Driving into work the last several days I noticed, despite the constant dreary weather, how the flowering trees are suddenly springing into their annual bloom.

The grass is an emerald shade of green (and very long at my house) and the birds are out in full force. Yes, even though we need some sun and warmer temperatures, spring is here!

And along with spring comes one of the great classic sporting events not only in the state, but also throughout the country, the Drake Relays.

How big is it? This answers it perfectly.

Last Saturday morning on the KGYM Coaches Corner Show, Jefferson girls track and field coach Bill Calloway explained it perfectly. When asked about Drake his face lit up and he said, “It’s everyone’s ambition to get to Drake!”

Whether you’re an elite high school athlete, a college runner or thrower, or one of the many world-class Olympic athletes that travels to central Iowa each April, the Drake Relays is not only big, it’s huge.

It’s also unique. Where else can you see within 15 minutes, some of the best athletes in Iowa, followed by Lolo Jones and other soon-to-be Olympians, flying down the big blue oval track at Drake Stadium in front of nearly 14,000 fans!

If you haven’t been to the Drake Relays, you must make plans to go. This year's Drake Relays start Thursday and run through Saturday.

I’ve said it before; it is one of the top athletic events in the state and all around the country.

Even if you are not a fan of track, it will not only keep your attention, you will find yourself rising out of your seat many times cheering some of the greats of all time.

Now, if we can work on this weather...