Instead, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Kansas University senior tried — and conquered — what might turn out to be his new favorite event, the 100 dash, which he won in a Relays-record 10.04 seconds Saturday before 2,500 sun-baked fans at Memorial Stadium.

“I surprised myself in the 100. I wasn’t looking to run that fast. I didn’t think I’d run that fast. I’m on cloud nine after that 100,” said Bookman, whose time was the fifth fastest wind-aided time in the world this outdoor season and eclipsed the old Relays record of 10.14 set by Nike Central’s Travis Grant in 2000.

“Coach (Stanley Redwine) said Tuesday or Wednesday I’d be running the 100. I said, ‘OK, I’m down for it,”’ said Bookman, who edged runner-up Rae Edwards of Nike, who crossed in 10.08.

“I’m still learning how to run it, but it’s got me excited. My future might possibly be in the 100 as well. That’s the best start I’ve ever had … in any race.”

Bookman, who was running unattached as he red-shirts this semester to train for the Olympics, knows what event never will be his favorite — the 400.

The Dickinson, Texas, native placed fourth of four competitors in the 400 in 47.69 and needed 15 minutes to catch his breath after that race, which took place two hours after his win in the 100.

Former Colorado standout James Davis of Nike won in 45.63.

“I didn’t want to run a 400, even in practice,” Bookman said, as he flopped like a fish on the track toward winner Davis, who was seated with a group of sprinters. Davis needed only a minute or two to cool down.

“I got out after 50 meters, locked up, and it was all over,” Bookman added. “What I learned is, No. 1, I don’t want to run that anymore, and No. 2, I thought I was in good shape until I saw a guy run a 45 (Davis) and walk off the track.

“I ran a 47, and I was down on the ground 15 minutes. I’m not in as good a shape as I thought I was.”

Bookman said soon he’d make his outdoor debut in his specialty, the 200, perhaps at next week’s Penn Relays.

Of his Olympic hopes, he said: “That’s my goal. I think my chances are as good as anybody else.”

The fans took not only Bookman to on Saturday, but also to KU throws coach Doug Reynolds, who won his second-ever Relays discus crown in 197-feet, 2-inches.

Unattached athlete Joe Erdkamp was second in 185-9.

“It was my first competition (of outdoor season), and not much of one because of the wind,” said Reynolds, who battled a strong south wind while making his outdoor debut as he begins his quest to make the U.S. Olympic team.

“I tried to play with the wind and do some things, but I had fun more than anything,” added Reynolds, who spent time between his throws coaching KU’s Gavin Ball and Cody Roberts, who notched fourth and 11th.

Reynolds grabbed the microphone after the event to thank the 300 or so fans who watched the discus and javelin events Friday and Saturday outside the stadium.

“The fans here are great,” Reynolds said. “I wanted to throw in front of the fans and do my part to continue the Kansas Relays, to help keep them going.”

Reynolds, a former University of Arizona phenom who has competed at the Trials before, said he would begin throwing seriously in the middle of May as he gears for his first Olympics.

“It’s really an art form to fly the discus,” Reynolds said. “I’m not in good enough rhythm right now. Hopefully that’ll come in a month or so.”