AUGUSTA — Edward Little track coach Rebecca Hefty and Lewiston tennis coach Anita Murphy were each presented with the “Unsung Heroines in Maine Sports Award” for their contributions to girls’ sports in the Pine Tree State by the Maine Principal’s Association on Wednesday.

The Red Eddies indoor and outdoor track took over there were fewer than 15 athletes participating in both programs. Hefty, who is also a teacher, has built both of those programs where they have been yearly contenders for state titles.

She steered the indoor track team to a state championship in 2010 and was also selected as the KVAC Indoor Track Coach of the Year that same year. In outdoor track, her teams have won five conference championships, finished as state-runner-up on three occasions and won a state championship in 2009. She has been selected as the conference coach of the year on five occasions.

“The track teams have truly come together because of Rebecca’s efforts,” said athletic director Dan Deshaies. “She has introduced a buddy system through the use of a huge bulletin board. She leaves the girls notes, drawings and inspirational words for each other. The board has truly helped develop a team chemistry and team unity.

““She is active in marathons and triathlons but what stands out to me is that while she involves the female athletes in these activities she does not limit herself to only the track team.

“While running the 2009 Boston Marathon, five Edward Little students went to encourage her and one of the girls ran miles 17 through 24 with her. When she and her husband ran the Disney Marathon, they included an athlete from her team so that a young person could have the opportunity to experience her first marathon. It is certainly a pleasure to be able to present an Unsung Heroine Award to Rebecca Hefty.”