SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State University will host America's oldest high school only track and field invitational Tuesday, April 26, with the running of the 89th Aldo Sebben Missouri State Relays. This year's Relays will feature the largest field of athletes ever when 1,403 participants from 52 schools from around the state of Missouri take to the track.
Thirty-six events will be contested beginning at 11 a.m. 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 bringing 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 90 teams set to compete from 52 schools, the 2011 edition of the Aldo Sebben Missouri State Relays boasts the second-highest number of schools 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 also will be represented.
Admission to events inside the Plaster Sports Complex is $3.00, 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.
