Tyynismaa keeps level with her competitors as the second leg of Wartburg’s shuttle hurdle relay. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Rarely in track and field are things guaranteed, but with STC alum JoJo Tyynismaa two things are: An appearance at Drake Relays and competing in multiple events. With the 115th edition of the Drake Relays upon us, JoJo came through once again.

Kicking off her busy Friday, was a spot on Wartburg’s 4×100. Being the second leg, JoJo had a long carry of the stick down the backstretch before handing off and preparing for her next event in less than three hours. The quartet of Knights took 15th out of 31 teams in a time of 48.14, not advancing out of the prelims

With the next two events on Friday, and one on Saturday, JoJo set to take on the hurdles. Up first was the 100 hurdles, an event Tyynismaa has taken to Division III nationals. A combination of wind, a competitor falling, and a bit of an off race Tyynismaa finished in 5th place for her heat and 24th overall with a time of 14.63.

Next was the 400 hurdles, Tyynismaa’s signature event, where she won the 2022 3A state championship and finished third in the nation this past outdoor season. The University/College division was stacked with many accomplished athletes from around the country. Running a time of 1:01.40, Tyynismaa had a fair race, being placed in lane eight for the second race in a row, something she joked about after the race.

“They must like putting me in lane eight! In the 400 hurdles I don’t really mind it. It allowed me to run my own race and get out how I needed to.”

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Finishing 11th overall in the event, Tyynismaa acknowledged the level of competition she was racing. Saying it’s the beauty of the Drake Relays.

With her three events done for the day JoJo mentioned her thoughts on running so many events at track meets throughout the year.

“When Coach Newsome was recruiting me he would say “You won’t have to run as often in college meets”, which has been the complete opposite of what has happened, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I really love having all the reps and being able to compete in different events. If I’m competing at a meet and only have two events I really don’t know what to do with myself”

After getting some sleep and returning to the Stadium, the shuttle hurdle relay was the last event for JoJo.

Leading off the relay for the Knights, Tyynismaa positioned herself in the lead. Carried through the whole relay the Knights took the win in heat two and clenched the top time, waiting for two more heats. With all said and done, the Knight’s took 5th place in 59.68, wrapping up what is Tyynismaa’s 6th bout competing at the Drake Relays.

Working her way down the back stretch, Tyynismaa contests her signature event, the 400 meter hurdles. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

With such experience at this meet, the former Trojan and current Knight mentioned her current role with her team.

“We have some out of state people on the team this year who have never been to Drake, it was so cool getting to show them around. When my older siblings were competing here I didn’t really get to go but once I got to high school it was on and I loved it.”

When asked about what makes this meet so special Tyynismaa reflected.

I’ve been here a long time. I definitely love being in this environment. It’s super fun having all these track fans here to watch someone or just because they love what we do.”

With her four events done for the meet JoJo’s focus moves onto championship season. A national title in the 400 hurdles has to be on the mind of STC state champion and five time All-American.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Thrusting herself forward, JoJo Tyynismaa leans at the line in the 100 meter hurdles. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Working well over hurdle nine, Tyynismaa stays out of trouble after an opponent in a nearby lane takes a hard fall. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER