Latest revision as of 15:22, 29 May 2018

Drake Stadium (built 1904, renovated 2005)

Originally submitted by Alyson Collins, Drake University, December 3, 2010

The Drake Stadium has been an important part of the athletic history here at Drake University for over one hundred years now. The stadium is home to numerous events, ranging from athletics to entertainment; years of history are held within this impressive venue. From high school football games to the world famous Drake Relays, the Drake Stadium plays an important role in the Des Moines community, and especially in Drake Athletics.

Drake Stadium Overhead View - Times Delphic 1964

History

Officially dedicated on October 8,1904, before Drake faced off with University of Iowa in football, the stadium was originally named Haskins Field. Norman Haskins not only donated the land to the university to become a stadium, but also a significant amount of funds to build the stadium as well.[1] In the beginning, the field was named Haskins Field in honor of the donor's son, Alvan A. Haskins.[2] Alavan was a Drake alumnus who passed away in 1896. Later, in 1909, Norman Haskins requested the name of the field be changed to Drake Stadium. It was noted though that the stadium was "A Gift of Norman Haskins to Drake University". In the years of remodeling that followed, this recognition of the stadium's generous donor was removed.[3]

Photo of Drake Stadium taken cerca 1973s, contributed by Mr. Phil Leeson AS'76

Drake Stadium - photo by Clifford Rea, AS'60

Structure

Drake Stadium Bleachers- Photo taken by Alyson Collins 2010

Right away, civil engineers shot down the idea of turning Haskins's property into a stadium because of the hilly terrain in the area. These engineers were proven wrong. The outside structure itself is located on what used to be a ravine. Because of this, the field was beneath ground level and the bleachers extended up onto the sides of the hills.[1] After spending thousands of dollars to remove part of the hills, a quarter mile track was dug out. Since the track was first constructed, it has undergone major transformations. It started as black cinders, was changed to red brick, then to red tartan, and is now Drake Blue tartan.[4] A new surface was added to the track in the 2005 renovation. The original seating capacity of the stadium in 1904 was 2,500[2] but numerous renovations have increased the current seating capacity to 14,557.[5]

Crowd during the Drake Relays - Photo from www.gobulldogs.com

Drake Relays

Probably the most significant event that occurs at Drake Stadium is the annual Drake Relays. This world famous event began in 1910 and is held during the last weekend in April each year. Some esteemed runners that have participated in the relays include Jesse Owens, who in 1935, won the 100-yard dash and set an American record in long jump, and Wilma Rudolph in 1961.[4] Every year, the stadium is full to capacity with crowds cheering on track stars from throughout the country, as long as it doesn't rain or snow. In 1957, the Drake Relays became the first sporting event televised on ABC's Wide World of Sports, making the famous Drake Relays even better known.[4]

Taken from Google Maps - Drake Stadium is at top center

Location

Drake Stadium is located at 2719 Forest Avenue.

The stadium is located conveniently across Forest Avenue from the university and across 27th Street from the Bell Center, another one of Drake's athletic facilities.

Drake Stadium Today

In 2005, Drake Stadium underwent its most recent and most dramatic renovation since its last major remodeling in 1925. The $15 million transformation included changing the field to turf, widening of lanes, a video scoreboard, and improvements to the restrooms, seating, concessions, and press box. After the most current renovations, the field was named Johnny Bright] Field in honor of the Drake alum and football player of the 1940s and 50s. The Jim Duncan Track is named for the well-known Drake Relays announcer. Today the field sees even more use outside of Drake athletics. Some of the events that have been held in the twenty first century include NCAA Midwest Regional Track and Field Championships in 2007 and in 2008, the NCAA Outdoor Championships. To this day, Drake Stadium is still considered one of the premier track and field facilities in the country.[5]

Drake Bulldogs Football Game - Photo from www.godrakebulldogs.com

Drake Stadium Field - Photo from www.godrakebulldogs.com

References

[1] Carpenter, M.A. (1904, October). Opening of year 1904-5: the Drake Stadium. Drake University Record//, //1(6), 2-4.
[2] Larson, L. (1964, October 28). Drake Stadium has colorful history. Times Delphic.
[3] Drake Stadium deep in history, tradition. (1966, September 30). Times Delphic.
[4] Morrison, P. Recollections of Drake Stadium. Drake Relays: America's Athletic Classic, 26-27.
[5] The world's best perform at historic Drake Stadium [Web Entry]. Retrieved from http://www.godrakebulldogs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=82259&SPID=8137&DB_OEM_ID=15700&ATCLID=899758&ATCLPID=1&SENDING_AS_EMAIL=&PRINTABLE_PAGE=

