The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom continued its 2023 preparations at its annual Officials Reception Sunday, Jan. 29, with the induction of four officials to the Drake Relays Wall of Honor.  The Drake Relays Wall of Honor Class of 2023 includes long-time officials Richard (Dick) Davidson, Jim Heikes, Gary Ross, and Cornie Wassink. 
 
In 1993, the family of Ray McAdam, a long-time official of the Drake Relays who passed away in 1993, supported the establishment of the Wall of Honor. The plaque, located inside Knapp Center Track, lists the inductees of the Wall of Honor and has been used to commemorate those who have dedicated their time and expertise to officiating the Drake Relays. The Wall of Honor continues to highlight those who have devoted themselves to the long-standing legacy of the Drake Relays. 
 
"Each year, our officials reception is one of the most memorable and enjoyable events, and one of my personal favorites. It is a chance to recognize the significant contributions of volunteers who make the Drake Relays a world class event," said Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "This year's Wall of Honor induction made special memories for all in attendance."
 
The Wall of Honor Class of 2023 includes officials who have upheld the legacy of the Drake Relays. Official Dick Davidson began his career at the Drake Relays in 1995. As a Clarinda, Iowa, native, Davidson's high school career involved competing in the Drake Relays. He graduated from Drake University and now practices law in his hometown. Davidson grew up familiar with the Blue Oval, as his father and grandfather both graduated from Drake and were also officials for the Drake Relays. Davidson continued the tradition by officiating at the Relays. Davidson has found himself in many roles, from a competitor to a spectator to a respected official, serving as an umpire at the Drake Relays. Davidson has served for more than 28 years at the Drake Relays and this April will be found in a key position on the Drake Relays umpire crew.
 
Jim Heikes found himself at the Blue Oval when he qualified with his teammates for the two-mile relay. Later, Heikes became an official for the Adel Track Club, leading to his officiating the Drake Relays. Now enjoying retirement, Heikes was involved in education as a teacher, where he also found himself as a coach, being involved with athletics for many years. His influence and dedication to the Drake Relays remain valued and recognized well beyond his retirement. In his remarks, Heikes said, "In 1955, I came with my teammates from Atlantic to Drake to run and I remember walking across the track to the field and standing next to a runner from Kansas named Wes Santee. I said, 'It doesn't get any better than this.' But I was wrong. This honor is better."
 
Gary Ross has fulfilled multiple roles in athletics as a high school track and field coach, athletic director, and Drake Relays Official. In 1996, Ross launched his career at the Relays by volunteering in multiple positions. Over time, Ross was asked to serve on the Drake Relays Committee, including multiple terms as an officer on the Executive Committee. Ross has stayed committed to the Blue Oval for the past 27 years and continues to dedicate his time officiating the Drake Relays as a lead clerk. 
 
While attending college, Cornie Wassink became an official for track and field and later became a Drake Relays official in 1997. He was instrumental in creating the Iowa Association of Track Officials as one of the organization's co-founders. Wassink invested much of his time officiating multiple sporting events. He was a master official for the Drake Relays and other sporting events. Cornie was recognized with his selection to the IHSSA and IATO Hall of Fame for his many significant contributions to the betterment of Iowa High School track and field officiating, including the Drake Relays.

Wassink was very loyal to the Drake Relays until his passing in 2020. His widow, Deb, was present to receive the honor on behalf of the Wassink family.
 
Along with the Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony, 13 members of the Drake Relays community were honored for their years of service with the following recognitions:
 
Five Years of Service
John Anderson, Greg Blank, Lucas Cook, Brenton Shavers
 
Fifteen Years of Service
Len Dunham, Mike Gruver, Larry Parker, Steve Pettit 
 
Twenty-Five Years of Service
Curt Broek, Larry Moklestad
 
Thirty Years of Service
David Hanson
 
Thirty-Five Years of Service
Cindy Nelson 
 
Forty Years of Service 
Dan Sanders
 
These officials and the Wall of Honor inductees, combined, have a combined 335 years of service and the Drake Relays is a highly regarded event because of the many volunteer officials who dedicate their time and expertise to the annual week-long event. 
 
That knowledge and service ensures that this year's 113 edition of The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom, hosted April 26-29, 2023, will be another successful chapter in the event's rich tradition. 
 
All-session reserved tickets are currently on sale to the general public at draketix.come/drakerelays.