Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS, April 17, 1926
European visitors were seen at the Kansas Relays. Adriaan Paulen, who had been touring America for weeks, ran a solid quarter mile (440y) in good conditions to achieve his season's best of 48.9 (equivalent to 48.6 for 400 meters).
University of Nebraska's slender speedster Roland Locke won the 100 yards and sizzled a time of 9.6. The meet's chief judge stated that a relatively brisk gust had blown from the side, not from behind. However, for some reason, the result was not submitted for ratification.
Around eight thousand spectators had come to witness the performance of pole vault world record holder Charles Hoff. He cleared 4.06 (13-3 ¾) and won the event, although he argued with a cameraman filming his jumps. The Cod Biter demanded the cameraman stop his activity, to which the latter agreed only after prolonged gesturing. The crowd was clearly on the Norwegian's side, as they watched the competition intently, even though all other events had finished.
The professionalism rumors started from this incident. Malicious tongues claimed Hoff had forbidden filming because of a lucrative advertising contract. According to the Norwegian's own explanation, he wanted to prevent films from being made from which opponents could study his technique. The explanation was somewhat weak, as Hoff was known more for his speed than as a technical virtuoso.
Future Olympic shot put champion John Kuck achieved his season's third-longest put of 15.00 (49-2½). The fellow also participated in the javelin and tossed a respectable result of 62.85 (206-2). Later in the summer, Kuck toured Europe and unleashed a world-leading throw of 65.63 (215-4) in Lappeenranta, Finland.
1-4 (Spalding’s NCAA Guide)
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