Drake Relays appearances becoming tough gig for Jones

DES MOINES - Saying no to the Drake Relays is a scary proposition for Lolo Jones.

But the Des Moines native knows someday soon she may be forced to decline an invitation to run over hurdles at Drake Stadium, possibly even next year. Jones finished second Saturday in the 100-meter hurdles, the third straight year she's not won in what typically is her first event of the outdoor season.

“Next year is a huge concern,” Jones said. “I have to peak for the Olympic Trials and then I have to peak again for the Olympics. I don't know if this pressure situation would be good for my very first race. I feel like I have to peak here. It's kind of hard to deal with that.”

Tiffany Ofili won her second Drake title in three years in 12.66 seconds. Jones, who just returned to competition after an aggravation of her sciatic nerve, clocked a 12.80 that was cheered loudly by the sellout crowd of 14,504.

“The start was OK but I fell apart in the middle,” Jones said. “I expected Tiffany would run pretty fast here. She had a good race.”

Most of Jones' indoor season was canceled and she missed a lot of training for the outdoor schedule. She didn't confirm she would be running until early this week.

“It was the worst indoor season of my career,” said Jones, 28. “I'm not race savvy or sharp. The more races you have the better you are. We rushed back.

“This race is important but I have a long season ahead of me. I have to take it with a grain of salt.”

That doesn't mean she won't be subject to some good-natured teasing from fellow competitors.

“If they lose (at Drake) it's no big deal,” Jones said. “If I lose, I hear about it for two months.”

Boaz Lalang defended his title in the men's special mile, finishing in 3 minutes, 58.26 seconds. Lalang barely held off former Nebraska standout and South African Peter Van Der Westhuizen.

Old pro Allen Webb and Tulsa's Chris O'Hare tied for third place at 3:58.77.

“Everyone was talking about Allen Webb,” said Lalang, a native of Kenya who trains in Tucson, Ariz. “That was motivation for me. It's so good coming here and winning.”

Olympian Jeremy Wariner cruised to victory and a U.S.-leading time of 45.19 in the 400 meter run. He was just happy to finally run in good weather here.

“I think it's the first time it's been nice for me for a Drake Relays,” Wariner said.

Wariner took control in the final 150 meters and was not seriously challenged.

“Coming down the backstretch I felt real comfortable and still felt like I had a lot left,” he said.