Imperial, Holtville track teams open season

IMPERIAL — Thursday afternoon marked the start of the 2018 trackand-field season for a handful of local teams, including Imperial and Holtville high schools, which met at Shimamoto-Simpson Stadium here for their first Imperial Valley League contest of the year.

In addition to being the first meet of the season, Thursday’s event was also the first event ever for a handful of freshman and other novice athletes.

Holtville freshman Amanda Strahm debuted for the Vikings in three events, including the 800 meters, 3200 meters and the 400-meter relay.

Strahm opened the day with the 800 meters, where she took first place after a solid start and strong finish.

“I felt like I did good,” she said. “I did feel gassed out on the second lap, so it was a challenge.”

Strahm also ran cross-country for Holtville and recently completed her season on the soccer team as well, keeping her in shape for track.

“It’s a little different,” Strahm said. “In soccer, you’re just kind of running around the whole time, and in track, there’s more sprints and technique.”

Strahm said she felt good getting one meet under her belt before Saturday, which is the day of the annual Desert Classic Relays.

The meet will be held at Central Union High and will welcome athletes from more than a dozen schools, including six local high schools.

Another athlete in Thursday’s meet, Imperial High’s Rudy Avila, was glad to be on the track as he is recovering from a hamstring injury.

The junior sprinter competed in the boys’ 100-meter dash and came out with a second-place finish in 11.87, just behind Holtville’s Cesar Acuna (11.45).

“I actually felt really good,” he said. “I’m getting over a hamstring injury but I felt good the first 90 yards and saw I was OK, so I just took it easy on the last 10.”

Junior Andrea Serrano was a winner for the Imperial girls, coming out on top in the 400-meter event.

She said she was excited to be back on the track after competing in wrestling during the winter season.

“I felt so good being out here again, (the 400) is my event, so that’s the win I was going for,” Serrano said.

Overall, the Tigers topped the Vikings, with the girls winning, 89-36, and the boys winning, 90-36.

Holtville High’s Amanda Strahm leads in the girls’ 800-meter event during an Imperial Valley League track meet at Imperial High on Thursday.

KARINA LOPEZ mperial High’s Jessica Dick (center) leads in the girls’ 100-meter hurdles during a home meet against Holtville High on Thursday.

KARINA LOPEZ PHOTO Runners from Imperial and Holtville Highs compete in the boys’ 100-meter dash during a meet at Imperial High on Thursday. Imperial’s Rudy Avila (far right) ran away with the win.