Sprinter Joe Pickett signed a track letter of intent with Kansas three years ago when it wasn’t exactly the thing to do.
“I respect him for giving us a chance,” Kansas coach Gary Schwartz said. “After Joe got here, he stuck it out through some lean times. I’m very appreciative of that.”
Until this past offseason, Schwartz simply could not attract sprinters to Kansas. He and his staff signed six sprinters and added several walk-ons this past offseason.
But “lean” has been the word to describe KU’s sprint corps during Pickett’s career.
“He was our only quarter miler for two years,” Schwartz said.
Pickett signed with the Jayhawks after helping Lawrence High to Class 6A state titles his junior and senior years. In 1990, he ran on the winning mile relay team, which ran an all-time state best time.
“He never was our only sprinter, but a couple times it was close to that,” Schwartz said.
Pickett, who placed third in the 600 at the Big Eight Indoor and has won two 400 races this outdoor season, says competition within the squad has helped him immeasurably.
“It’s great not running alone,” he said. “My freshman year, there was myself and a couple others. This year, the intensity level is up because I have to compete at practice. There’s competition on the team.”
KU has had the pole vault and distance events well covered during Schwartz’s six years as coach. Also, KU has boasted some outstanding high, long and triple jumpers.
However, until last offseason, sprinters seemed allergic to KU’s hot pink shorts.
“At times, there’s been talk that our team could be good, but the sprinters were our weakness. It’s nice to see that change,” said Pickett, who has taken on the role of sprint team leader.
“I’m the oldest by quite a bit,” he said.
He’ll run on the mile relay team at the Kansas Relays with Lawrence freshman Brian Martin, sophomore Gene Coleman of St. Louis, and either freshman Kerry Bolze or sophomore Billy Davis, two Topeka natives.
Pickett will also run his specialty, the 400.
“I like the (Kansas) Relays. But in the past, I’ve not performed well. I don’t know if it’s hometown pressure with my friends and family there or what,” Pickett said.
It all figures to change this year.
“There’s a great chance Joe will run well,” Schwartz said. “He’s run super all year.”
He’s come a long way since his freshman year. In fact, he would agree he deserves a “late bloomer” tag.
“My freshman year, at the Big Eight, I ran the 400. I was left behind. It was really humbling,” he said. “It feels good to be able to compete now. I used to be heavier and not as strong. My goals are changing. I feel I can compete now.”
