With the 2015 track and field season now into full swing, runners are reaching better times, workouts are increasing in intensity, and for four Westside athletes, the competition is taking a big jump as well.

Senior long and triple jumpers: Hayley Krumwiede, Njali Kowa, and KaVon Neelon, along with junior 400m dash runner Michael Merical are all taking part in the KU Relays taking place this Friday, in Lawrence, Kansas. This meet, one of largest in the country, encompasses athletes from high-schoolers to Olympic qualifiers over a two day span, though this year’s is condensed to one day due to weather.

Preparation from the meet prepares early as athletes must submit times. The times they submit then go through cuts in order to give the top 36 runners and times the chance to show themselves on the big stage.

In this case, the big stage, is the phrase a worthy phrase as people from around the country come to watch the meet.

“The atmosphere is really electric,” Merical said. “There’s a ton of people here it’s crazy.”

With such a wild atmosphere, there is no doubt runners must feel a little anxious for their races.

“There is a little bit of pressure just because the talent is really good and there are a ton of colleges here competing and recruiting.” Merical said.

Despite the big stage, the Westside competitors feel they have a chance to do well.

“Njali and KaVon both have chances to place in long jump. I don’t know how I’ll do but I’ll be competitive.” Merical said.

Kowa agrees.

“I’m very confident in my skill,” Kowa said. “I’ve worked hard to get where I am and competing in a meet such as the relays proves it.”

With experience from such a big event for these athletes, there is no doubt it will help them in their upcoming high school and college meets.

“This meet will help me compete when I get back just because it will bring out all that I have,” Merical said. “I’ll know exactly how good I can be against good competition.”

To follow live results of the Kansas Relays, click here.