One of the most quotable athletes in Kansas track history, Michael Cox was speechless after breaking the four-minute mile barrier on Saturday at Hershberger Track.
“I’m hurting so bad,” said Cox, who needed 30 minutes to catch his breath after finishing the Kansas Relays invitational mile in 3:59.2.
Alexander Alexin of Central Missouri State notched second in 4:05.63.
Cox, who battled a stiff wind, became the third KU athlete to better the four-minute standard. Jim Ryun was the last Jayhawk to accomplish the feat in 1971. Bill Dotson also is a sub-four minute man.
“It really is neat. To become part of the history of Kansas track and field, it’s always been my dream,” said Cox, a 1995 KU grad from Hannibal, Mo.
Ned and Drew Ryun, the sons of the KU Olympian, entered the race to pace Cox as “rabbits.” Jim Ryun encouraged the three as he watched the race.
“Yesterday I talked to Billy Mills, Jim Ryun and Wes Santee. All had great advice for me,” said Cox, referring to KU distance standouts of the past, who were honored in ceremonies at the 71st Relays.
“I feel I’m approaching that level. Jim Ryun is incredible inspiration for me.”
A year ago, Cox nearly topped the four minute mark at the Relays, missing by about a second.
“I heard the oohs,” Cox said. “Last year I ran by myself after the 800. This year I had good rabbits who really helped me.”
Cox was named the Relays most outstanding male performer. The outstanding female trophy went to former Idaho State heptathlete Stacy Dragila, who set an American record in the women’s pole vault in 13-6 1/2.
“I thought today would be a good day to go 14,” said Dragila. “The weather was nice and the crowd (approximately 3,000) was really behind me.”
A new event, the women’s pole vault will be included in the 2000 Olympics.
“When I was in junior college, I wanted to try the pole vault. One of the guys said, ‘Women don’t have the upper body strength,”‘ Dragila said. “I said, ‘Whatever.’ Now it’s growing into a huge event. I never thought I’d go to the Olympics in the pole vault. But I’ll go in any event.”
Former University of Miami vaulter Bill Deering won the men’s vault in 18-10 1/4. He edged former KU vaulter Pat Manson, who cleared 18-6 1/2.
Deering’s jump qualified him for the Olympic Trials. It also was worth first-place prize money of $1,000. Manson claimed $500.
“The money is nice but not important. I’ve qualified for the Trials,” Deering said. He and Manson both missed three times at 19-feet.
“It was a good day to jump. When the tailwind came around, it was awesome,” Deering said.
Manson, who trains in California, didn’t bring his poles with him.
“I used Scott Huffman’s poles and shoes. We tried to combine forces for the Jayhawks,” Manson said.
Manson competed despite a slight quad strain. “If it didn’t loosen up, I’d have had to bail out. I didn’t want to do that. My mom drove from Denver and I had friends here,” Manson said.
“It’s an Olympic year so we have to proceed with caution. Today I was going to keep a close watch on how my body felt. My legs felt great. You can say I lost or almost won and almost went 19-feet. I look at it like I almost won.”
KU’s Dawn Steele-Slavens won the 400 hurdles in 1:00.3, while the men’s 400 relay team won in 41.0. KU’s Pierre Lisk took the baton from Nate Hill in second place, but stormed to victory at the wire. Other team members were David Cooksey and Travis Batts.
