Good mile field at Drake

[Trackrat]

2003 DRAKE RELAYS RELEASE #13

DES MOINES, IOWA — U.S. Olympian Abdi Abdirahman; 2001 NCAA indoor and outdoor champion Bryan Berryhill; Andy Downin, the 2001 U.S. Outdoor 1,500 champ; along with Basha Ibrahim, the 2002 Western Athletic Conference cross-country champ; and James Karanu from Kenya will compete in the men’s invitational mile during the Saturday, April 26, session of the Drake Relays.

(In addition, Stember and Sullivan are slated to run).

[MJD]

Funny that whoever wrote that press release wouldn't mention Sully. If not for his new situation, he'd be at Penn.

[Trackrat]

Here's why. The press release above was written on April 10th and Sullivan was added after that. Berryhill isn't mentioned in the second press release, but who knows whether that means anything. Regardless, it should be a good early season race.
*******************************************
Olympians Stember, Sullivan Enter Invitational Mile
2003 DRAKE RELAYS RELEASE #19

DES MOINES, IOWA — Canadian Kevin Sullivan, who was fifth in the 1,500 at the 2000 Olympics, and Michael Stember, who represented the U.S. in the 2000 Olympics, have entered the men’s special invitational mile which will be run during the Saturday, April 26, session of the Drake Relays.

They will join a field which includes U.S. Olympian Abdi Abdirahman; Andy Downin, the 2001 U.S. Outdoor 1,500 champ; along with Basha Ibrahim, the 2002 Western Athletic Conference cross-country champ; and James Karanu from Kenya.

[MJD]

Much better. Thanks. Just put that on TC. Hopefully the fact that his heart will be at Penn with UM won't slow him down.

[MJD]

I'm told Sully is actually in the 800.

[Trackrat]

Interesting. Back in the days of old, Drake had some very compelling 800 races, with the likes of Rick Wolhutter and Randy Wilson.

So what is the deal that Sullivan needs to go to Drake? I assume it's a new contract.

Note also, Drake is a very good meet (although I'm sure Des Moines certainly doesn't rate with Philly). The fans are fairly knowledgeable and very appreciative of the athletes. Steve Scott ran there in his prime and came back several times.

In a way it's kind of too bad that it's on the same weekend as Penn because they are both such primo events.

I wish I was going this year.

[MJD]

>So what is
>the deal that Sullivan needs to go to Drake? I
>assume it's a new contract.

This explains it:
http://www.chicagoaa.com/features/speedplayApr03.html

>In a way it's kind of
>too bad that it's on the same weekend as Penn
>because they are both such primo events.

I'm sure he would agree with you.

[Trackrat]

You are right: here is the start list.

800 m Heat 1
1 Moses Washington Norman,Okla.
2 Charlie Gruber Lawrence Track Club
3 Bernard Lagat Nike
4 Derrick Peterson Adidas
5 Carter Snow Central Methodist
6 Toby Henkels Minneapolis, Minn.
21 Kevin Sullivan Canada
22 Andrew Neugebauer Farm Team
23 Elliott Gaskins Elite Athletes Network
24 Khadevis Robinson Nike

[dl]

Sully is now helping out at Illinois, who always go to Drake. His wife is the women's distance coach for the Illini.

dan