DES MOINES, Iowa – Forget Punxsutawney Phil, next Monday, Feb. 2, as the nation turns its eyes to Pennsylvania for Groundhog Day, Drake University is launching a spirited new tradition with the inaugural "Griff-Hog Day." Students, alumni, and fans will gather at Drake Stadium to hear the Griff-Hog's exclusive prediction on whether the 116th Drake Relays will see clear skies and warm weather or spring rain and chilly temperatures. 
 
Instead of seeking a shadow to predict the arrival of spring, a group dubbed the "Griff-Hog Inner Circle" will consult Drake's legendary Griff-Hog to forecast the weather for the upcoming Drake Relays. This ritual has been kept secret since 1925. Lore holds that the Griff-Hog, imbued with the power to forecast the weather, hibernates in the deep tunnels of Drake Stadium, emerging for one day only. For decades, the Inner Circle has secretly gathered each Feb. 2 to interpret his prediction, a rite now shared with the public for the first time. 
 
The ceremony marks the unofficial countdown to the 116th Drake Relays. Recognized as a premier week of track and field, road events, and community activities, the 2026 celebration kicks off with the Drake Road Races on April 18. The festivities continue throughout the week, drawing athletes and fans from across the nation to the iconic Blue Oval. 
 
Event Details 
WHO: The Griff-Hog Inner Circle and Drake University Officials 
·       Griff II, Drake University live mascot 
·       Griff-Hog (AKA Griff III, Drake's next live mascot) 
·       Jerry Parker, Vice President and Dean of Students 
·       Blake Boldon, Senior Associate Athletics Director/Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays and Director of Cross Country and Track & Field 
·       Steve Berry, Master of Ceremonies 
 
WHAT: Drake University will host its first annual "Griff-Hog Day", a localized take on Groundhog Day where University officials will turn to the Griff-Hog to deliver a forecast for the 116th Drake Relays.  
 
WHEN: Monday, February 2 
·       7:30 a.m.: Media arrival 
·       7:45 a.m.: Program begins including opening remarks, the story of the Griff-Hog, and the weather forecast by Drake's Griff-Hog (AKA Griff III). 
 
MEDIA INTERVIEWS 
·       Blake Boldon is available to discuss what's in store for the 116th annual Drake Relays in any of the following formats: 
o   Following the February 2 event culmination (around 7:55 am) 
o   In-studio appearances for morning shows (either before or after the Feb. 2 event) 
o   Additional times/formats upon request 
 
WHERE: Drake Stadium – Southwest Corner (2719 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311) 
·       Parking is available in the Studio Arts parking lot next to the plaza. 
 
Contact: For media interested in attending the event, please contact Dave Shindelar (david.shindelar@drake.edu)
   
About Drake University 
Drake University is recognized as one of the finest national liberal arts universities. A distinctive and distinguished private university in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and 1,700 graduate and professional students. Students choose from more than 70 majors, minors, and concentrations, and 20 graduate degrees offered through seven colleges and schools. In addition, Drake offers a range of continuing education programs serving working professionals, community members, and area businesses. Drake recognizes the importance of its location in Iowa's capital city and seeks to connect its teaching and learning to the wealth of cultural, recreational, and business resources it provides. At the same time, it weaves global thinking and intercultural learning into everything it does, preparing students to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.