By Michael Hoffer
Indoor track was the last to join in the winter sports fun, but all involved with the sport were excited for the beginning of another short and sweet season at the Portland Expo Saturday.
Locally, the best results came from the Deering Rams, as both the school’s boys’ and girls’ teams came in first in their respective meets.
The Deering boys scored 124 points to easily outdistance Westbrook (43 1/2) and Noble (20 1/2). The Rams won 13 individual events and also took the junior (1 minute, 11.90 seconds) and senior (2:31.10) relays.
Freshman Renaldo Lowry stood out in the junior division, winning the 40 (4.7 seconds) and the 300 (37.60). Senior Mike Tifiano took the senior 300 (39.20) and senior 45 hurdles (6.2).
On the girls’ side, Deering wound up with 113 points. Noble had 59 and Westbrook finished with 26.
Freshman Veronica Mitchell won both the junior 800 (2:50.60) and the junior 45 hurdles (7.6). The Rams took the senior (2:01.80) and open (5:05.90) relays.
Cheverus’ girls were second in their meet, scoring 42 points. Bonny Eagle placed first with 103 points, while Windham was third with 40.
Standout sophomore Caroline Summa took the junior 400 (1:08.20) and the high jump (5 feet, 4 inches). Freshman Fiona Hendry (mile, 5:35.00), junior Alexandra Kane (open 300, 45.40) and junior Ashley Giddinge (senior shot put, 28-7 1/4) were also event winners. The Stags finished first in the open relay (4:41.80).
The Cheverus boys had 8 points and were a distant third behind Bonny Eagle (131) and Windham (23). The Stags did win the open relay (1:46.20).
Portland’s boys had the unenviable task of going up against deep and powerful Gorham and Thornton Academy. The Bulldogs managed 45 points, six fewer than the Golden Trojans. The Rams were first with 93 points.
Portland was led by sophomore Nemania Jankovic in the junior division. He was first in the 40 (5.0). The Bulldogs won the junior relay (1:10.60). Sophomore Imadhi Zagon sparkled, winning the senior 40 (4.8), the high jump (6 feet) and the open 200 (25.40).
The Portland girls had 20 points to finish third behind Thornton Academy (112 1/2) and Gorham (58 1/2).
The Bulldogs were runners-up in the junior (2:06.90) and open (5:19.30) relays. Junior Sophia Nappi came in second in the senior 200 (29.90). Freshman Eleni Anderson was runner-up in the junior 45 hurdles (8.0).
McAuley went up against Biddeford, powerhouse Scarborough and South Portland.
The Lions managed 31 points and were fourth. Scarborough came in first with 145 points. Biddeford (72 1/2) was second and South Portland (42 1/2) came in third.
Junior Allina Verrillo won the senior shot put (33-11 3/4). Junior Lauren Fecteau was first in the mile (5:37.30).
Action resumes this Saturday. The Cheverus boys run, jump and throw with Gorham and Noble beginning at 1:45. Deering battles Bonny Eagle and Scarborough at 4:20 p.m., and Portland mixes it up with Biddeford and Windham beginning at 5:45 p.m.
On the girls’ side, Deering faces Bonny Eagle and Scarborough at 9:35 a.m. Portland meets Biddeford and Windham at 10:55 a.m. Cheverus and McAuley, along with Gorham and Noble, start at 12:15 p.m.

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net


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