SEMO TO HOST ALL SPORT RELAYS EVENT

An event that has been a fixture on the local collegiate track and field scene for nearly two decades will once again take place next weekend.

The 18th annual ALL SPORT Relays is set to be contested Friday and Saturday at Southeast Missouri State University's Abe Stuber Track and Field Complex.

Team entries in the scored relay meet include men's and women's squads from Southeast, Southern Illinois, Northern Iowa, Marquette, Arkansas State, Murray State, Western Kentucky, Belmont and Tennessee-Martin. Austin Peay will enter only a women's team.

The squads will compete for championships in the men's and women's division. A combined team champion will also be determined. Last season, Southeast won the women's competition while Missouri claimed the men's and combined titles.

"It looks like a very competitive relay meet for both men and women," said Southeast coach and meet director Joey Haines.

Haines said that the favorites in the men's competition will include Marquette, Southern Illinois, Northern Iowa and Arkansas State. Among the women's favorites will be Southeast, Marquette, Southern Illinois and Northern Iowa.

Friday's competition will begin at noon with Saturday's action slated to begin at 10 a.m. with field events. Saturday's first running events are scheduled for 11 a.m. The meet is slated to conclude by about 3 p.m. Saturday.

"We've shortened the time of competition to make it better for the fans," Haines said. "The new parking area just east of the track off of Sprigg Street will also make it easier for fans to attend the meet."