April 28, 2006
COLUMBIA, Mo.--The Missouri men's 4x800-meter relay team of Jimmie Jones, freshman Blake Figgins, Neville Miller, and Marcus Mayes carried home a victory at the 97th Drake Relays late Friday evening with a time of 7:20.91, winning by over three seconds. The win is the Tigers' first relay win at the Drake Relays since the 2000 4x800-relay squad carried home their victory. In addition, Missouri has now won the men's 4x800 title five times - previously 2000, 1999, 1981, and 1964 - and has now won 25 overall men's relay championships at the Drake Relays.
The first leg was carried out by junior Jimmie Jones (Detroit, Mich. / Mumford HS), whose 1:50.5 carry gave the Tigers the immediate lead. At one time Jones had a lead over Northern Iowa of at least 10 meters.
"I wanted to take the race out fast, and finish with what I had left to help my teammates out," said Jones, who was physically exhausted after the relay. "We felt we had four strong legs and that we could win this and be able to continue the Missouri tradition. We really had no doubt."
Freshman Blake Figgins (Detroit, Mich. / Mumford HS) held strong with his leg with a first lap of 51.9. Northern Iowa closed on the next turn, and Figgins was also passed by another runner, but still was close behind when handing to Miller, splitting 1:52.5.
"I wanted to make sure I held the lead as much as a could by going out strong," said Figgins.
Miller's third leg carry will go down in Missouri Track & Field as the stuff of legend. Ironically, Miller (St. Louis, Mo. / Vianney HS), a holder of a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science, immediately had to battle the elements during his carry. Soon after the handoff to Miller, the sky started to pour and the wind howled and created instant unfavorable conditions for good half-mile running. But, that didn't stop Miller who continued strong, letting UNI pass, drafting his way to a fantastic 1:49.3.
"Blake and Jimmie got us in the position we needed, up with the leaders and giving me someone to catch," said Miller. "I just wanted a smart opening 400, letting Northern Iowa jump ahead, so we I could use it to my advantage, and I felt comfortable with Marcus coming next and knowing how fast and how smart he would run."
With Miller's surge, the Missouri lead amazingly increased to four seconds. The anchor went to junior Marcus Mayes (Sand Springs, Okla.) who opened with a strong 52.0 lap maintaining a sizeable lead. Mayes, who ran smooth the entire last lap, cruised to victory over Minnesota with his leg of 1:48.6. A final clocking of 7:20.91 for the team becomes the school's fourth best all-time.
"I was just so happy for my teammates and setting me up like they did," said Mayes. "All I had to do was hold on and finish strong."
The women's 4x800 team had a strong run as well, placing third at 8:43.18, the fifth-best time at Mizzou all-time. Freshman Ellen Ries carried a strong lead off with a PR 2:10.0 to put Mizzou in third. Junior Nicole Johnson split a 2:11.2 to keep position. Freshman Angela Potrykus captured a breakthrough race, running in a strong 2:13.5, opening with a 60.6 lap. Sophomore Trisa Nickoley got the stick for as the anchor. Entering with a seven-second deficit, Nickoley was able to run a 2:06.9 and cross third, closing within four seconds of champs Michigan.
Nickoley's leg was her second of the day. She ran a 2:07.1 earlier in the afternoon for the distance medley relay team that placed fourth.
"I was so happy for our team," Nickoley said. "My teammates all ran personal bests, and I knew this was going to be a good day for us. Their racing pumped me up, and helped me our team."
In the women's shot put, Elizabeth Robe placed seventh with a 49-9½ (14.87m) throw. In the men's shot, Bill Hobson also placed seventh, throwing 55-9 (16.99m).
The relays continue tomorrow beginning at 8 a.m.