Director boasts top-notch talent

By Gary Bedore Apr 15, 2004

In Tim Weaver’s eyes — moistened by tears after thunderstorms washed out the 2002 Kansas Relays — every individual event at KU’s track carnival is a special event.

“I love watching all events, top to bottom,” said Weaver, the Relays’ meet director. “Even when Maurice Greene is here, I love watching events like the girls 4-by-1 (relay) when a sophomore in high school dives at the line to get sixth place to win a medal.

“It’s what I’m so passionate about, wondering how this meet will change that sophomore’s life for the better, how it might keep her in athletics in the future,” Weaver said, his eyes glistening at the forecast of dry weather for the 2004 Relays, to be held today through Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Olympian Greene won’t run at the Relays this year, but Weaver said several other marquee athletes would be on hand:

Ex-Jayhawk Scott Russell, who threw 267-feet, 11-inches in the javelin at the 2002 world championships and is a Canadian Olympic hopeful, will compete in his specialty at 5 p.m. Friday outside Memorial Stadium.

“Scott definitely has a following and attracts an enthusiastic crowd whenever he competes,” Weaver said.

KU throws coach Doug Reynolds, a U.S. Olympic hopeful in the discus, will make his 2004 outdoor debut at 4:15 p.m. Saturday.

“Doug is one of the top 20 discus throwers in the world. If you want to see somebody throw the plate well, he’s top two or three in the United States depending on who you talk to,” Weaver said.

Leo Bookman, NCAA champion in the 200 meters, will run the 400 at 5 p.m. Saturday.

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“On Saturday, whatever I’m doing when Leo is running, I’m stopping,” Weaver said. “That 400 meter invitational will be smoking.”

Also …

The women’s pole vault, set for 10 a.m. Saturday, features Andrea Dutoit and Amy Linnen, who have posted U.S. Olympic Trials-qualifying marks.
The women’s javelin, set for 2 p.m. Friday, boasts the five top U.S. throwers from a year ago and Danish national champion Christian Scherwin. It’s an Olympic developmental event, bringing together all the top throwers in one place.
The men’s shot put features KU freshman sensation Gavin Ball at 3 p.m. Friday.
The women’s steeplechase is set for 6:10 p.m. Friday, and the men’s at 6:25 p.m. Friday.

“It’s one of our most popular events, people crashing into the water, splashing in the water,” Weaver said.

KU has several athletes who have posted NCAA regional qualifying marks competing at the Relays: Benson Chesang (5,000, 5:20 p.m. today), T.J. Hackler (high jump, 2 p.m. Saturday), Jamie Waters and Jen Widerstrom (hammer, 11 a.m. today), Kim Clark (800, 3:10 p.m. Saturday) and Megan Foster (javelin).

The Relays will feature 5,000 athletes from 19 states. A total of 620 teams will participate with 1,274 medals awarded.