SANFORD – The Sanford boys’ track and field team never has won a state championship. After winning the conference title for the first time last weekend, it is not only hoping for the school’s first Class A state trophy — the team’s leaders are hoping to set a new standard at the school.
“We’re excited. We want to show the younger kids. Winning would be a way to remind them it can be done,” said sprinter Daniel Webb.
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The Class A track and field championships will be held Saturday at Windham High; the Class B meet will take place at Mount Desert Island High in Bar Harbor; and the Class C meet will be at Cony High in Augusta. All three meets will start at 10 a.m.
Sanford Coach Kevin Way isn’t surprised by his team’s swagger. A veteran coach of 18 years, Way said Webb and Alex Shain have led the team not only in points but with attitude.
“We feel good and if everything goes well, we’ll use our weapons. To put this kind of crew together is a rare thing,” said Way, the head coach for the past eight years.
Traditionally, Sanford has chased Bonny Eagle, Cheverus and Gorham at the state meet, Way said. But this could be a breakout year.
Sanford went 11-1 against other teams in its four regular-season meets, and another indication the team is ready to win a state championship is the fact the relays still improved significantly at last weekend’s conference meet.
The 1,600-meter relay squad improved its seasonal best by 8 seconds with a time of 3 minutes, 29 seconds, and the 400-meter relay improved by a half-second to clock a 44.8.
Shain, the MVP of the Southern Maine Activities Association meet, said he’s not sure if Sanford can jump to a new level in the years to come if it wins a state title this year. But he’s certain his team stands the best chance to win now.
“I’ve scored the meet in my head since the start of the season. If everyone does what they can do, we stand a good chance,” Shain said.
Staff Writer Deirdre Fleming can be contacted at 791-6452 or at:
dfleming@pressherald.com
Twitter: Flemingpph
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