All Region track and field: Beaudet’s season help lead EL to State Championship

LEWISTON — Anna Beaudet played an important role for the Edward Little Red Eddies at the Class A Indoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.

The senior, who is the Sun Journal’s Girls’ Track and Field Athlete of the Year, was the anchor runner in the 4×200-meter relay at the final event of the girls’ Class A State Championship. The Red Eddies not only defeated Bonny Eagle by three seconds to win the event but also won the state championship.

“I was really, really nervous,” Beaudet said of being the last leg of the 4×200. “It would tell us if we would win states or not. I knew our team deserved it and I wanted to bring it home for everyone. I just ran as hard as I could.”

They were almost disqualified when the baton almost didn’t get to Beaudet in time.

She also had an outstanding day individually, finishing second in the 55-meter dash and third in the 200-meter dash.

At the time, she was upset after losing by one-tenth of a second to Maddy Price of Skowhegan in the 55-meter dash. Now that time has passed, she takes pride in the accomplishments at the state championships.

“I think it was a learning experience,” Beaudet said. “I was definitely upset in the moment, but now I am ready for outdoor (track and field). Maddy is a good girl. I will definitely see her again.”

At the KVAC Championships, Beaudet won the 55 and the 200 and finished fifth in the triple jump.

This year everything clicked for her.

“We got a new coaching staff and a new practice schedule helped me,” Beaudet said. “I think I found what I was strong in and improved with the coaches help, in like the weight room and all that. I think I improved in there.”

One thing she will remember from the season was the team’s trip to the New England Track and Field Championships in Boston.

“I will remember New England’s with my 4×200 team one last time,” Beaudet said. “We broke the school and state record again one last time. We were all seniors, so it’s nice to finish strong.”

They finished 14th in the event with a time of 1:47.70. She also ran the 55-meter dash prelims, but didn’t qualify for the finals.

“It wasn’t a great performance, but it was a fun day,” she said.

Track and field is far from over. Beaudet has the outdoor season remaining before she crosses the Androscoggin River to attend Bates College and continue her career.

nfournier@sunjournal.com