MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin track and field teams wrap up the month of April with a trek to Des Moines, Iowa, for the 108th running of the Drake Relays.

The Badgers are coming off of a pair of meets last weekend. UW sent throwers to the Triton Invitational in California, while the rest of the team traveled to Arkansas for the John McDonnell Invitational. Despite rainy conditions, the Badgers were able to set several personal bests.

"My biggest takeaway from last weekend was that no matter what, I still have to compete," sophomore Ebony McClendon said. "Even though the weather was less than ideal and I didn't run has fast as I hoped, I still have to get out there and execute the next race."

Despite the weather, McClendon and the UW women's 4x400 relay team ran the fourth-fastest time in program history, while the middle-distance trio of Eric Brown, Carl Hirsch and Oliver Hoare all ran top-seven times in the Big Ten Conference.

"I knew I was in good shape and that I would run fast," Hoare said. "My coaches told me to take confidence in that leading up to the meet. With that confidence and the excitement to race in a high-pedigree field, I just soaked up the experience and raced smart and to my strengths in which I executed the race the way I wanted, even though I know there is still room for improvement."

This week UW turns its primary attention to relay events at the Drake Relays.

On the women's side, UW will compete in the 4x100 relay, 4x1600 relay, sprint medley relay and distance medley relay.

"I've been waiting years to have a solid relay," McClendon said. "I love competing in open events, but there's something about being on a relay that changes everything. It's not just about me, it's about the team. I'm excited to go to Drake as we all want to win."

The men look to repeat as 4x1600 relay champions at Drake on Thursday. In addition, UW will compete in the 4x100, 4x400, sprint medley relay and distance medley relay.

"I'm expecting some close races and some quality fields," Hoare said. "It's going to be a challenge to take home the win but that's what we are all about, to put ourselves out there and turn some heads when we hit the track this weekend."

Competition opens up at Drake Stadium on Thursday evening with distance events before the majority of the events take place on Friday and Saturday. Fans can watch the meet for a fee via USATF.TV+.

"I didn't get a chance to compete at Drake last year because I redshirted," McClendon said. "To be able to race at such a big meet is always a great opportunity and I'm ready for the competition."

In addition to the Drake Relays, a group of Badgers will head to Whitewater for the UW-Whitewater Drake Alternative Meet on Saturday.