SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State University will host America's oldest high school only track and field invitational Tuesday, April 27, with the running of the 88th Aldo Sebben Missouri State Relays. The Relays will feature competition from 47 schools from around the state of Missouri. Thirty-six events will be contested beginning at noon with the sprint hurdles, high jump and long jump at the Plaster Sports Complex, and the shot put and discus at the MSU Throwing Events Facility west of the Forsythe Athletics Center.
Since the Relays began in 1923 the event has hosted some of the Ozark's, Missouri's and the nation's top track and field athletes. Athlete's such as 1996 and 2000 Olympian Jason Pyrah, who competed for Willard at the Relays in 1987, setting a then 800-meter meet record. Former West Plains distance ace Jason Sandfort set the 3,200-meter meet record here in 2001 before becoming an All-American for the University of Arkansas.
Several of Missouri State's all-time greats got their careers started at the Relays as well. Tracy Partain, a 2006 Team USA member and Missouri State All-American, still holds the meet record in the 300-meter hurdles that she set for Springfield Parkview in 2002. Multi-time all-Missouri Valley Conference distance runner Ashley Sanders set the 1,600-meter record in 2002 for Clinton before brining her talents to Missouri State. Current MSU star and NCAA Championship runner Terry Phillips was the meets MVP for St. Mary's in 2007. The list of all-time greats goes on, and it is evident that the Relays have been a part of the lives of many of Missouri's finest track and field stars.
With a total of 42 girls and 45 boys teams set to compete, the 2010 edition of the Aldo Sebben Missouri State Relays boasts the third-highest number of teams in meet history. More than 1,000 individuals have been accepted to compete in the Relays unique format where all athletes compete together in their events regardless of their school's classification. However, awards and team scores are separated by divisions. This allows all athletes the best chance for competitive fields while still providing all sizes of schools a chance to be awarded. The maroon division comprises class 3 and 4 schools while the white division is made up of class 1 and 2 schools.
In addition to the high school participants, over 150 volunteers from the MSU campus community will serve as officials and event workers Tuesday. Several campus organizations will be represented including MSU's ROTC program and a large group of volunteers from the campus Greek community.
Admission to events inside the Plaster Sports Complex is $2.00, with students and those 18 & under being admitted free. Parking is available in Bear Park South on the corner of Grand and Holland St.
Additional meet information, including an event schedule and entry list, is posted online at www.BearsTrack.net.
