The sprints kick into full gear this weekend, as the Florida Relays are sure to produce many of the fastest times yet this outdoor season.  Top high school, college, and pro athletes convene in Gainesville, creating a meet that is sure to thrill.  

 

One of the biggest surprises of the past NCAA indoor season, South Carolina SR Lakya Brookins opens her outdoor campaign, attempting to add a 100-meter title to her 60-meter crown.  

 

Likewise, fellow 100-meter runner Octavious Freeman has been burning up the track at the high school level.  The Lake Wales HS (Fl) senior owns the fastest 100 in the country thus far this season, with an 11.42.

 

Like Freeman, Marvin Bracy of Boone HS (Fl) owns the fastest time in the country for the men, with a 10.19.  There's an interesting storyline here, as Bracy attempts to beat fellow Florida-native Jeff Demps' Florida Relays record time of 10.17, set in 2008.  Demps, currently a track and football star at the University of Florida, is set to open his own outdoor season at the relays about half an hour later.

 

Collegiately, as usual the sprint relays on both sides will be stacked.  Specifically, the men's 4x400 figures to be one to watch.  Florida, who flirted with sub-3:00 at last year's relays (3:00.31), will be looking to put up a similar mark.  Hoping to finally be completely healthy, the Gators will be trying to put up a mark for rival Texas A&M to chase next week at the Texas Relays.

 

The 800 should be fun, as Penn State SO Casimir Loxsom, who came on strong this past indoor season, looks to rebound from a disappointing NCAA meet.  He enters as the favorite this weekend.

 

The Florida men, fresh off another indoor team title, hope this outdoor season will end in a title as well.  With numerous seniors and depth in many different areas, they will definitely be in the hunt.

 

Post collegiate competition will be highlighted by a few big names: David Oliver and Brittney Reese.  Oliver, fastest hurdler in the world, opens his 2011 campaign against a strong field.  Brittney Reese, 2010 world long-jump champion, will race Lakya Brookins for 100-meter supremacy.  Justin Gatlin, originally entered in the 100, has pulled out and will not compete this weekend.

 

Make sure to check out these races, and others, here on Flotrack Friday and Saturday.  Enjoy the weekend, because track is back!