The 101st running of the Kansas Relays got under way on Thursday and continued Friday, with the opening day's cool and cloudy conditions giving way to a day full of sunshine and smiles.
The Relays will run through Saturday afternoon at Rock Chalk Park, where the Jayhawks have fared very well at their iconic home meet.
Among some of KU's early success stories at the Relays so far this year are: Tori Thomas finishing first in the women's shot put; the men's 4x800 relay team of Freeman, Higuchi, Wilmes & Talley taking first place; pole vaulter Avery Brooks taking home first place in the unseeded portion of the event; junior discus thrower Dimitrios Pavlidis winning his event.
Later Saturday, the Jayhawks added victories from: Clayton Simms winning the men’s pole vault (5.27m); Devin Loudermilk finishing first in the high jump (2.16m); and Cale Littrell taking the men’s 3000m steeple title (9:06.56).
On the women's side, KU had two women’s hurdles champions, with Sidney Smith (400, 58.60) and Yoveinny Mota (100, 13.25) taking gold in their events, with Jayhawks Smith, Moore, Skeete & Brooks winning the 4x400 relay, as well. Aaliyah Lindsay also won the long jump (6.17m) and Taylor Mayo won the triple jump (12.75m). Lona Latema also took the top spot on the podium in the 1,500 in 4:26.71.
Here's a look back at some of the action.
Scenes and smiles from Friday's portion of the Kansas Relays at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kansas. [Chance Parker photos]
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