Coach: Todd Mercer (fourth year)

 Last year’s record: Boys — Fourth in WMC; Girls — Sixth in WMC

 Returning letter winners: Boys: Senior —Sam Eldridge (pole vault); Junior — Sam Miklovich (sprints); Girls: Seniors — Brianna Harlow (high jump); Brittany Hutchinson (pole vault); Junior — Amanda Peterson (sprints).

 Key losses: Jessica Mitaly, Dandra Drouin.

 Outlook: Mercer’s program has been growing the last couple of years, and about 75 athletes showed up for the start of the preseason to continue that trend. Gray-New Gloucester is loaded with underclassmen, and while the talent level isn’t particularly deep, Mercer is hopeful the Patriots will get stronger as the season unfolds and build the foundation for years to come. Peterson is the defending state champion in the 200 meter dash. Miklovich is the leading sprinter for the boys.

 Coach’s comment:

 “We’re trying to get the younger kids working hard so they’re ready to compete at the state level when they are juniors and seniors.” — Coach Todd Mercer