Texas Relays begin Wednesday

AUSTIN(KXAN) - The 82nd Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays begin Wednesday at Mike Myers Stadium on the UT Campus.

This is one of the biggest events of the year in Austin.  The unique aspect is that there are more than 3000 participants from high school to small college to major college to international athletes.

The huge crowds that show up for the weekend races can be a blessing and a burden for the athletes.

"The one thing that we tell them is that we're at home, and don't look up in the stands, and stay focused on the baton no matter what," said UT women's coach Bev Kearney.  "The minute those young kids look up in the stands and see twenty some odd thousand people screaming at you , it can be a bit intimidating, especially as many freshmen as I have, we're about 70 percent freshman this year."

Sprinter Stacey-Ann Smith is one of those freshmen running for Texas. 
"I'm really nervous, but I'm really excited at the same time," said Smith.  "I've never competed at the at the Texas Relays before.  I've heard its a very intense crowd, so I'll be on my A game."
 

Smith is scheduled to run the 4x100 and 4x400 relays this weekend.