Known as one of the biggest track and field events in the nation, the Drake Relays will take place this week in Des Moines. Since beginning in 1910, some of the world’s greatest athletes, including Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson have competed at the event.

Student athletes from Panorama High School have qualified for this year’s Drake Relays. Matt Webner will compete tomorrow at 3 p.m. in the discus and the shuttle hurdle relay team of Miranda and Michelle Mleynek, Faith Powell and Morgan Johnk will run Saturday at 8 a.m. If they run one of the four fastest times in their heat, they will compete again at noon.

Head coach Greg Thompson says due to its timing in the middle of track season, it’s not easy for anyone, let alone student-athletes from small schools like Panorama to qualify for the Drake Relays. “The Drake Relays fall in the middle of the year, so it’s hard to peak for that, especially at a smaller school. The Drake Relays are unclassified, so you have to be one of the premier-athletes in the state to qualify.”

Tune into Raccoon Valley Radio’s sports page during the 7 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. hours for complete updates on all area athletes competing at the Drake Relays.