DES MOINES, IA. – The Drake Relays celebrated the tradition of officiating excellence by inducting four outstanding officials into the Drake Relays Wall of Honor during its annual Officials Reception on Sunday, March 29.

The Drake Relays Wall of Honor Class of 2026 includes Craig Numedahl, Joe Toot, Terry Thompson, and John Casebolt, each of whom has contributed decades of dedicated service to America's Athletic Classic.

The Drake Relays Wall of Honor was established in 1993 through the generosity of the family of Ray McAdam, a Drake Relays official for 40 years who passed away that year. His son, Scott McAdam, served as a Relays official for 51 years before retiring prior to the 2021 Relays. A permanent plaque located on the Knapp Center track recognizes all Wall of Honor inductees from the past three decades.

"The expertise, professionalism, and passion of our officials are essential to the success of the Drake Relays," said Blake Boldon, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "Each spring, it is fitting that we pause to recognize those whose service has helped define the integrity and excellence of this event. We are deeply grateful to all our officials, and proud to honor these four men this year."

Craig Numedahl began officiating at the Drake Relays in 1998 after being invited to serve as a marshal. Assigned early to the high jump area, Numedahl primarily worked that event throughout his tenure while developing a deep appreciation for the competition, camaraderie, and athlete interactions that define the Relays. Professionally, Numedahl spent 34 years with Farm Bureau Financial Services in West Des Moines, retiring in 2024 as Commercial Operations Vice President.

Joe Toot, a native of Nevada, Iowa, competed in cross country, basketball, and track during his high school years before continuing his running career at Mankato State College and Iowa State University. He began officiating track and field in 1971 and joined the Drake Relays officiating staff in 1999 after years of attending as a spectator. Over the years, he has served as both an umpire and clerk and has twice been selected as an honorary high school starter. A retired educator following a 36-year teaching career, Toot has officiated meets ranging from middle school through NCAA and USATF championship levels.

Terry Thompson has been a certified track and field official for 49 years and has served the Drake Relays in multiple capacities, including umpire, clerk, and starter since joining the staff in 1999. His connection to the Relays dates back even further as a high school athlete, competing in three Drake Relays and qualifying for the 100-meter dash in both his junior and senior seasons. Thompson has started 12 NCAA Championship events and more than 60 collegiate conference championships and has been inducted into both the IHSAA Officials Hall of Fame and the IATO Officials Hall of Fame. He and his wife Annette reside in Ames, Iowa.

John Casebolt became officially involved with the Drake Relays in 2000 after assisting with qualifying events during the late 1990s. His professional career included 16 years as a teacher and coach, followed by more than two decades in school administration. Through officiating at the Drake Relays, Casebolt maintained a lifelong connection to young people and the sport he has long cherished.

In addition to the Wall of Honor inductions, the Drake Relays recognized 27 officials for milestone years of service achieved at the 2025 Drake Relays:
5 Years of Service
·       Connie Brand
·       David Culver
·       Kerry Dean
·       Emily Endelman
·       Melissa Hruska
·       Teresa Hunt
·       Mike Krapfl
·       Lil Mahoney
·       Mike Maryott
·       Marlon Pitchford
·       Mark Schall
·       Spencer Sorrell
15 Years of Service
·       Jeff Cook
·       Ryan Elsbernd
·       Lauren Hill
·       Mark Movic
·       Morgan Parker
·       Steve Pettit
·       Julie Rutz
·       Randy Wilson
25 Years of Service
·       Tom Hartigan
·       Jenny Kronlage
·       Steve Roth
·       Terry Sudrla
30 Years of Service
·       Dick Davidson
·       Bob Rice
35 Years of Service
·       Brett Osborn

Together, these honorees represent 375 combined years of service to the Drake Relays.

Thanks to the dedication of these officials and the countless volunteers, fans, and supporters who make the event possible, the 116th Drake Relays will take place April 22–25, 2026, in Des Moines.