BRANDON — Brandon Valley’s Mikah Peters is making a statement in his senior track and field season.

The distance ace is coming off two first-place finishes at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays in Sioux Falls on May 1-2, winning the 1,600-meter run (4:09.22) and 3,200-meter run (8:53.42). 

The wins continued his brilliant senior season, and also improved on his performance at last season’s Howard Wood Dakota Relays. 

“Last year, I won the (3,200-meter run) in an upset and all my other races were just kind of blah,” Peters said. “I didn’t perform how I wanted to and this year I just really wanted to make a statement for myself in front of people that I love and in front of a home crowd. So I think that’s what I did.” 

Peters also helped Brandon Valley capture the sprint medley relay, anchoring the 800-meter leg as the Lynx clocked in at 3:30.18. 

Peters doubled up in the sprint medley relay and 1,600-meter run on the same day, edging Sioux Falls Washington’s Cole Reilly, who finished in 4:09.82, for the victory.

“This mile was the hardest thing I have ever done,” Peters said. “Straight off the medley from an hour ago and this is all heart and all God’s will helping me cross the finish line.”

Peters also crossed the finish line first in two events at one of the region’s most prestigious track and field meets.

“This the best you are going to get in South Dakota and all these states coming here,” Peters said. “I think that makes it even more special to make a statement in front of everybody and really put your name out there. It’s pretty special.”

Peters currently holds the top times in Class AA in the 1,600-meter run (4:09.22) and the 3,200-meter run (8:48.66). He’s also sitting third in the 800-meter run (1:56.74). 

Peters clocked the 3,200-meter time at the prestigious Acadia Invitational in California on April 11. It is South Dakota’s second-best time ever in the race. 

That came on the heels of Peters winning the Class AA cross-country title last fall and being named the Gatorade South Dakota Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year. The accolades and accomplishments are further proof that Peters is performing at the top of his game this season.

“I think I am in the best shape I have ever been in and I am excited for state and the postseason where I will get to race against some of the best kids in the nation and make a name for myself there, too,” Peters said. 

Peters will run collegiately at Iowa State University, where he will continue to make a statement as a distance runner.  

“I am super excited to get to Iowa State next year,” Peters said. “Talking with the coaches and how excited they are in putting their faith in me, makes this all the more exciting. 

“The coaches are awesome. The facilities are awesome. The team is awesome. The best thing is they are really good at running.”