Coach: Todd Mercer (seventh year)
Last year’s results: Fifth in WMC Division I, eighth in Class B
Returning letter-winners: Seniors — Will Shafer (distances), Scott Espling (javelin, jumps); Junior — Adam Dumas (sprints); Sophomore — Ben Garcia (distances); Zach Haskell (high jump, sprint).
Key losses: Elijah Locke, Gabriel Coleman, Danny Rowe.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Mitchell Giles; Junior — David Chanlatte; Sophomore — Austin Chase.
Season outlook: Two-time state champion Shafer anchors the Patriots. He will be a threat in the 800 and 1,600 at WMCs, Class B states and New Englands. Gray-NG needs to restock the throwing events a bit, but Espling could give a huge lift in that area. Mercer also likes the potential of Giles, who has joined the outdoor team for the first team after a succeesful winter campaign. The Patriots hope to break into the top four at states, a goal Mercer said is “challenging but attainable.”
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