It was a cloud-filled morning in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, March 15, as the annual Thousand Oaks Invitational track and field meet was underway for its second and final day, which saw 32 schools visit TO to chase the podium and personal records.
The invitational brought together two days of intense competition and standout performances, with athletes pushing their limits in front of an electric home crowd, overflowing the track with excitement. The invitational showcased not only talent but also a deep sense of community among the athletes, coaches, and fans.
“After the 4×200, when my teammate told me that we qualified for Arcadia with a time of 1:45, I was beyond excited,” Falk said. “I also was really happy this morning when I looked up the rankings in the state and saw we’re number ten right now.”
That excitement translated into major achievements for TOHS, including a standout performance in the 4×200-meter relay, where the team, backed by junior Taylour Falk, junior Jordyn Brown, senior Madison Thai, and sophomore Trs’Ta Mitchell, not only won their race but also secured a spot in the prestigious Arcadia Invitational.
“I felt all the support from the home crowd competing on our track,” junior sprinter Caleb Romeo said. “There’s a lot of pressure because I don’t want to disappoint the coaches and fans. My teammates and coaches inspire me every day, so I wanted to do well for them.”
Romeo, a recent transfer from Chaminade, was also able to set a personal record for his 100-meter time, running an 11.04-second race.
“I am a new transfer to TOHS, so my favorite moment from the track meet was being part of a strong school community that is different from anything I have experienced before,” Romeo said.
Athletes not only appreciated the crowd support but also recognized the impact it had on their focus and excitement.
“At other meets, I just focus on my game plan of how I’m going to run my race instead of if my family or friends are there because there is an aspect of excitement when people I know are there,” Falk said.
With personal bests, state rankings, and school pride on full display, the annual invitational was a resounding success. As the season continues, the athletes will look to carry this momentum forward, knowing they have the support of their teammates, coaches, and an enthusiastic crowd every step of the way.