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 9px;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9px;">[[File:jim_duncan_portrait.jpg|x296px|left|Jim]]</span></span>
+=Drake Stadium (built 1904, renovated 2005)=
+Originally submitted by Alyson Collins, Drake University, December 3, 2010
+The Drake Stadium has been an important part of the athletic history here at [http://www.drake.edu/ Drake University] for over one hundred years now. The stadium is home to numerous events, ranging from athletics to entertainment; years of history are held within this impressive venue. From high school football games to the world famous Drake Relays, the Drake Stadium plays an important role in the Des Moines community, and especially in [http://www.godrakebulldogs.com/ Drake Athletics].
-=<span style="font-size: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">'''<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 27px;">Jim Duncan (1911-1989)</span>'''</span>=
-====<span style="font-size: 1.066em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">Originally submitted by Alyson Collins, Drake University, November 30, 2010</span>====
-<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Known to many as the "voice of the Drake Relays," James Duncan played a prominent role in <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px;">[http://www.drake.edu Drake University]</span> from the time he was a student until the day he passed away. As a coach, professor, writer and broadcaster, his claim to fame is his contributions to the Drake Relays as the announcer over the years. A great part of Drake's history involves Duncan and he took part in many Drake traditions.</span>
+[[File:Drake_Stadium1.jpg|400px|left|frame|Drake Stadium Overhead View - Times Delphic 1964]]
+==History==
+Officially dedicated on October 8,1904, before Drake faced off with University of Iowa in football, the stadium was originally named Haskins Field. Norman Haskins not only donated the land to the university to become a stadium, but also a significant amount of funds to build the stadium as well.[1] In the beginning, the field was named Haskins Field in honor of the donor's son, Alvan A. Haskins.[2] Alavan was a Drake alumnus who passed away in 1896. Later, in 1909, Norman Haskins requested the name of the field be changed to Drake Stadium. It was noted though that the stadium was "A Gift of Norman Haskins to Drake University". In the years of remodeling that followed, this recognition of the stadium's generous donor was removed.[3]
+[[File:Stadium.1973.LEESON.jpg|400px|left|frame|Photo of Drake Stadium taken cerca 1973s, contributed by Mr. Phil Leeson AS'76]]
+[[File:Stadium.REA.jpg|362px|right|frame|Drake Stadium - photo by Clifford Rea, AS'60]]
+[[File:Stadium.REA2.jpg|439px|left|frame|Drake Stadium - photo by Clifford Rea, AS'60]]
-=== ===
+==Structure==
-=== ===
+[[File:Drakestadium_bleachers.JPG|320px|right|frame|Drake Stadium Bleachers- Photo taken by Alyson Collins 2010]]
-=== ===
-=== ===
-===<span style="font-size: 1.1em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">'''<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Early Life and Education</span>'''</span>===
+Right away, civil engineers shot down the idea of turning Haskins's property into a stadium because of the hilly terrain in the area. These engineers were proven wrong. The outside structure itself is located on what used to be a ravine. Because of this, the field was beneath ground level and the bleachers extended up onto the sides of the hills.[1] After spending thousands of dollars to remove part of the hills, a quarter mile track was dug out. Since the track was first constructed, it has undergone major transformations. It started as black cinders, was changed to red brick, then to red tartan, and is now Drake Blue tartan.[4] A new surface was added to the track in the 2005 renovation. The original seating capacity of the stadium in 1904 was 2,500[2] but numerous renovations have increased the current seating capacity to 14,557.[5]
-<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Born in Clearfield, Iowa on May 27, 1911, Duncan was home-schooled by his mother until age ten. Once he reached the eighth grade level, she enrolled him into public school where his peers were ages thirteen and fourteen. He was very bright and enjoyed athletics but was unable to participate among his classmates because he was physically behind in growth due to his young age. Because of this, he took on running. Graduating high school at age fourteen, he took a year off from schooling before beginning his education at Drake; he was only sixteen when he stepped onto campus for the first day.<span style="line-height: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[1]</span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px;"></span>On Drake's campus, Duncan was very involved. He wrote for the <span style="cursor: pointer;">[[jonesg:The Times Delphic|Times Delphic]]</span>, participated in theater, politics, speech, and track. He was also an elected member of Phi Beta Kappa, a prestigious American Honor Society.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">[2]</span> Duncan excelled in track; the highlight of his track career at Drake was winning the 440-yard event at the Missouri Vally Conference Championship. He earned three varsity letters in track as well. Duncan graduated from Drake in 1931 with a degree in philosophy.<span style="font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[3]</span> Duncan later went on to get his Master's Degree in Education from Drake in the following years.<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[1]</span></span>
