Athletes punch their ticket to state at the IMC track and field district championships

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The excitement was palpable at the return of the IMC Track and Field District Championships, as athletes from across Central Oregon came together to compete, push boundaries, and set new personal bests.

“Man I love track! I love coming out here with all the athletes, and it's just such a good atmosphere here, and I love it!” said Redmond's Carter Wachs.

Wachs set the tone on Day One, electrifying the track with the fastest 100-meter time in 5A this season—10.69 seconds.

"It was awesome, going through that finish line," he said. "I couldn't thank my coaches enough for all they've done for me. And it was just awesome going through that finish line, seeing that time.”

But the talent didn’t stop there. Some of the state’s top athletes pushed for personal records and fought for district titles.

Summit’s Anna Millikan punched her ticket to the state meet for the third straight year, continuing her legacy of excellence.

“Think it's gonna be really important to keep my calm at Hayward Field and just be like, 'I've been here before and just do what I need to do,'” Millikan said.

Millikan, who finished second in state javelin last year, now sets her sights on gold. But for her and the Summit team, focusing on districts now is just as important.

“Turnbull said we're competing against Caldera. If Caldera beats us, it's not because we didn't try. We try hard every day and every practice. We all are pushing each other. The community we built is a community of hard work, not just talent. Anyone can come in and anyone can work their butt off and achieve something.” Millikan said.

Caldera High School isn’t backing down, aiming for both the boys' and girls' team titles. Helping them edge closer to that goal was pole vaulter Sage Cramp, who soared to a personal best of 12 feet, 4 inches.

“Our team is so supportive, and the coaches just are there for you every step of the way. And I love our coaches. It's just such a good community,” said Cramp. “It is hard to get over the mental aspect, but it's just such a good feeling when you just keep flying and you're just soaring with the birds. It's really great."

While the varsity competition brought the energy, the Unified Sports teams stole the show. Unified athletes from across the region competed in the shot put and 4x100 relay for a chance to qualify for state— and Redmond’s Unified team made a lasting impact.

“Awesome. And it's cool. Awesomeness,” Julian Lopez, a Redmond Unified athlete said.

Julian Lopez summed up the spirit of the night with his joyful energy and powerful words.

“I couldn't have done it without my team. I know how to learn to run fast and 100% speed," Lopez said.