KVAC Boys’ outlook
Waterville continued its strong tradition this season by winning the indoor track title, and look to again be the favorite to capture the KVAC crown. Brunswick returns a strong group as well, and should be able to challenge for the top. That battle will come down mainly to how well the two teams can score in the distance events.
Cony is a traditional power, but will be hurt by the departure of some key sprinting power. Mt. Ararat has some solid distance runners and throwers, and could make a charge for the top.
Locally, Mt. Blue will again have a strong distance team, and has several multi-faceted athletes that could propel it into contention. Leavitt wil also have several individuals that could perform well, but will be hard-pressed to find the numbers to compete for a title.
The biggest sleeper in the KVAC this season may be Oxford Hills. With a large team that is spread across every event, the potential for high point totals exists.
Belfast has traditionally dominated Class B in the KVAC, and there seems to be no reason to expect any different this season. With a strong group in sprinting, jumping and distances, the Lions will be tough to beat again as they try to defend their title.
Locally, Maranacook will have a few strong athletes, and should be looking at or near the top of the conference by the end of the season.
Boys’ Athletes to Watch
Steve Monsulick (distance) Maranacook
Forrest Tobie (distance) Maranacook
Dan Stern (sprints, LJ) Maranacook
Dan Magoon (sprints) Oxford Hills
Matt Gillam (400, TJ) Oxford Hills
Jared Maher (jumps) Oxford Hills
Jacob Folz (throws) Oxford Hills
Jeff Tift (hurdles) Oxford Hills
Chris Gatchel (distance) Oxford Hills
Brock Hardacker (middle distance) Leavitt
Nate Cousineau (middle distance) Leavitt
Steve McCarthy (middle distance) Leavitt
Steve Cloutier (middle distance) Leavitt
Marcus Reny (throws) Leavitt
Dave Berry (jumps) Leavitt
Matt Dunlap (distance) Mt. Blue
Jake Hanstein (distance) Mt. Blue
Aaron Whitten ( racewalk) Mt. Blue
Paul Yates (throws) Mt. Blue
Kyle Begin (throws) Mt. Blue
Will Wilde (hurdles) Mt. Blue
KVAC Girls’ outlook
The door may be open for a new chapion in the East due to graduation at Waterville. The list of potential successors includes several teams that feel they have something to prove, one of which is Mt. Blue.
Traditionally strong in cross country running and therefore in the distance events, the Cougars have filled the sprinting and throwing spots well this season, and have a nationally-ranked racewalker filling that race.
Not to be outdone will be Mt. Ararat. The Eagles have three of the best all-around athletes in the state in the Wilcox sisters and Cally Ellis.
Brunswick has several top athletes but lacks depth.
Locally, Leavitt should do fairly well in the distance and jumping events, while Oxford Hills will have throwing and distance athletes.
In Class B, Belfast looks to be one of the best teams in the East. Chasing the Lions will be Maranacook, which will score the most in the jumps and in the sprints.
Girls’ Athletes to Watch
Lia Prysunka (hurdles) Maranacook
Brittany Harrington (jumps) Maranacook
Natalie Olson (throws) Maranacook
Sasha Bogden (Pole Vault) Maranacook
Amy Bennett (sprints) Maranacook
Kelly Neptune (sprints) Maranacook
Annie Foster (hurdles) Oxford Hills
Jess Magoon (jumps) Oxford Hills
Shannon Martin (sprints) Oxford Hills
Mary Darcy (throws) Oxford Hills
T.C. Cole (throws) Oxford Hills
Mandy Ivey (distance) Oxford Hills
Naomi Allen (hurdles) Mt. Blue
Emma Carlson (throws) Mt. Blue
Callie Douglas (sprints) Mt. Blue
Carly Lochala (racewalk) Mt. Blue
Katie Wells (middle distance) Mt. Blue
Shannon Yates (jumps) Mt. Blue
Nicole Rodrigue (distance) Leavitt
Vanessa Fereshetian (distance) Leavitt
Sarah Rioux (jumps) Leavitt
Megan Dumas (middle distance) Leavitt
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