The Air Force track and field team will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, for the 116th running of the Drake Relays from April 22 to April 25. The Falcons are set to compete against top collegiate teams at Drake Stadium after missing last year’s event.
The Drake Relays is one of the oldest and most recognized track meets in the country, attracting athletes from across the nation. For Air Force, this meet offers a chance to test themselves against strong competition and continue their history of success at this event.
Competition for Air Force begins on Wednesday, April 22, with Texas Tanner representing the team in the World Shot Put Series. Events will run through Saturday, with live results available on the Drake Relays’ website and broadcasts on RunnerSpace.com. Since first participating in 1963, Air Force has won a total of 23 championships at these relays. Their most recent appearance in 2024 saw them secure four titles: men’s 100-meter dash, men’s 5000-meter run, men’s 400-meter hurdles, and men’s 110-meter shuttle hurdles relay.
The Falcons have consistently performed well at this meet over recent years. They achieved a program-best runner-up finish in Relay Cup standings in 2023 and have placed near the top during four of their last five appearances. Notable champions include Bob Lamber (men’s high jump), Gail Conway (women’s 800-meter run), Dana Pounds (women’s javelin throw), Dylan Bell (men’s pole vault), Jaci Smith (women’s 5000-meter run), Jalan Rivers (men’s high jump), Javin Bostic (men’s 100-meter dash), Luke Combs (men’s 5000-meter run), Darek Hackett (men’s 400-meter hurdles) among others.
In addition to athletic achievements, Air Force figures have been honored by the event organizers: coaching legend Ralph Lindeman was inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame in 2023; former Falcon Dana Lyon entered as an Athlete Hall of Fame member that year; Jim Murphy received a Service Award for his contributions as an official in 2024.
After competing at Drake Stadium this week, Air Force will return home to Colorado next week for participation in the Doug Max Invitational scheduled for May.
