A group of chilled-to-the bone track and field fans filed past former Kansas University great Scott Russell at the start of the men’s javelin finals Friday night outside Memorial Stadium.

“Sorry I couldn’t throw any more for you guys,” 29-year-old Windsor, Ontario, native Russell said, apologizing to the spectators who were not interested in watching anybody but the 6-foot-9, 270-pound gentle giant throw the spear.

He was forced out of the competition after pulling his groin on his first and only throw on a chilly 45-degree evening — a Kansas Relays-record heave of 267-feet, 6-inches.

“I don’t know. I guess I’m a little competitive,” Russell said when asked how he surpassed his own Relays record of 264-8 (set in 2007) after incurring the injury. His throw easily bested fellow unattached competitors Eric Brown (247-5) and John Hetzendorf (246-8), as well as KU freshman sensation Iain Trimble, who was fourth in 234-11.