Plymouth’s Nate Patterson holds the all-time record in high jump at the Goshen Relays, clearing 7-0. (File photos by Mike Deak)

GOSHEN – Having celebrated quite a milestone a year ago, the Goshen Relays will carry on once again this year.

The Relays celebrated 75 years of track excellence in 2017, and are happy to make it 76 with its running this Saturday at Goshen High School.

The weather, which has been downright miserable for most of the spring, looks to be on the upswing for the weekend. The Relays will begin at 9 a.m. with field events as well as the Class A and B 4×800 relays.

Workers will be recognized at 11:15 a.m., as well as the national anthem and the crowning of the Queen of the Goshen Relays will take place. Those will usher in the final for the track action for both classes, as well as the final of shot put and discus.

The field continues to be strong for area track teams. Class A will bring back 2017 champion Fort Wayne Carroll and Class B will bring back champion NorthWood, the Chargers holding off Goshen and NorthWood edging Fairfield. Seven of the eight Northern Lakes Conference schools will take part (Warsaw is at the Southport Boys Relays and West Lafayette Girls Relays).

The 2018 Goshen Relays could see some of the top athletes in the state take part. Among those on rosters that could be inserted into races are Westview’s Richard Stoltzfus, who was third in the state in the 800, along with Wawasee’s Luke Griner, who was ninth in the 800 finals. A pair of state champions could be active, one the Fort Wayne Carroll 4×100 relay team and the other being Plymouth’s Nate Patterson in high jump, who was outstanding all year and has eclipsed 7-0 at the Relays, a meet record. Columbia City’s Alex Scharpenberg was also a podium finalist in high jump, tying for eighth last June.

Goshen’s Brock Tauteris and the RedHawks are ready to host the 76th annual Goshen Relays this Saturday.