DES MOINES, Iowa -- Three of the world's top track and field athletes will launch themselves off the Knapp Center hardwood Tuesday, Jan. 24, as part of Relays Night when the Drake University men's basketball team hosts Indiana State at 8 p.m.
As part of the evening-long celebration of the Drake Relays, presented by Mediacom powered by Xtream, Will Williams, Isaiah Griffith, and Treyton Harris will showcase their athleticism in a halftime dunk contest that has previously produced crowd-thrilling results. While all three are world-class long jumpers that have shattered the 25-foot barrier, they'll have to jump vertically to challenge the legacy of previous competitors from the 2019 competition.
"Over the last five years, Relays Night at a Drake basketball game has become a fun, family-friendly tradition to launch Relays season," Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays Blake Boldon said. "It provides a special time to connect with ticket holders, thank our officials and celebrate the sport of track and field. It's a thrill to have the dunk contest return for the first time since 2019 and with three of the world's best jumpers, this show promises to be the most exciting yet."
Williams was the 2018 NCAA Champion in the event for Texas A&M. He also recently captured a 2022 NACAC title, while Griffith was an NCAA All-American at Oregon and a 2022 U.S. Olympic Trials finalist. However, Treyton Harris may be the presumptive favorite in the event as he boasts high jump experience, having cleared seven feet in the high jump while also owning a Big Ten title in the long jump while at Indiana.
The contest will feature celebrity judges including President of the Iowa Wolves Ryan Grant, Suzie Glazer Burt women's basketball head coach Allison Pohlman, Ross Peterson from KXNO's Morning Rush, and 1990 NCAA High Jump Champion and past Drake Relays Director Brian Brown.
In addition to the halftime competition, the evening serves as the unofficial start of Relays season with fans, ticket holders and officials treated to special recognition. The first 1,000 fans will receive a 2023 'Go Relays' magnet.
A pre-game reception will take place, including a meet and greet with the elite athletes participating in the dunk contest for all ticket holders who renew their 2023 Drake Relays tickets before midnight tonight.
Drake Relays All Session Tickets and Ticket Packages go on sale to the general public during the game and will be available starting at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at DrakeTix.com.
Tickets for Relays Night on Jan. 24 can be purchased at draketix.com/mbb.
