(From godarkebulldogs.com) DES MOINES – On the opening day of Iowa high school track and field season and the first practices of the year, the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee announced additions to the high school fields for the 2019 edition of “America’s Athletic Classic”.

The Iowa high school boys and girls divisions will add the 400-meter dash to the competition schedule running two heats of eight in a timed final, tentatively scheduled for early in the Friday evening session on April 26.  This will be the first new event in the high school division since the boys shuttle hurdle relay was added in 2009.

“For the third consecutive year, I’m proud that our initial Drake Relays announcement comes on the first day of Iowa High School track practice.  The 400-meters is an iconic track and field event”, stated Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Drake Relays Director.  “A few years ago we saw Kirani James run an amazing 44.08.  Now we get to see Iowa’s best high school athletes test themselves at this distance on the Blue Oval.”

The high school 4×100 relay will also see a change increasing from 80 entries to 96 selected teams for the boys and girls events and moving back to its previous position on the schedule of Saturday morning, April 27, with finals later that afternoon.  The selected fields will be based on times submitted in the online entry process which opens on Monday, March 4th.

“The expansion of the 4×100 affords more teams and athletes the opportunity to experience the energy of the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee.  The number of teams now mirrors the number of 4×100 relay teams that qualify for the state meet and we hope this continues to grow the sport statewide”, continued Boldon.

The “High School Blue Standards” for 2019 have been set, including the addition of the 400 meters.  If any of these marks are attained prior to the entry deadline for the Drake Relays, that athlete is guaranteed to be in the meet provided their coach follows the entry procedures.  An athlete does not have to meet these standards to be considered for entry in the Drake Relays. We encourage those who achieve the Blue Standard to post on social media mentioning @DrakeRelays using the hashtags #MYDRAKERELAYS and #BLUEOVALBOUND. The 2019 Blue Standards can be found HERE.

Today’s news also includes the announcement of a new ticket package opportunity.  The Drake Ticket Office announced today that group ticket packages are available for the first time, allowing any group of ten or more to reserve seats in the south end of the stadium at a reduced rate.  All-Session tickets are now on sale at draketix.com/drakerelays or call 515-271-3647.  For group ticket packages or more information, contact Dustin in the Drake Ticket Office at 515-271-4949.