When Peter Marsh was a high school track athlete in Connecticut, he took note of the way some programs recruited students for his event.

“We need some points in the pole vault – here you go,” coaches would say, handing the pole to a novice jumper.

In addition to being a bit dangerous, such an approach doesn’t maximize the talent and effort of young jumpers. Marsh is now doing his best to teach Windham vaulters proper technique in the event, part of an experienced crew of track coaches at the school this season.

“I’m feeling confident that kids are getting some of the best coaching in the state of Maine,” says Jeff Riddle, the squad’s head coach.

In his seventh year as coach of the boys team, Riddle took over the girls program as well this season when that team’s coach, Melissa Holmes-Perkins, stepped aside to have a baby. Having four assistant coaches, each one specializing in different events, makes double duty more doable.

“It makes the transition easier,” he says. “It won’t reduce the responsibility, but it’ll make it smooth.”

In addition to Marsh, Cory Merrill (hurdles), Paula Pock (discus, shot put and distance running) and Scott Hutchinson (sprints, relays and the javelin) work with the Eagles.

Traditionally track coaches have one or two areas of expertise, says Pock, who’s been coaching at the school for three years.

“I think it’s nice because we all bring something different,” she says. “The kids get someone who’s specialized in those events. This way we have everything covered and that makes the kids that much stronger.”

Merrill came to Windham three years ago to coach field hockey and is in her second year on the track staff. Despite appearances, she says, hurdling can be quite a “technical” event.

“Your arms have to keep going straight; they can’t flail. You snap your leg down right after the hurdle and continue,” she says, discussing the approach that she teaches her athletes. “You’re trying to run like there are no hurdles there. You’re never gliding or breaking stride. You want to make it as smooth as possible.”

In the shorter hurdling event – 100 meters for girls, 110 for boys – runners are taught to take a certain number of steps between jumps.

“Eight to the first hurdle and then, if you’re good, three between each,” Merrill says. “Some of the girls who are just starting take five. Most high school girls four-step it, which means they switch legs each time.”

Those specifics may come as a surprise to the casual spectator, but Merrill was a hurdler at USM and at Lake Region High School before that.

“The 300 hurdles is one of the harder races. It’s a sprint and you still have eight hurdles to get over,” she says. “I don’t have the kids count their steps, but you have to learn not to stutter. I have them focus on attacking the hurdle, no matter which leg.”

Marsh came to USM to play soccer, but was lured to track after an ankle injury.

“I really learned the fundamentals there from (Huskies vaulting coach) Mike Drummey,” says Marsh, who is still jumping for USM. “I learned my skills through him and started coaching with him, helping out the local high schools that came to practice and compete. At this point I enjoy coaching more than competing myself.”

Hutchinson, USM’s head track and cross country coach, started working with Windham athletes just six weeks ago.

“They seem like a good group, and I’m anxious to teach them what I can teach them and to help the program,” he says. “It’s good to see them learn new things and walk away with smiles on their faces.”

Riddle says that the girls are “really strong” this season, while the boys, who last some terrific athletes to graduation, are “working on skills and techniques.” Both squads, he adds, will have athletes that qualify for the state meet.

The Eagles opened the regular season with meets this week. The boys team will host a meet Tuesday, while the girls has home meets May 9 and May 15.

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