DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom has finalized its staff for the 2025 edition of America's Athletic Classic. Six Barb Cox Interns will assist Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays Blake Boldon, Associate Director Tre Stanton, and Assistant Director Ben Huftalin in various aspects of the 115th running of America's Athletic Classic.
 
In September of 2023, friends of Barb Cox established an endowment to her with a gift of $50,000 in honor of her years as of volunteer service in the Drake Relays office and on the Drake Relays Committee. She was a key in organizing apparel, credentials, and more for the hundreds of Relays officials, supporters, and sponsors, in addition to overseeing important hospitality elements for guests and athletes.Barb's attention to detail and positive demeanor are fondly remembered by numerous staff.
 
This endowment has allowed the Drake Relays to provide increased support to seasonal staff and interns who are necessary in managing the countless elements of America's Athletic Classic each year.
 
"Barb Cox's inspiring positivity made many long days and challenging tasks enjoyable," Boldon said. "Part of her legacy with the Drake Relays will be the reminder to all who work in the office to enjoy each day. This year's team of Barb Cox interns embodies her spirit with an authentic enthusiasm to help all involved with the Relays. Continued gifts to the endowed fund have allowed us to support our largest and best group of interns yet." 
 
Myrissa Carrillo, a 2016 USI graduate with dual Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Sports Management, currently serves as the Youth and Masters Event Coordinator for the 2025 Drake Relays team. Her experience as a collegiate cross country and track athlete, coupled with her tenure as a former head middle school coach in both sports, has honed her skills and provided her with invaluable experience that she can effectively contribute to the team. In addition to her youth relays responsibilities, Carrillo will assist in Special Events, the Hall of Fame luncheon, data management, and other projects as needed. 
 
Emilie Meyer, a senior from New Brighton, Minn., is a current member of the Drake Cross Country and Track and Field teams. Meyer is pursuing a double major in HR Management and Organizational Leadership and Marketing Analytics and Research. She is working with the Grand Blue Mile staff to organize the mascot race and post-race vendors to create a fun and memorable night for everyone!  
 
Nick Gordon, a Kansas City native, joins the Drake Relays team as the Marketing and Communications Intern. A senior at Simpson College, Gordon is pursuing a double major in Sports Communication and Sports Administration. In his role, he assists with managing the event's social media accounts, crafting engaging content, and helping to draft newsletters and press releases. 
 
Anna Paul, the hospitality intern, deals primarily with lodging for guests and officials, as well as catering and volunteer recruitment. Paul is a senior at Grand View University studying Sport Management. She is a member of the Viking track and field team and President of their Association of Student-Athletes. 
 
Joseph Lawry is a high school senior from Waukee. He runs cross country and track with his favorite event being the 800. Lawry supports an array of administrative tasks, assists in inventory management and assisting in other tasks to help prepare for the Relays. 
 
Connor Visnic is back in his second year working for Drake Relays. Visnic is from Orange, Connecticut and is a current member of the Drake Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Visnic is currently pursuing a master's degree in business administration and represented the Bulldogs at the Drake Relays as a competitor in both 2022 and 2023. Visnic will be assisting in all aspects of the Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark.  
 
To make a gift towards the Barb Cox Internship Endowment, please contact Senior Associate Athletic Director Tim Tesar at tim.tesar@drake.edu.   
 
Tickets for the 115th Drake Relays April 23-26 are available at https://godrakebulldogs.evenue.net/events/DR.