Above: The "Jet Set" Mile Relay of Bill Bahnfleth, Rick Ortman, Randy McWilliams, and John Blanchard pose in their Relays sweats.  This foursome won the Relays in 1966, placed 3rd in the IHSA State meet, and set a school record of 3:18.7.

In 2007, the Palatine Relays will be hosted for the 75th consecutive year.  Our Relays meet is the second longest running meet in Illinois history, surpassed only by the IHSA State meet.  The Palatine Relays has seen performances from future Olympians as well as numerous Illinois track and field stars on both the girls and guys sides.  Jackie Joyner Kersee, Mike Durkin, and Sunder Nix all competed.  State record holders Al Eck, Bill Bahnfleth, Harlan South, and Chris Hercules have all competed.  Cross country state champions Tom Graves, Bob Watson, Steve Finley, and Evan Jager have all competed.  For 75 years, the Palatine Relays has been a showcase of track and field excellence, and we want to celebrate this important sporting and community event this year.

This Web site seeks to compile the entire history of the Palatine Relays, including all team champions and event champions.  I have also begun work on a top 10 performance list for each event that has been included in the Relays.  These events include many of the now normal metric events as well as many retired yard distances and the 3000 meter steeplechase.

Relays Weekend

The 75th Palatine Relays will be hosted at Palatine High School on Saturday, April 28, 2007.  Events will include the meet itself, a mixer for alumni, and a special version of the alumni mile.  Coach Fred Miller's goal is to get 75 alums on the track at the same time in the Alumni Mile.  Please email jnalley@d211.org or fmiller@d211.org if you can attend or want more information on what will turn out to be a great Palatine Track and Field weekend.