The Texas Relays

Marquise Goodwin (Courtesy of UT)

It's not just a major social event. Almost forgotten amid the party hubbub is that there is an actual track & field meet at the center of it, and it's one of the best in the nation. Started in 1925 by University of Texas football and track coach Clyde Littlefield, it was one of the first events held in what is now Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium and immediately became one of the most celebrated events on the U.S. track circuit. In 1999, the show moved next door to the new Mike A. Myers Stadium, a great facility for both track and soccer fans alike. Great Olympians like Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Sanya Richards, and Jeremy Wariner made their names at this meet, and you can bet some of the high schoolers and collegians on display this weekend – such as freshman sprinter/jumper Marquise Goodwin – will follow them to similar glory. Expect great competition from around the nation – most of the top NCAA programs will be here, and although most of the high schoolers are from Texas, there will inevitably be teams from elite programs like Califor­nia's Long Beach Polytechnic or Long Beach Wilson making the trip. Of particular interest to the locals, though: Numerous matchups between the Longhorns and Aggies – the latter are the defending NCAA champions, both on the men's and women's sides. Also expect the Baylor men to carry on their rich tradition in the 4x400-meter relay. Thu.-Sat., April 1-3, all day. Mike A. Myers Stadium, 707 Clyde Littlefield Dr. Thu., free; Fri.-Sat., $10, general admission per day; $15, reserved; $20, all-session pass general admission; $30, reserved. 800/982-2386 or 471-3333. www.texassports.com.

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