SOUTHEAST TO KICK OFF ALL SPORT RELAYS

The 18th annual ALL SPORT Relays, the area's premier collegiate track and field event, will be marked by a more spectator-friendly approach when the competition kicks off today at noon at Southeast Missouri State University's Abe Stuber Track and Field Complex.

The duration of the competition has been shortened, and a parking area east of the complex has been added.

The meet will wrap up Saturday. Field events are slated for 10 a.m. Saturday, with running events following at 11. The meet should conclude around 3.

The meet is sponsored by ALL SPORT Body Quench and features team titles for the men's division, women's division and a combined team title.

Southeast's women's team is expected to compete for the meet title, along with Marquette, Southern Illinois and Northern Iowa. Arkansas State, Murray State, Western Kentucky, Belmont and Tennessee-Martin complete the women's field, along with Austin Peay, which will not bring a men's team.

The Otahkians have won the women's competition the last two years. Southeast edged Missouri by 13 points last year while Southern Illinois placed third.

The favorites in the men's competition are Marquette, Southern Illinois, Northern Iowa and Arkansas State. Missouri, which will not compete this season, won the title last year while Southern Illinois placed second and Southeast third.

Missouri was also the defending combined meet champion.