-<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 27px;">'''Careers'''</span>
+[[File:drake_relays.jpg|379px|left|frame|Crowd during the Drake Relays - Photo from www.gobulldogs.com]]
-[[File:jim_duncan_teaching.jpg|x334px|right|Professor]]
-<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Upon graduation, Jim went on to become a principal and a coach at high school in Milburn, Iowa. Only two years later, Duncan beca</span>me superintendent of schools. He was only twenty-one, but under Duncan, the school was judged to be Iowa's best academic high school three out of the nine years he was superintendent. He was very proud of this accomplishment. In 1937, Duncan came to Des Moines in hopes of taking Ronald Reagan's previous position as sports announcer at WHO-radio. Unfortunately for him, the position was already filled so Duncan was hire as a sports announcer for a different station.<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[1]</span> His next career path was as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy during World War II. During the 45 months he served, Duncan was officer in charge of harbor relations. After the war, he spent a year at a radio station at Fort Dodge. In 1947, Duncan returned to Iowa and was offered a teaching position in the radio-TV department at the <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px;">[http://www.ua.edu University of Alabama]</span>. In 1950, he returned to Iowa once more and began his career at Drake<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[2]</span>
-<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A beloved professor for many, Duncan had a major impact on the lives of his students. He was enthusiastic about his job and had a certain passion for helping his students succeed. He took interest in his students' futures outside of the classroom and did whatever was in his power to help them improve. Often times, he would take his students down to the local television stations so that they had the opportunity to use the new television equipment that they did not have access to in the classroom. He set up internships for his students, and many were extremely successful. Duncan tried to let a student know if he was not made for broadcasting as well. He once said, "It's a tough business, it's a talent game...There is a whole multitude of people with talent." Duncan tried to provide the chance for his students to portray and develop their talents. Duncan mentored students who went on to do great things such as broadcasting for national basketball teams, and working for prestigious news networks.<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[4]</span> Duncan was also named one of ''Esquire Magazine's// 33 "super professors" in 1966, an indication of his prowess for teaching.<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[2]</span> Along with teaching, Duncan wrote countless articles for noteworthy magazines and newspapers such as //Sports Illustrated//, //The Saturday Evening Post//, //Pageant//, and //Successful Farming''.<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[5]</span></span>
+==Drake Relays==
+Probably the most significant event that occurs at Drake Stadium is the annual Drake Relays. This world famous event began in 1910 and is held during the last weekend in April each year. Some esteemed runners that have participated in the relays include Jesse Owens, who in 1935, won the 100-yard dash and set an American record in long jump, and Wilma Rudolph in 1961.[4] Every year, the stadium is full to capacity with crowds cheering on track stars from throughout the country, as long as it doesn't rain or snow. In 1957, the Drake Relays became the first sporting event televised on ABC's Wide World of Sports, making the famous Drake Relays even better known.[4]
-===<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"> Voice of the Drake Relays </span>===
-<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For many, the highlight of the world famous Drake Relays was listening to Jim Duncan's enthusiastic announcing of the events. It has been said that "voice ran in the family," as Jim's father and two uncles were livestock auctioneers. Duncan announced his first Drake Relays in 1951. In 1954, Duncan was named chairman of the Drake Relays. In 1963, he became the Relays' only announcer. As the announcer, Duncan refused to sit in the press box, and instead, he would sit on the west side of the infield. Rain or shine, Duncan would be there, showing his dedication to the runners and the fans.<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[6]</span> He identifies more than 5,000 athletes, including a little bit about their histories and always, a lot of encouragement. Somehow, Duncan was able to recall all of the necessary facts and keep his voice after the event. He once said, "There's one law in the game, and that's if you don't get an identifying factor on one person, he or she will always lead the race."<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[3]</span> For that reason, Duncan was always prepared. In 1981, Duncan reached the mandatory retirement age, ending his career as a professor at Drake; however, he continued to announce for the Drake Relays in the years to follow. Towards the end of his Relays career, Relay officials named the women's university-college division 4x400 relay after Duncan<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[2]</span></span>
