The parking lot was filled to near capacity as proud parents unloaded their water coolers for the hot day ahead. Portable shade tents colored the bleachers, and the low fencing around the all-weather track was populated by athletes’ personal cheering sections. The bright uniforms of the 40 teams present, represented by nearly 1,300 athletes, made the 21st Annual Viking Track Classic a visual spectacle as well as an event bursting with talent.
Every April, Montgomery Track and Field hosts the best runners, throwers, and jumpers of the region at its sole fundraiser of the year. At the highly anticipated meet, which starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m., the top athletes gage their preparation for the postseason against the best competition.
The large crowd enjoyed some amazing storylines throughout the day. Santa Rosa High senior distance runner Reesey Byers beat out a quality field to set a new meet record in the 1,600 Meters at 4:11.83. The previous mark, set by Petaluma High standout Sterling Lockert just last year, was nearly three seconds behind. The stands cheered the milers throughout the race, aware of just how fast they were flying around the red track, and brought in Reesey and his pursuers to loud applause and shouts. As they walked across the pitch afterwards to exit the track, Reesey worked up enough energy after his amazing run to oblige the expectant crowd with his post-race back flip. Reesey, second place finisher Hugh Dowdy of Petaluma High, and third place finisher Luis Luna of Piner High all set personal records in the mile, a common theme at the Viking Classic.
Distance star Jacque Taylor of Casa Grande did not disappoint, either, winning the Girls’ 1,600 Meters in 4:51.17 with just over ten seconds’ worth of breathing room. The University of North Carolina-bound cross country favorite also displayed her skill in shorter distances, finishing third in the Girls’ 800 Meters in 2:18.93, two seconds behind winner Lucy McCullough of Marin Academy.
Montgomery star sprinter Alyssa Page represented the home team well with second place finishes in the Girls’ 100 Meter and 200 Meter Dashes. Girls’ High Jump favorite Luisa McInnis also gave the Viking fans plenty to cheer when she won her premier event with a 5-02.00 leap, two inches higher than the next-closest finisher.
For the hundreds of athletes not in the top places, personal records and the bustling event atmosphere made the day-long meet worthwhile. In each event, there were at least three heats of the Open or Frosh/Soft divisions, and at least three heats of the Varsity field. Often over 60 athletes competed in each event. The calls for athletes were quick and frequent, keeping the meet rolling and competitors moving throughout the Viking Dome, warming up, reporting to the bullpen, and getting something to eat at the Snack Bar.
For Montgomery teammates, the Classic is a premier landmark for the season. Like other teams, the Vikings can gage their readiness for the upcoming postseason, with the North Coast Sectionals next month and the state meet two weeks later. But certain gravitas comes with being the hosts of such a large meet. The athletes and their parents stayed for the majority of the meet regardless of their own event times, working the Snack Bar and helping wherever possible. At their practice the previous day, the team set up shade tents, prepared the announcer’s box, and picked up undesirable pebbles and small items in each lane of the track in preparation for the big event.
The preparation and commitment paid off in dividends with another exceptional Viking Track Classic, which will keep the participating teams coming back for more in next year’s 22nd.