AUGUSTA — The Auburn Running Club of the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department won the team competition at the recent Maine Junior Olympic Track and Field Championship. Competing against 34 teams, Auburn claimed its eighth team state championship title in 15 years.

The title came down to the relays where Auburn edged out Poland for the crown. Auburn scored 366.67 points in the meet, followed by the Poland Panthers 339. Other teams in the top five were York 246.5, Falmouth 214, and Scarborough 181. Auburn also won the overall girls’ title and was second in the boys’ meet.

Auburn had 85 athletes competing, a team record. Coached by Tom Menendez, a nationally-recognized, race-walk coach, Auburn scored 98 points in the event and had four state champions. These state champions were Molly Sirois (9-10 girls), Jacob Jackson (11-12 boys), Matthew Syphers (13-14 boys), and Sydney Sirois (13-14 girls). Sydney Sirois’ time of 7:21-81 established a new state record. State Champions in other individual events for Auburn included Grace Gabri-Fontaine in the hurdles (11-12 girls), Olivia Jalbert, javelin (11-12 girls), Maddie Amero, javelin (13-14 girls), Lauren Berube, Pole Vault and Long Jump (13-14 girls) Owen Mower-200M (13-14 boys).

The Auburn girls 13-14 age group dominated their division, doubling the score of their nearest competitor. Athletes placing among the top four included Jazlyn Dumas (high Jump and triple jump), Abbey Allen (high jump and javelin), Piper Norcross (long jump), Tia Day (javelin), Kayla Allen (RW), Victoria Belliveau (RW). The girls won the 4 x 100 relay with Lauren Berube, Norcross, Selena Gauthier, and Emily Grandahl and Auburn placed both third and fourth in the 4 x 400 relay. The Auburn 13-14 boys also won their division. Placing among the top  four were Owen Mower (100, 200, triple jump), Max Giard (PV), Zion Gurney (triple jump). The boys won the 4 x 100 relay with Russell Allen, Max Giard, Owen Mower and Zion Gurney. The boys and girls combined for a third place in the co-ed relay with Russell Allen,  Norcross, Gauthier, and Gurney.

In the 11-12 age group placing among the top four were Grace Gabri-Fontaine (hurdles and triple jump), Sophie Bilodeau (RW), Sarah Charest (RW) and Gabe Hastings (RW). Boys and girls combined for a victory in the co-ed relay with Max Creaser, Kayleigh Leclerc, Micah Jack, and Julia Berube.

In the 9-10 age group placing among the top four were Ella Boucher (200m and 400m) Savanah Boucher (RW and javelin), Mackenna Poisson (long lump), Mia Morin (shot put), Alec Beaudin (RW) and Ian Lathrop (RW). The boys and girls combined to place second in the

4 x 100 co-ed relay with Alison Berta, Aiden Charest, Mia Morin, and Tyler Leger.

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