The Jesuit-Sheaner Relays event has gained a reputation as the area track and field meet to attend if you can go to only one.

Celebrating its 46th anniversary Saturday, the meet shows no signs of slowing down, just like its namesake, 85-year-old honorary meet director Herb Sheaner. Upon his retirement after a 20-year career Jesuit track and field coach in 1975, Sheaner's name was added to what began as the Jesuit Relays.

Field events begin at 8 a.m., running events start at 9 a.m. and running finals are scheduled to get under way at 2:30 p.m. at Haggar Stadium on Jesuit's campus in North Dallas.

The secret to the meet's longevity is competition.

"When I was coaching, I wanted to take my best athletes to the best meets to allow them to compete against the best," said Sheaner.

Competition at this year's meet should be especially fierce in the three relay races. DeSoto (4x100), Killeen Ellison (4x200) and Lancaster (4x400) have recorded the state's best times.

Kenneth Minkah of DeSoto and Lancaster's duo of Tyler Stephenson and Kendall Hayes will continue a South I-35 rivalry in the 110 high hurdles.

In the meet's only girls event, elite distance runner Chelsey Sveinsson of Greenhill will be challenged by 16 others in the 1600-meter run.

At last count, 56 high schools will be represented. Only a few will field compete teams.

Team champions from both divisions of the 2009 meet will return. Rowlett heads a field of 32 schools in the Class 5A division. Arlington Seguin will attempt to repeat in the 4A-and-under division, which has 24 entrants.