DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom today announced a new major gift thanks to the generosity of longtime Drake supporters. The endowment, named in honor of Barb Cox for her decades of service on the Drake Relays Committee and years as an integral contributor to the day-to-day operations of the Drake Relays during the month of April, will be utilized on an annual basis to support one or more interns who carry out essential functions of the Drake Relays.

"A vital element to the success of the Drake Relays each year is the hard work and contribution of hundreds of officials and volunteers, none more important than our interns who work tirelessly to support our week-long celebration of events," said Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "This gift in honor of longtime Relays leader and friend Barb Cox will allow us to build upon Barb's legacy of service while continuing to attract top part-time support staff and interns from throughout Central Iowa."

The endowment has been established with a gift of $50,000 from friends of Barb Cox, inspired by her longtime support of Drake Athletics and her love of the Drake Relays.
"In high school, having tried hurdles and high jump, I was excited when our band was invited to perform at the Drake Relays," said Barb Cox. "That trip began my love of the Relays athletes and competition. My service was made easy and enjoyable by the family atmosphere of the Relays staff, interns, and volunteers."

During her years of service in the Relays office, Barb Cox was key in organizing apparel, credentials and more for the hundreds of Drake Relays officials, supporters and sponsors, in addition to overseeing important hospitality elements for guests, including hundreds of Olympic athletes from all over the world. Barb spent countless hours over several years organizing Drake Relays gear in the Knapp Center, affectionately known as "Barb's Boutique". Her attention to detail, positive demeanor and delicious sweet treats from her kitchen are fondly remembered by numerous staff.   

"Barb's contribution to the Drake Relays office each April is irreplaceable," added Boldon. "Her inspiring positivity made many long days and challenging tasks enjoyable. Part of her legacy with the Drake Relays will be the reminder to all who work in the office to enjoy each day." 

The endowment will enable the Drake Relays to provide increased support to seasonal staff and interns who are necessary in managing the many elements of America's Athletic Classic each year. Areas supported by this fund in the future will be the administration of the elementary and middle school events, hosting masters competitions and supporting the marketing and communication efforts of the Drake Relays.

Recent past interns have gone on to successfully contribute in full-time roles at the College Football Playoffs, Mall of America, Houston Symphony and many other prominent organizations, both in Des Moines and across the country. Prior to this endowment, all internship positions in the Drake Relays office have been volunteer roles designed for college students to earn course credit in applicable programs. Current position postings for Spring 2024, including how to apply, can be found here.

Supporters of the Drake Relays, friends of Barb Cox and others, are invited to make gifts to this newly created endowment. For more information or to make a gift, please contact Senior Associate Athletic Director, Tim Tesar, at tim.tesar@drake.edu

About the Drake Relays
The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has served as "America's Athletic Classic" since its first running in 1910. The annual competition, hosted by Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is recognized internationally as a destination for the world's premier track & field athletes across multiple professional and amateur divisions. The Drake Relays has been a Silver Level event on the World Athletics Continental Tour each of the last three years, marking it among the very elite events in North America. In addition to its signature stadium competition, the Drake Relays includes two marquee road running events open to the general public — the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Drake Road Races. For more information, visit drakerelays.org.