Ryan Cole, the director of track and field and cross country at the Air Force Academy, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss the Falcons returning to compete April 27-29 at the 113th Drake Relays presented by Xtream and powered by Mediacom in Des Moines, Iowa, along with former Air Force head coach Ralph Lindeman being inducted April 27 into the Drake Relays Coaches Hall of Fame at the Courtside Club. Cole, who attended the Drake Relays 20 years ago during his collegiate career at Wisconsin, returned to Jim Duncan Track in 2015 after joining the Air Force program and has helped guide Jaci Smith to victory in the women's 5,000 meters, as well as the men's distance medley relay in 2016 and the men's 4x1,600-meter relay in 2018. He explains how meaningful it is for Lindeman, who had 11 relays or athletes win invitational titles at the Drake Relays during his tenure with the Falcons from 1990-2002, to be recognized for his contributions to the meet and to be inducted along with retiring Arkansas women's head coach Lance Harter, who is in his final outdoor season with the Razorbacks. Cole examines how significant it is for the Air Force Academy cadets to compete at "America's Athletic Classic" since they represent the country on a daily basis with their contributions in so many areas, and the respect they receive from everyone associated with the event in Des Moines. He shares about how meaningful it is to have a student-athlete or coach experience the Drake Relays for the first time, in addition to being able to showcase the depth and versatility of the Falcons' program in several relays. Cole analyzes how special it would be to win the Drake Relays Cup and have it displayed in Colorado Springs, and the challenges that come with organizing multiple relay lineups in both genders during the final two days of the meet. He also speaks about overcoming obstacles with the inclement weather in Des Moines, and how the cadets are prepared for those challenges. Cole also looks forward to experiencing local food and culture in Des Moines, and continuing annual traditions that Lindeman started with the Air Force program at Drake Relays.

WATCH THE 113TH DRAKE RELAYS PRESENTED BY XTREAM LIVE APRIL 27-29 ON USATF.TV