Ex-Jayhawk Gruber claims U.S. title

Indianapolis — Former Kansas University track standout Charlie Gruber won his first United States title Saturday at the 2004 UCA Cross Country Championships.

Gruber covered the snowy 4K course in 11:14, holding off Luke Watson at the finish line. The top six finishers were eligible to represent the United States at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, March 20-21 in Brussels, Belgium.

“The course got narrow real fast, which made it difficult to move up in place,” Gruber said. “I took the lead with about a kilometer to go and concentrated on keeping a fast rhythm. I stayed focused on keeping my form because I felt that the snow was jostling me around. I wanted to make that World team — that was my motivation.”

The Denver native already has qualified for the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in two events. Gruber won the 3,000-meter run (8:08.35) at the Arkansas Invitational and took a fourth-place finish in the mile run (4:00.19) at the Adidas Boston Indoor Games.

KU’s Bookman honored as athlete of week

Kansas University senior Leo Bookman earned Big 12 Conference athlete-of-the-week honors for his record-setting performance this past weekend at the Husker Invitational, the conference announced Monday.

Bookman broke the Husker Invitational record in the 200-meter dash during the weekend with a time of 20.97. The stadium record had not been broken since 1991, when Brigham Young’s Frank Fredericks broke the mark with a time of 21.21 seconds.

The 2003 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor 200-meter dash champion already has won five individual titles this season.

“It feels really good to be named Big 12 Athlete of the Week,” Bookman said. “I have done a lot in my four years of running track here but this is the first time that I have ever received this honor. It’s a great addition to all of my other accomplishments.”

Bookman is the first Jayhawk to receive the athlete of the week honor since Scott Russell won February 11, 2001.

“This is just another step for Leo and what he has been able to accomplish,” KU coach Stanley Redwine said. “We appreciate the effort that he has set forth on the track and for the team. He is well deserving of the honor.”

KU baseball canceled

Inclement weather has forced the cancellation of Kansas University’s scheduled baseball game Feb. 21 in Omaha, Neb., against Creighton. KU will attempt to open its home slate Feb. 22 against Creighton at Hoglund Ballpark.