BUTLER TWP — A year off certainly hasn't dampened the spirit of the Butler Invitational.

The 56th running of the race will be one of the biggest yet with 70 boys teams and 879 athletes competing Friday and 68 girls teams with 681 athletes taking to the track and to the field Saturday.

Both meets begin at 12:15 p.m.

“I think people are itching for it,” said Butler girls track and field coach John Williams. “We're a little higher than we've been by about 50 athletes.”

Last year's event was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, ending a string of 55 consecutive years the boys event was run and 18 years the girls meet was held.

Williams said there was little trouble whipping up interest for the Butler Invitational's return.

The district, though, had to be cautious with uncertainty about COVID-19 still lurking.

Invitations to the meet weren't extended until March and it was quickly decided to hold it over two days.

“We had a good trial run with a big meet with the Butler County Classic (April 10),” Williams said. “We'll have triple that (Friday and Saturday). Obviously, all the safety protocols will be in place. Masks will have to be worn until the gun and kids will have to leave the infield when their races are over. We're going to keep everyone apart.”

Both the boys and girls meets will feature some powerhouse teams and top athletes in the area.

Butler's Guinness Brown is the No. 1 seed in the 100, 200 and 400. The Golden Tornado also have top seeds in the 3,200 (CJ Singleton) and pole vault (Tristan McGarrah).

Slippery Rock's Josh Kingerski, fresh off another record-breaking performance in the javelin Tuesday, is the No. 1 seed in that event.

Butler's Emma Lehman is the top seed in the girls 300 hurdles and the Golden Tornado's 1,600 relay tops the field.

Melissa Riggins of Shady Side Academy is a big name to watch in the 800. She is the top seed by a wide margin.

Slippery Rock's Maryann Ackerman is the top seed in the javelin.

Team champions this year will be in for a special treat.

Instead of a traditional trophy, the winning teams will receive a championship belt instead.

Butler is the defending boys and girls champion.

Luckily, Williams said, the medals on hand for last year's running of the event can be used this time around, saving the district around $3,000.

“We've run a good meet over the years,” Williams said. “It's always been a great time in the season, about halfway through. Everyone loves the medals we give out. We're elated to be back.”