Texas Relays Returns to Austin for its 97th Year

By Santiago Ortiz

Reporting Texas

High school boys get ready for the qualifying round on March 28 at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. Santiago Ortiz/Reporting Texas

When thinking of major track and field events in Texas, the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays stand out as one of the most prestigious. 

Since its inception in 1925, the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays have drawn elite athletes, coaches and fans from across the country to Mike A. Myers Stadium.

The Texas Relays have become a staple in the track and field community, bringing together high school, collegiate and professional athletes every March for a weekend of intense competition.

“It’s been really great to see all these young people, college, they’ll be pros out here actually participating to come down to Austin, Texas, and compete in the Texas Relays,” said Ricardo “Ricky” Williams, a marshal at the Texas Relays. 

Williams has been a track marshal for 28 years and wanted to be involved after watching his nephews run track at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

“It’s good for me because I’ve seen some of them when they were younger, and to see how they’re competing, and to see them out here makes me feel proud – I was part of their life,” said Williams.

Williams has officiated at some of the sport’s biggest events, but he said the Texas Relays experience stands out.

“It’s exciting – it’s hard to describe when you see so many people in the crowds to watch these young people run, it’s something you have to live for,” said Williams.

For athletes like Victor Olesen, a pole-vaulter from Virginia, the environment of the relays extends beyond the track.

“Aside from the scouts and the awesome crowds and people this event draws in, Southern hospitality is something else down here,” said Olesen.

The competition at the relays is intense. Most athletes must be top 25 in the state to even qualify.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event, I mean you’ve got kids that won state championships a year ago that don’t even qualify for some of these field events,” said Chris Stonedale, the head throwers coach at Midland Christian School.

For coaches like Stonedale, watching his athletes’ hard work pay off is what makes the experience worthwhile.

“My favorite part is just watching these kids hit those big PRs and just the joy in their eyes,watching all that hard work, working for those inches, those feet pay off. That’s what it’s all about,” Stonedale said.

“Seeing them go out there and compete after all the work they’ve put in is just amazing,” Stonedale said.