Jenks set to shine at Drake Relays

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

The Drake Relays is a showcase for Iowa high school track and field and no one has seized those moments in front of the big crowd in Des Moines the past two years like Stephanie Jenks.

The junior from Linn-Mar is gearing up for another big triple at Drake, which means the meet records and all-time state bests are in jeopardy.

Last week at the Kansas Relays, Jenks surprised herself by running at US#1 4:40.78 in the 1,600 meters for a US#1 and an all-time Iowa best.

“I didn’t see that coming at all,” Jenks said. “I didn’t know I was going that fast. But I looked up at the clock and it was 3:30 at 1,000 meters in.”

Jenks, who has competed in triathlons since she was in grade school, is devoting all of 2015 to running. And she’s enjoying that change of focus.

“Now that I’ve focused on running I love it so much more,” Jenks said.

Jenks’ talent on the track has been evident for years and when she’s at her best she’s as strong as anyone in the country.

As a freshman at Drake, Jenks tripled 2:13.35 (800), 4:35.22 (1,500) and 9:46.02 (3,000). Last year she lowered those times across the board -- 2:11.65 for second behind Kaley Ciluffo in the 800, 4:28.72 in the 1,500 (two and a half seconds off Shelby Houlihan’s Iowa record), and 9:26.87 in the 3,000.

“Drake Relays is a huge deal (in Iowa),” Jenks explained. “The state meet splits everyone up into classes and Drake is all combined. So if you’re a Class 1A, 2A or 3A athlete you don’t get to run against anyone faster (at state). Drake is one your shot to go against everybody.”

State rules prohibit schools from outside Iowa participating at Drake Relays so the meet is like a mid-season Meet of Champions.

Jenks, who competed alongside Mary Cain for the U.S. in the 3,000 meters at World Juniors last summer, feels like she’s in PR shape.

“Speed has been a focus because I am trying to be mile oriented,” she said.  

Jenks is coached by her mother, Deb, and some tinkering with workouts the past few months is apparently paying off. At New Balance Nationals Indoor last month, Jenks was fifth in the mile with 4:49.70 and third in the 5,000 with 16:40.13.

“(We’ve) been trying some different things out and experimenting and it seems to be working for my benefit,” she said.