Drake Stadium, Des Moines, IA, April 27–28, 1923
At the Drake Relays, the 4x110-yard relay team of Illinois University exploited the fast track, setting a world-leading time of 42.3 (equivalent to 42.1 for the 4x100 meters). Under the rules of the time, the result was rounded to 42.4 seconds, matching the official 4x100-meter world record run by the Team USA at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics.
In the 4x440-yard relay, the University of Iowa team thrilled 10,000 spectators with a world-leading time of 3:16.9 (3:15.8 for 4x400), the second-fastest time in history at the time. Star Charles Brookins dominated the third leg on his home track.
In the invitational mile, Joie Ray defeated his Illinois Athletic Club teammate Ray Buker, a future Olympic 1500-meter finalist in Paris 1924. True to form, Ray boasted after the race: "If I'd had a rabbit, I would have broken the world record." Ray was referring to the record holder, Norman Taber, who had used four pacemakers in his record run (4:12.6).
Milton Angier recorded the year’s third-longest javelin throw with 62.11 (203-9), following a qualification effort of 60.81 (199-6). According to urban legend, Angier developed his throwing skills as a boy in Illinois by tossing weeds during long walks with his father.
1-4 (Spalding’s NCAA Guide)