During the week of July 24 to July 30th, twenty-one athletes from the Lake Tahoe Track Club (LTTC) traveled to historic Hayward Field in Eugene, OR to compete in the 2023 USATF National Junior Olympics. Qualification for this prestigious competition is not an easy feat – athletes must compete at association and regional qualifiers throughout the summer in CA and NV. From the 21 LTTC athletes that qualified, we had 10 current and alumni LTS Bobcats represent our school.

The Lake Tahoe Track Club (LTTC), based out of Incline Village, is composed of 45 athletes from all over the Tahoe Basin and further. Athletes from Incline High and Incline Middle School, Lake Tahoe School, Truckee High, North Tahoe High, South Tahoe High, Doral Academy, Carson Valley, and more come together to form this club that is focused on promoting the love of running and track & field while also competing at state and national level meets.

Hosting National JO’s at the famed Hayward Field brought out the very best youth athletes from all over the country, but this did not deter the LTTC athletes. One athlete in particular shined and claimed All-American honors: Shelby Erikson, current 8th grader, finished 7th in the nation in the 800m, 13-14 girls division, with a personal best time of 2:20.93. Additionally, Shelby qualified for the semi-final in the 400m with a time of 59.99. Shelby also ran anchor for the 4x800m team that finished 17th with teammates Lily Cooper, Saige Nolan, and Alex Oliva.

Coach Kris Nugent remarked, “Shelby ran an epic 800m to qualify for finals and be the 7th fastest girl in the nation. She had one of the best middle school seasons I’ve ever seen – Tah-Neva champion and record holder to being an All-American. Wow!”

Other great results at Nationals for our Bobcats were:

  • James Pietzke, current 5th grader, finished 25th in the 800m (2:41.33) and 35th in mini-javelin with a throw of 72-05.
  • Oliver Pietzke, current 8th grader, finished 33rd in the 800m (2:10.97). He also ran the anchor leg for the the 4x800m relay team finishing 21st with a time of 9:40.31.
  • Lily Cooper, LTS class of 2023 and current freshman at North Tahoe HS, finished 28th in the 13-14 girls pentathlon with 1911 points.
  • Brooks Erikson, current 6th grader, finished 27th in the 800m (2:26.93) and 29th in the 1500m (4:59.64).
  • Blake Rive, LTS LTS alumni 2021 and current sophomore at Incline HS, finished 22nd in the 15-16 boys pentathlon with 3379 points. Blake also ran on the 4×400 relay team finishing 31st with a time of 3:56.37.
  • Lachlan McConnon, current 8th grader, and Logan Rive, LTS alumni 2023 and current freshman at Incline HS, ran on the 13-14 boys 4x800m relay team finishing 21st with with a time of 9:40.31.
  • Alex Oliva, current 8th grader, ran on the 13-14 girls 4x800m relay team finishing 17th with a time of 10:39.35.

The Lake Tahoe Track Club enjoyed a fantastic summer season, as the results indicate, in large part due to the phenomenal coaching staff. Coach Brad Bergstrom, Coach Jon Cooper, Coach Dave Snearly, and Coach Kris Nugent worked tirelessly this summer to help our local athletes achieve their very best. Coach Kris shared, “As coaches, we are so proud of every athlete that trained and competed this summer. It’s a privilege to be a part of such an amazing club with amazing local kids and supportive families. Our club has grown to be a national contender and we are beyond proud to represent the Tahoe region and see our athletes perform so well. It was truly a career highlight to be at Hayward Field and for these kids to experience that meet in that stadium.”

For more information on the Lake Tahoe Track Club please visit their website at www.laketahoetrackclub.com.