Forty-five athletes from the Gorham Youth Boys’ and Girls’ Summer Track Team qualified for the Maine USA Track & Field (15-and-under) State Championship, August 12, at Massabesic High School in Waterboro. Even heading into the meet, it was already a banner year for the team. 74 athletes came out to compete, the highest number in recent years.
Those participating in the state meet helped Gorham finish a combined third out of 36 teams. Separately, the girls finished third while the boys finished seventh. Among the age-group competitions, the 13-14 girls’ team finished first to take their team state championship.
Gorham also won seven individual events and two relay events. Leading the way was Andrew Farr, who finished first in the 100, 200 and 400 meters for the 13-14 boys’ group. Farr also broke the 100 meter state record with a time of 11.76. He participated in four events, including a relay, and he won every time.
The following individuals were crowned state champions:
First-place relay teams included the mixed 4×100 meters (ages 9-10): Riley Dever, Emily Fadrigon, Brooke Stevens and McDonald; and the mixed 4×100 meters (ages 13-14): Nate Smith, Connolly, Caruso and Farr.
Other top-three finishers in individual events included Daniel Smith, second in the 800-meter racewalk (8 boys); Julia Pendleton, third in the 100 meters (9-10 girls); Meseret Day, second in the 800-meter racewalk (11-12 girls); Emmaline Pendleton, third in the 3000 meters (13- 14 girls); Caroline Bishop, third in the 1500-meter racewalk (13-14 girls); Nate Smith, second in the high jump (13-14 boys); Hesler, second in the 1500 and 3000 meters (13-14 girls); Gammon, second in the shot put and third in the 200 meters (9-10 boys); Jastrzebski, second in the javelin (15 boys); and Connolly, second in the long jump (13- 14 girls).
Other top-three finishers in relay events included the 4×100 11-12 girls, who finished third—Summer Gammon, Allie Sutton, Ella Novak, Samantha Hutchinson and Natalie Smith; and the mixed 4×100 (11-12) team of Cruise Labrie, Kyla Piacitelli, Nate Rorer, Hannah Bickford and Natalie Smith.
“Our season went really well,” says head coach Todd Bickford. “The older kids strived to achieve their personal goals while the younger kids came in and worked hard with the coaches to learn their events. They all improved every week—that’s what we stressed… along with having fun!”
Photo credit Hal D’AmicoSydney Connolly (right) hands off the baton to Emma Green as part of the 4×100 mixed relay team that took first place at the State Championship in the 13-14 age division.