Former Kansas University track distance runner Bob Karnes died Thursday morning at the age of 81.

The Overbrook native won 13 Big Eight Conference titles – more than any men’s runner in the school’s history – and served as captain for five Jayhawk teams.

Karnes was a two-time NCAA All-American.

“Bob was a great runner, a wonderful competitor. He was (coach) Bill Easton’s first great distance runner,” former KU track coach Bob Timmons recalled.

“Bob was well respected, well liked by everybody. He had no ego and went on to do a great job many years at Drake. He will really be missed.”

Karnes served as Drake’s athletic director from 1968 until his retirement on Aug. 31, 1986. He also was Drake track coach and Drake Relays meet director.