The South Tahoe track and field team has another set of meets under its belt for the season. The team’s distance runners competed in the Bronco Distance Roundup at Fair Oaks Friday, March 24, while the rest of the team headed to Fallon for the Elks Invitational on Saturday, March 25.

With 38 teams represented, the Elks Invitational was the largest meet South Tahoe has competed in so far this season.

“This was a much bigger meet so it was definitely a longer day,” said head coach Hannah Greenstreet. “We’re getting to compete against the bigger divisions and a wider range of competition.”

Greenstreet said the experience was an excellent tool to help show the younger athletes the level of talent they will be competing against in the future, and help adjust to the mental and physical demands of longer competitions.

At the Bronco meet, junior David Holmes enjoyed a personal record in the 3,200 meters, logging a time of 10:30.89. Holmes was able to shave 26 seconds off his previous time in the event, a feat not so easily achieved.

“He [Holmes] had a phenomenal performance,” said Greenstreet. “He really set himself at a whole new level.”

Holmes finished 24th out of 99 competitors in the event. Freshman Carissa Buchholz also gave a standout performance for the Vikings in the 800-meters, with her personal record of 2:30.52. She placed 16th out of 141 athletes. Regionally, Buchholz is ranked first in the mile. Greenstreet said having a freshman already competing at such a high level is rare and that she expects great things from Buchholz.

At Fallon, senior Maya Brosch was able to add a few more top finishes for the Vikings. Although facing some elite talent and not performing at her best, Brosch managed to improve finishing times is several events. She placed fourth in the 200 meters and first in the 100 and 300 hurdles. Junior Theresa Sandborn edged her way into the top 20 in the long jump, setting a school record in the event at 14-feet-1-inch.

Due to some injuries and the distance team being scheduled at the other meet, South Tahoe was only able to bring 15 athletes to the Elks Invitational. Greenstreet explained that the next meet should be a little better for the team due to more runners being able to compete. Greenstreet said she feels like at this point in the season the team is holding its own, but there is room for improvement.

“They’re [the athletes] observing and learning,” said Greenstreet. ”They’re finding where their niche is and what needs to happen for them to be competitive. The level of competition has dramatically increased from our first meet and it gave them a whole new exposure to the sport. “

Greenstreet said the team should have a stronger presence at their next meet, bringing a full crew with rehabbed injuries. The Vikings will be on the road for the Reed Sparks Rotary Invitational March 31 through April 1.