Iowa native and ESPN broadcaster John Anderson will headline the Wednesday, March 15, Track Guy Speaker Series at Big Grove Brewery in Des Moines. The free event, which continues the leadup to the Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom, begins at 6 p.m.
Mike Jay, the voice of the Drake Relays, hosts the Track Guy Speaker Series. Jay co-founded Track Guy USA, a non-profit organization committed to bringing cross country and track and field experiences to Iowa's youth.
In addition to Anderson, attendees at Big Grove Brewery (555 17th Street, Des Moines, Iowa) will also hear from:
- Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays
- Jay Koloseus, Drake head cross country and track & field coach
- Aidan Ramsey, Drake freshman runner who was a state champion and Drake Relays champion for Dallas Center-Grimes High School
- Lisa Kohl Uhl, an Olympian, and four-time NCAA Champion while at Iowa State from Fort Dodge, Iowa, who is still the NCAA record holder in the 10,000 meters
In addition to his duties hosting ESPN's SportsCenter, Anderson also recently broadcasted the NCAA Indoor Championships and has been a fixture in track and field broadcasting and was even a part of the 2020 Olympics track & field telecast. Anderson will lead a discussion with Blake Boldon on the upcoming 2023 Drake Relays, a subject near and dear to Anderson's heart, as he competed in the high jump at the Drake Relays while attending the University of Missouri.
"John Anderson and Mike Jay are two of the most knowledgeable, passionate and entertaining personalities in the sport of track and field," said Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays, Blake Boldon. "It will be an honor to share the evening with each of them. I look forward to providing a behind-the-scenes perspective and talking about developing news with all those in attendance."
Anderson's connection to Iowa stretches well beyond the Blue Oval as he spent part of his childhood in Mason City, Iowa, before embarking on a career that would take him to nearly half a dozen local television affiliates before joining ESPN.
Those in attendance can participate in Q&A sessions with all speakers and learn more about Track Guy USA and the upcoming 113th edition of the Drake Relays.
