Meet History

The Palatine Relays originated during the era of Carl Megel and Gerald McElroy.  Carl was the coach of the football, basketball and track teams.

His interest in track was manifested early in his Palatine tenure by scheduling participation of his track teams in various Illinois relay meets, including the Pekin, Springfield and Wheaton Relays.  When the athletic talents of Palatine track members attracted wide attention - notably Ed Hahnfeldt in the discus and javelin - Mr. Megel recognized that an early local relay meet in Palatine would be logical and desirable.

Megel arranged and conducted the first Palatine Relays on Saturday, April 29, 1933.  In all of his efforts he was ably assisted by Mr. McElroy and Peter Vervloit.  Seven high schools and fifty-one athletes participated in that meet.

During these Depression days no funds were available for services or awards.  Red, white and blue ribbons substituted for trophies.  Vervloit made the hurdles in his high school shop.  Megel and McElroy were on the track at 5:00 A.M. on the morning of the meet to measure and line the lanes, set up the standards and attend to every detail to assure a smooth-running meet.

Palatine won eight consecutive Relay titles from 1966 through 1973 even though the school enrollment was split in half in 1968.

One of the most exciting relays was in 1964, when Maine East edged Palatine as Larry Kelly, National Record holder in the half mile, dualed Duane Brooks of Palatine to the wire in the anchor legs of the 880 and mile relays.

The 1966 Palatine Relays was equally exciting as Palatine tied York for the title.  Palatine came from behind after the morning session, winning every relay and the mile run.  The meet was highlighted by Bill Bahnfleth of Palatine and Al Janulis of York anchor duals in the 880 and mile relays.  Palatine came back with Bill Bahnfleth and company in 1967 as they edged a tough Glenbard West team by four points in the last event of the relays.

The girls' division of the Relays was started in 1976 and Palatine won their first championship in pouring rain in 1977.  In 1982, the Relays celebrated fifty years by bringing in twenty-five teams in both the girls' and boys' divisions.  The Relays have been the showcase of former Olympic standouts such as Jackie Joyner-Kersee (East St. Louis Lincoln), Sunder Nix (Phillips), Mike Durkin (Holy Cross), and Al Joyner (East St. Louis Lincoln).  

In 1993, the field events changed to relay style.  Three athletes from each team competed to total the heights and distances to determine the event champion.