Central to host annual meet

Last year records fell under near-perfect conditions at the Cape Relays.

While the forecast is not as encouraging for today's race, with the level of competition as strong as ever, more records could fall.

"It's going to be tough," Notre Dame coach Bill Davis said of the field.

The meet, which includes all four relay events along with the 100, 400, 1,600 and 3,200 meters, both hurdles, all field events and a sprint and distance medley relay, will begin at 9:45 a.m.

Along with local schools Central, Jackson, Scott City and Notre Dame, several other strong programs will be at the meet. Poplar Bluff brings one of the strongest boys teams in the area, and Sikeston and Dexter will also represent Southeast Missouri. Illinois will be represented by Egyptian, Cairo and Murphysboro.

The annual event differs from most meets in that it gives the athletes a chance to win individually and as a team in each event. For field events, each school is allowed three athletes, with the top three individuals medaling along with the top three combined team scores. The track events get two athletes per event.

"It's always a lot of fun," Central coach Lawrence Brookins said. "Any time you get 10 or more teams with boys and girls participating, the only problem is just securing enough help."

Track fans will get another opportunity to see Scott City star Loren Groves, who swept her four events at the Jackson Invitational. There should also be several strong races in the relay events, with Jackson's girls dominating the sprint relays and Central strong in the distance relays.

On the boys side, Notre Dame's 3,200 relay team has been strong all year. Central has also put up good times all year in its boys relay events.

Brookins said he hopes for another picture-perfect day, but the athletes will be ready to go either way.

"Most of them have competed in the cold and bad weather, so most of them should be able to handle it," he said.