-<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">[[File:scoreboard.JPG|x216px|left|The]]</span>
+[[File:drake_stadium_map_edit.jpg|290px|right|frame|Taken from Google Maps - Drake Stadium is at top center]]
-===<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">Duncan's Legacy</span>===
+==Location==
-<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">After dying from a massive heart attack on April 7, 1989 at the age of 77, many mourned Duncan's death. As a beloved professor, announcer, and mentor, his students, his colleagues, and Drake Relay participants would remember Duncan forever. After the major renovations of <span style="cursor: pointer;">[[Drake Stadium]]</span> in 2005, the track surrounding the football field was named the Jim Duncan Track to honor him and his contributions to the Drake community over the years. Several Jim Duncan Invitationals have also been named for this famous voice. Jim Duncan will always be remembered as a great addition to Drake University and for his voice of encouragement down on the track.<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">[2]</span></span>
+Drake Stadium is located at 2719 Forest Avenue.
+The stadium is located conveniently across Forest Avenue from the university and across 27th Street from the [[Bell Center]], another one of Drake's athletic facilities.
+==Drake Stadium Today==
+In 2005, Drake Stadium underwent its most recent and most dramatic renovation since its last major remodeling in 1925. The $15 million transformation included changing the field to turf, widening of lanes, a video scoreboard, and improvements to the restrooms, seating, concessions, and press box. After the most current renovations, the field was named [http://www.lib.drake.edu/heritage/bright/index.php Johnny Bright]] Field in honor of the Drake alum and football player of the 1940s and 50s. The [[Jim Duncan]] Track is named for the well-known Drake Relays announcer. Today the field sees even more use outside of Drake athletics. Some of the events that have been held in the twenty first century include NCAA Midwest Regional Track and Field Championships in 2007 and in 2008, the NCAA Outdoor Championships. To this day, Drake Stadium is still considered one of the premier track and field facilities in the country.[5]
+[[File:drake_football_game.jpg|320px|left|frame|Drake Bulldogs Football Game - Photo from www.godrakebulldogs.com]]
+[[File:drake_stadium_field_view.jpg|325px|left|frame|Drake Stadium Field - Photo from www.godrakebulldogs.com]]
+==References==
+* [1] Carpenter, M.A. (1904, October). Opening of year 1904-5: the Drake Stadium. ''Drake University Record//, //1''(6), 2-4.
+* [2] Larson, L. (1964, October 28). Drake Stadium has colorful history. ''Times Delphic.''
+* [3] Drake Stadium deep in history, tradition. (1966, September 30). ''Times Delphic.''
+* [4] Morrison, P. Recollections of Drake Stadium. ''Drake Relays: America's Athletic Classic'', 26-27.
+* [5] The world's best perform at historic Drake Stadium [Web Entry]. Retrieved from http://www.godrakebulldogs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=82259&SPID=8137&DB_OEM_ID=15700&ATCLID=899758&ATCLPID=1&SENDING_AS_EMAIL=&PRINTABLE_PAGE=
-[[File:jim_duncan_at_drake_stadium.jpg|x378px|center|Jim]]
-=== ===
+[[Category:Drake_Buildings]]
-=== ===
-===<span style="font-size: 1.1em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">'''<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">Sources:</span>'''</span>===
-<span style="line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. Versatile Professor Duncan relates accomplishments, opinions and life. (1962, September 18). ''Drake Times-Delphic.''</span>
-<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 2. Blount, R. (1989, April 8). Relays’ voice Jim Duncan, is dead at 77. ''The Des Moines Register.''</span>
-<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 3. Shea, L. (1983, April 28). Duncan adds spice as veteran relays voice. ''Drake Times-Delphic.''</span>
-<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 4. Tullio, R.J. Cover story. 9.</span>
-<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 5. Jim Duncan: an all-around relays man. (1966, April 19). ''Drake Times-Delphic.''</span>
-<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 6. Thompson, G.L. (1985, Spring). Voice of the Relays. ''Drake Magazine,'' 27-29.</span>

Difference between revisions of "Drake Stadium"