“The atmosphere of the Keokuk Relays in [Calvert] Stadium is one of a kind,” Shaina Arnold, Keokuk High School Track Program Director, said. “I’m ready to experience it again and see my seniors get to have their senior night on their home track.”
In its 58th year, the Keokuk Relays will return to Calvert Stadium on April 29 after not hosting a home meet since 2022, so that the track could be renovated in 2024. The relays started in 1967 in Keokuk on a brand new all weather track as well. The Keokuk Relays were held at the Fort Madison High School for two years and they kindly kept the name.
“I know all of my athletes are excited to be able to compete in front of their friends, family and other community members again,” Shaina Arnold, KHS Track Program Director, said. “It has been a long two-year wait, but it has been worth it to have the facilities we now have.”
According to the Daily Gate City, the “Keokuk Relays annually are one of the biggest track and field meets in Southeast Iowa, with teams converging on Calvert Stadium in Keokuk for the event.”
Keokuk Athletics Director Zach Summers added that, “this event has a long history here, it feels great to bring it home—especially with our new track and field facility.”
The boys and girls track teams both took first place at the Clark County Relays and Central Lee Hawk Relays, and the girls team also took first at the WMU Pankoke Relays and placed well at each of the other meets. Also, both of the boys and girls 4×100 meter relay teams qualified for the coveted Drake Relays and those athletes include Tramell Smith, Kurt Joy, Ryan Bair, Drew Campbell, Layonna Stewart, Kelly Takorbisong, Alaya Carr and Ada Wood. Additionally, the boys 4×100 relay team has broken the school record this season, along with the boys shuttle hurdle relay team and Ryan Bair in the 200 meter dash.
“To have a solid track gives us the ability to get better everyday,” Ada Wood, KHS senior and varsity girls track athlete.
KHS senior and varsity girls track athlete Kelly Takorbisong, added, “I know that Keokuk will properly break in the new track at the Keokuk Relays.”
KHS seniors on the varsity track teams include Hannah Karre, Emily Newberry, Camryn Atterberg, Ada Wood, Layonna Stewart, Kelly Takorbisong, Lily Nuno, Lane Zinnert, Julius Clay, Drew Campbell, Tramell Smith, Brenton Hoard, Malachi Allison, Quintin Vanderpool, Ian Westwater and Noah Davis.
“It’s a chance for our athletes to compete on their own turf,” Summers said. “And for the community to come together around something that’s always been a proud part of Keokuk athletics.”
The Keokuk Relays will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, at Calvert Stadium on the Jim Kersten track.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
KHS Track Seniors 2025: KHS Track senior participants include Hannah Karre, left front, Emily Newberry, Camryn Atterberg, Ada Wood, Layonna Stewart, Kelly Takorbisong, Lily Nuno (not shown) and in the back, left to right is Lane Zinnert, Julius Clay, Drew Campbell, Tramell Smith, Brenton Hoard, Malachi Allison, Quintin Vanderpool, Ian Westwater, and Noah Davis (not shown). Photo provided by Ada Wood and taken by CK Photos Keokuk.
