POLAND – Registration and first practice for the Poland Panthers summer track season is set for Wednesday, May 5 at 6 p.m. at the Poland Regional High School track on Route 26. This is an independent program associated with the Maine U.S. Track & Field Association. Participants include youngsters (ages 5-14) in Poland as well as surrounding areas. The program operates from May 5 to mid-August. Entry fee is $35. More information can be obtained by calling Dan or Rose at 998-4827.

The 2003 season was a successful one for the Panthers. The team finished 8th out of 23 teams in the Maine Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships.

Several athletes broke team records. Lucy Wilcox, an 8-year-old from New Gloucester, elapsed records in the Mite 400 meter with a time of 83.99 (a record held by Jessica Verrill since 1994, 86.1), and in the Mite 800 meter with a clocking of 3:08 (passing record held by Tricia Durgin since 1990).

Other record-breakers were as follows: Will Shafer, Poland, Mite Turbo Javelin, 63’5″; Kyle Anderson, Poland, Midget Turbo Javelin, 113′, and Midget Shot Put, 33’5″; Abbey Karin, Poland, first record for Midget Triple Jump, 24’1″, and first record for Midget Turbo Javelin, 94’7″; Tara Karin, Poland, first record for Youth Turbo Javelin, 93’4″; Alexa Doyer, Mechanic Falls, Midget Shot Put, 26’3″; 400 meter Coed Relay Team, Tessa Theriault, Emily Bertrand, Anthony Whalen, Aaron Erickson, 1:13.21.

The following season-ending trophies were awarded: Coach’s Award, Tarin Karin; Most Improved Female, Emily Briggs; Most Improved Male, Will Shafer; Team Spirit Award, Amanda Poliquin, Tessa Theriault; Panther Award, Andrew Peterson, Alexa Doyer; Top Performance, Lucy Wilcox; Ethan Barton Award, Michael Whalen.