Former Mehock Relays director Doug Castle, who now serves as a judge at the annual track and field meet, stands with this year’s Mehock Court. From left are Latahvia Hardin, Elexius Harris, Jillian Nehrkorn and queen Erica Norris.
More than 800 high school athletes are expected to participate Saturday when the Mehock Relays returns to Mansfield for the first time since 2010.
The annual regional track and field meet, founded in Mansfield in 1927, was moved to Ashland University in 2011 because of the deteriorating condition of facilities at Mehock Field on the Malabar Intermediate School campus.
Mansfield City Schools has since completed a $500,000 upgrade at Mehock Field, including a rebuilding of the 10-lane track and the relocation of field events to the infield. New aluminum bleachers have been installed along the front straightaway.
Saturday’s relays will mark the 50th anniversary of the dedication of Mehock Field.
Relays director Brady Groves said 74 teams from Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Canada are entered for Saturday’s competition. The field will include 422 boys and 408 girls.