Journal-World sports editor Tom Keegan had a chance to catch up with several of the men competing in today’s shot put event (6 p.m. on 8th Street between Mass and New Hampshire) in downtown Lawrence, which kicks off the 85th edition of the Kansas Relays.

Here are a few clips from Keegan’s conversations with the men who will set downtown on fire in less than 90 minutes.

Cory Martin talks about the Lawrence nightlife after last year’s shot-put event.
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Ryan Whiting talks about the possibility of college towns as hosts of downtown shot-put events.
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Former OU basketball and track and field standout Kevin Bookout discusses the difference between the 2 sports.
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Shot putter Dan Taylor talks about the atmosphere at last year’s downtown event.
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