The Drake University Relays mean something different to every athlete. For many athletes, Relays are a time to see professional athletes take the stage, along with getting to compete in their own events at a chance for Relays glory. Above all, it is a time for everyone to enjoy the Drake campus and spend time with their fellow Bulldogs under the sun and stadium lights.
“As an athlete, Relays feel a little different compared to most of my peers on campus,” redshirt senior thrower Centaine Noom-Duckworth said in an email interview. “Like my teammates, I grew up watching so many of the professional athletes that compete at Relays every year, so to be able to not only see them in person, but also compete in the same arena with them is a dream come true.”
Some student athletes have different schedules than students as they compete in events. Redshirt junior thrower Cooper Cerese said events like the concert make the weekend feel more full than a typical track meet.
“The concerts at Drake Relays are exciting because they bring a completely different energy outside of the competition,” Cerese said in an email interview. “From my perspective, it’s a chance to step away from the intensity of competing and just enjoy being around a huge crowd of people all there for the same event.”
In addition to competing in their own events, athletes also have the opportunity to watch the professionals.
“Athletes like the elite 400m hurdles trio of Anna Cockrell, Dailah Muhammad and world record-holder Sydney McLaughlin are loyal returners to the Blue Oval, along with Ryan Crouser, world record-holder in the shot put, which always proves to be an exciting competition,” Noom-Duckworth said.
Noom-Duckworth added that “unique” events such as the pole vault at Jordan Creek Mall and World Shot Put Series are also favorites.
Cerese had his own take on what he looks forward to when it comes to events that he gets to watch when he isn’t competing himself.
“The 4x400m relay is one of the most exciting events at Drake Relays,” Cerese said. “It’s usually at the end of the meet, so everything builds up to it, and you can feel the energy in the stadium before the race even starts. The constant lead changes and all-out final lap make it intense, and the crowd’s full engagement makes it feel even more electric.”
Cerese said the environment of Relays “sticks with him” after the week is over.
“Relays Week brings about an unparalleled, contagious energy not only on campus, but in the greater Des Moines area too,” Noom-Duckworth said. “I would encourage everyone to participate in as many events as possible, both around campus and downtown, but especially at Drake Stadium itself, where you have the opportunity to witness world-class and Olympic athletes in record-breaking action.”
