Featured Author – Joe D. Schrag

Joe was a presenting author at the 2014 Kansas Book Festival and is the author of The Kansas Relays: Track and Field Tradition in the Heartland, published by Adina Publishing (www.adinapublishing.com).

This is the first book-length treatment of this historic track meet that has been held in Lawrence, Kansas, since 1923. It is a full-color book with more than 150 photos, and Schrag’s narrative highlights the biggest names in the sport who have competed there, from the first year to the move to a new venue, Rock Chalk Park, in 2014.

Joe is a native of Norwich, Kansas, lifelong resident of the Sunflower State and holds a Master of Arts degree in English from the University of Kansas. He has attended every Kansas Relays since 1954 as either an athlete, coach, official or (one year) as a spectator.

Schrag is a member of five Halls of Fame including being a 2007 inductee into the Kansas Relays Hall of Fame. He served as high school meet referee at the KU Relays in 1977. Schrag spent 41 years (1962- 2003) at Topeka West High School, serving as coach of track and field and cross country during that entire span. He also taught English and served as athletic director. He sent hundreds of athletes to the Kansas Relays during his years as coach, a career that resulted in eight state championships. A former competitive runner, Schrag also completed 37 marathons.

To learn more about Joe and his incredible talents head on over to his website!