The Student Relays Committee tri-chairs fill coaches’ envelopes for the Relays. Josh Meyers, Wichita senior, Lindsay Gurbacki, Atlanta junior and Kansan advertising staff member, and Kelly Wilson, Plainville senior, have committed nearly a year preparing for this weekend.

At the end of the 2004 Kansas Relays, Josh Meyers, Kelly Wilson and Lindsay Gurbacki rested, reflected and settled down. Another relay weekend in the books.

While some crack open the champagne, others get to work. That’s what the three chairpersons of the student relays committee did.

They sent out surveys and got feedback on what could have been done differently. When every suggestion was in, the number one request was to bring in some big names.

Along with meet director Tim Weaver, these three organized one of the most hyped events in Lawrence.

To say that big names will be at the Kansas Relays this year would be an understatement. Marion Jones, Maurice Greene, Stacy Dragila and 36 other Olympians will be competing in the Gold Zone on Saturday.

“It’s a lot of work every year, the Gold Zone is just a new idea, a way to condense down the high-profile events. It’s truly a lot of work,” Meyers said.

In his fourth year on the student relay committee, Meyers said the Relays were on an upswing.

“I think we’ll know after this year for certain. Last year was really great, because of the weather,” Meyers said. “Last year was a big step forward. Everything ran so much more smoothly, and when that happens, the nights are shorter.”

Along with organizing one of the University’s most historic events, the three chairpersons of the student relays committee have a semester’s worth of classes and other jobs too. They don’t stop, even when the job is, temporarily, done.

“It’s really an all-year deal.” Meyers said.

For Wilson, 2005 will be her third year on the committee. Wilson described the itinerary for a relay committee chairman.

“Long nights, working behind the scenes, putting fliers up around campus, and getting all the volunteers,” she said.

Even after three years on the job, Wilson said the Relays this weekend would be something to remember.

“We have 39 Olympic athletes coming,” Wilson said. “This will be the only time people will get to see all of them in Kansas for the rest of their life.”

Weaver couldn’t put a show like this on by himself.

“The relay committee is the backbone of the Kansas Relays staff,” Weaver said. “To think that a group of 50 undergrads are willing to volunteer year-round for nothing more than a t-shirt, pizza and pat on the back is really impressive.”

When the 2005 Kansas Relays finish, the cycle starts all over again. Meyers has a variety of emotions about finishing something he’s worked on all year to organize.

“Its always a thrill. If you’re disappointed, it’s because it’s already over,” Meyers said. “During the three days you’re just exhausted and thrilled at the entire time.”

The Relays depend enormously on the help of student volunteers.

“I think it’s just amazing, basically that we can get such good work out of a group of students,” Meyers said.

— Edited by Lori Bettes