"Blake has contributed immeasurably to Beyond Monumental and to the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon over his short four-year tenure. We are very sad to see him leave, but we are thankful for his passion, vision and the way he has helped grow Beyond Monumental into a premier national event and the best marathon in the state of Indiana."
Katherine Coble, President of the Beyond Monumental Board of Directors
"With passionate leadership, Blake greatly expanded the mission of the organization by working closely with the Board of Directors and the Indianapolis community, including public schools, civic leaders and businesses. His creative vision, his capability to motivate outstanding team members and work closely with the Board of Directors makes Blake Boldon truly the best of the best."
Carlton Ray, founder of the Monumental Marathon
"As the presenting sponsor of the Drake Relays, we look forward to working with Blake and growing the rich tradition of this event for the university and track and field community. We're hopeful that Blake's past experience will help him continue the trajectory of the Relays and expand its visibility and reach not only within the Des Moines community, but also nationally and globally."
Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee Chairman, CEO
"Blake has always put his heart and soul into everything he does. That being said, two of the things that Blake is extremely passionate about is the sport of track and field and being a proud Iowan. This is probably a match made in heaven for both Drake and Blake. The Drake Relays are going to be in a great hands and there will be no one that will work harder to continue and even grow the great tradition that is the Drake Relays."
Houston Franks, Head Cross Country/Asst. Track and Field Coach at Mississippi State University
"As the director of the Penn Relays, I want to welcome Blake to the fold of meet directors. I got to know Blake when he was at Penn and I'm confident he will do a terrific job at Drake with the Drake Relays. For almost a century, the Penn Relays and Drake Relays have shared the same day. Because of that, a lot people assume we're rivals, but that's not really true. I've had great relationships [with] Drake Relays directors from Bob Ehrhart to Mark Kostek to Brian Brown, and I'm sure I will have the same type of great professional relationship with Blake."
Dave Johnson, Director of the Penn Relays
"During his time at Penn, Blake was quick to impress. His coaching acumen, ability to relationship build with student-athletes and his relentless effort on the recruiting trail made an immediate positive impact on the success of our programs. He took his unparalleled work ethic, passion and authenticity to the IMM and I had the privilege of watching him grow professionally from a distance. Having served as the Executive Director of the Penn Relays for several years and appreciating the skill set needed to be successful, I have every confidence Blake will continue the great tradition at Drake and take the event to even greater heights."
Alanna Shanahan, Johns Hopkins University Athletic Director, former Deputy Director of Athletics at the University of Pennsylvania
"Blake Boldon is the perfect choice to be the next Director of the Drake Relays. It is awesome that they were able to attract a person of Blake's caliber, who not only has the necessary professional experience, but it also a native Iowan. The fact that Blake ran in the Relays as a high schooler, collegian and as a professional makes his hiring even more special. I could not be more excited for the future of the Relays."
Jamie Pollard, Iowa State Athletic Director
"I couldn't think of a better person to help lead the Drake Relays into a new era. I know how important the Drake Relays are to Blake and the impact it had on him growing up in Iowa. From his high school and college running days to his collegiate coaching, Blake has experienced the Relays on many levels. I couldn't be happier for Blake and look forward to watching his leadership continue to grow and expand the Relays in years to come."
Corey Ihmels, Head Track & Field/Cross Country Coach at Boise State
"Blake and I have become pretty good friends over the last five years and have talked extensively about this position. What Blake has done at Beyond Monumental with the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is unprecedented. He has great marketing skills, is very personable and is an Iowan with a passion for the Relays. He is one of four Iowans to ever run a sub 4-minute mile, he's run professionally and has contacts all over the world. I don't think Sandy and the committee could have made a better hire in selecting someone with such passion and energy for the Drake Relays who is anxious to get track and field in front of people."
Mike Jay, Drake Relays Public Address Announcer
"I've been fortunate to know every Drake Relays director since Bob Karnes. The credentials that Blake brings to the job are those needed for the Relays of the 21st century – business acumen, a competitive and coaching background and ability to further develop corporate relationships. I have no doubt he will build on what Brian Brown did and further cement the Relays' reputation as 'America's Athletic Classic.' My congratulations to Blake and to Drake on a smart hire."
Don Kopriva, Track & Field Journalist that has covered 49 Drake Relays
