a track event at the London Games.
At the press conference Wednesday, her blue Ralph Lauren jacket featured a patch over her heart that read "United States Olympic Team" circling an
American flag and the Olympic rings.
"It was nothing but an honor," Dixon said of representing her country in London. "There's so many people in the world that probably dream to go to the Olympics and me being one of the people to go and actually come out with a gold medal is amazing. It's a great feeling."
That feeling was something thatDixon had always dreamed of, and she worked hard to make it a reality. Dixon said she remembered a day of training when she ran up and down hills in the rain and wondered, "Why am I running track? I could pick any sport but this."
Through it all, Dixon stuck with track and achieved one of her goals. However, her dream of standing on the podium and singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" did not come true. Her gold medal was not available immediately after the event in London; it was not
given to her until she was back in the U.S.
Kansas track and field coach Stanley Redwine drove Dixon to Kansas City International Airport to get her medal from Tim Weaver, the relay manager for Team USA, who was on his way back from London. It was coach Redwine who finally placed the medal around Dixon's neck.
"It was a great moment for both of us," Dixon said. "It was something that we both accomplished."
personal record, she had hoped for a time under 50 seconds. But Redwine said he was proud of her for running a smart race.
Dixon said there is a love-hate relationship between she and Redwine because of the way he pushes her to always train harder. Redwine is never satisfied and believes Dixon can keep improving. However, Dixon said that after placing the gold medal around her neck, her coach showed a rare smile.
"He said I did awesome," Dixon said. "He said he was proud of me, and I love those words when he says them."
This time, it was Dixon who was not satisfied after the 50.15 second split time she ran in the semifinal relay. Although the time was a
As the only NCAA athlete in London to win gold in track, there is reason to believe that Dixon could qualify for the 2016 Olympics for her individual open event, the 400-meter, which Dixon said is her goal. She will also be a favorite at the NCAA Championship this year in the event.
"I just basically ran my heart out." Dixon said. "That's just how I run."
HAWK WEEK
There is still room for improvement, though. Redwine is never satisfied and neither is Dixon. But for now, she is happy.
Edited by Nikki Wentling
TARA BRYANT/KANSAN
Steve Hetro, an Overland Park junior, explains the advantages of joining Hawks Nest to students at the Hawk Week Block Party Friday night at the Kansas Union.
Freshmen attend Hawk Week events
HANNAH BARLING
hbarling@kansan.com
Friday kicked off the first night of Hawk Week festivities for students. The night began with the SUA Rock Chalk Block Party at the Kansas Union where students could enjoy free food, bowling and check out the different clubs and organizations on campus.
For new KU students, Hawk Week is their first chance to adjust to college life.
"My first reaction when I walked into the Union was that there was a lot more people than I expected," sald Elizabeth Chaney, a freshman from Brownville, Tex. "I thought it was going to be lame, but it was actually really cool."
Friday Night Live followed the block party and gave students an opportunity to watch performances by student organizations.
Brittany Sawtelle, a freshman from Olathe said attending all of the weekend's events was tiring, but ultimately worth the effort.
"My roommate and I made a couple new friends, which was exciting." Sawtelle said. "It was a little overwhelming, but also really fun."
Saturday night was Traditions Night at Memorial Stadium. Students were taught the University's traditions such as Waving the Wheat, the Rock Chalk Chant and the Alma Mater.
"I've been really excited about all the events," said Michael Tahmasian, a freshman from Lenexa. "I feel welcome already after Traditions Night. I feel part of a community, a family"
Hawk Week is designed to allow
students to meet other incoming freshman and have a memorable first experience at the University. The events are run by several organizations, including SUA and the Office of First Year Experience.
"It's the first time students are introduced to the Union and SUA and what we do," Jenna Oltitsky, special events coordinator for SAU said.
Hawk Week continues until Sunday, Aug. 26. Weekend events include Super Service Saturday, an event that students can attend to volunteer in the community as well as on campus, and a religious organizations fair on Sunday.
Edited by Andrew Ruszczyk
REMAINING HAWK WEEK EVENTS
MONDAY
Part-Time Job Fair
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Kansas Union
TUESDAY
KU Info Tables
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wescoe Hall
Hawk Week Film: Thank You
for Smoking
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Spencer Museum of Art
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24
Common Book Team Trivia
3 - 5 p.m.
Watson Library
LAWRENCE
Students learn to be 'good neighbors'
RACHEL SALYER rsalyer@kansan.com
Maintaining a healthy coexistence with neighbors can be a challenge, especially between University of Kansas students and permanent Lawrence residents.
The initiative kicked off Thursday with about a hundred volunteers from six fraternities canvassing the Oread neighborhood with welcome bags. Volunteers, paired with city representatives, placed 2,000 bags on doorsteps with city ordinance information ranging from bike parking and house party protocol.
The Good Neighbor program, created in unison by the University and the city, aims to strengthen relations between students and residents by providing students with information about good citizenship.
"A big part of going to school is learning how to live on your own," said Joe Monaco, a spokesperson for the event. "We are providing just some basic information about how
to be polite, courteous, productive citizens in a community"
"This is the first in a set of many steps," said Tim Caboni, vice chancellor for public affairs at the University and a Good Neighbor co-creator. "We are extending an olive branch today, but it does not end here.
Brad Hess, a freshman from Wichita and Delta Upsilon Fraternity program volunteer, said he was impressed by the University's initiative.
"People really care more here," Hess said. "It makes me feel good. It just makes me feel safer and it feels nice to be joining that community."
Students can easily assume Lawrence has similar ordinances and policies as their hometowns, Monaco said.
The Good Neighbor program is the first to fortify the University's connection with the city.
While no immediate events are planned for the future, Monaco said the University will continue the initiative throughout the year
Edited by Joanna Hlavacek
with various events and activities. Good Neighbor information, including student's rights and resources, is also available at www.studentaffairs. ku.edu/goodneighbor.
-Parties: Notify neighbors before throwing a party. They'll appreciate you cluing them in.
-Parking. Do not park in the yard or in front of fire hydrants or driveways. Doing so can result in a fine.
Trying to be more neighborly? Follow the advice of the Good Neighbor program.
-Sidewalks: Sidewalks must be clear of ice or snow within 24 hours.
-Bicycles: Bikes cannot be locked to trees or other non-designed structures.
-Safety: Lock all windows and doors, including your car, and keep electronics and valuables out of view. Call Lawrence police if you see something suspicious.
CLASSIFIEDS 10 CRYPTOQUIFS 5
GROSSWORD 5 OPINION 6
TARA BRYANT/KANSAN
-Pets: Animals need to be kept on a leash within the city.
HULA HOOPS AND HAWK WEEK
Source: Good Neighbor program
All contents, unless stated otherwise, © 2012 The University Daily Kansan
Don't forget
If you're looking for some extra cash this semester, attend the Part-Time Job Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kansas Union.
Today's Weather
Sunny skys with west northwest winds
Welcome back to campus!
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