Class A
The Edward Little boys captured their first Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference title last year and could have the talent to challenge Mt. Ararat and Brunswick for another if some promising sophomores and a big freshman class can lend enough support to some talented upperclassmen. Senior Darnnell Hairston and junior Connor Harris could medal in multiple events. Gage Clavet, Bryan Ring and Izaac White should improve into contenders for the podium. After that, it’s a question of how a highly-coachable group of youngsters consisting mostly of sprinters and jumpers will shake out.
Lewiston has talent spread across most of the 14 events. Rudy Pandora is a favorite to win the shot put and counts teammate Leo Gaghan among those who will challenge him. Mohammed Barre, the MVP of the cross country team this fall, will be a factor in the distances, while Nasir Abdirahman and Luke Olehowski, recovering from a foot fracture suffered during soccer season, figure to qualify in the sprints.
Edward Little will be counting on a strong junior class and a developing sophomore class to improve upon last year’s third place finish at KVACs. Jaclyn Masters is hoping to win the state pole vault after a leg injury crushed her chances last year. Ayumi Ranucci (sprints) and Avery Chisholm (hurdles) qualified for states as sophomores and should be among the top competitors in the conference.
Lewiston is looking for improvement from several athletes who showed potential last season. Mary Turmel (sprints, hurdles, pole vault) competed at states in the pole vault. Faith Shaw is the top distance runner, while Jess Lalonde and Audrey Jumper lead the high jump contingent.
Class B
The Western Maine Conference was a playground for the Falmouth boys last year. Gray-New Gloucester is hoping its meticulous rebuilding program over the last three years will allow it to join Greely and York as the top challengers to the Yachtsmen. The Patriots should be strong in the sprints and relays with Sam Miklovich, Josh and Jon Greenleaf, Devin Griffin and Randall Stevens.
Poland made some significant gains with a very young team last season. Now the hope is the core of juniors and sophomores can take the next step and help a promising group of freshmen develop into a contender in the next year or two.
Gray-New Gloucester boasts one of the top sprinters in the state and . Amanda Peterson is a two-time state champion in the 200 and added the 55 title last year. Sandi Ricardi and Liz Audet lead a strong supporting cast looking to climb up from last year’s impressive fifth-place finish at states.
With talent spread throughout the sophomore, junior and senior classes, sprints will be the strength of a young Poland contingent.
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