LEWISTON — For the Sanford boys track team, it was a celebration five days in the making.

After rain washed out the pole vault at Saturday’s Class A state track championship, Sanford had to wait until Wednesday to see if Nick Wall could handle the pressure and preserve its four-point lead.

Wall did, clearing 12 feet and clinching the title for Sanford.

“The kid just came through. He’s always a rock,” Sanford track coach Kevin Way said about Wall. “Yesterday, he started to feel the pressure a little bit. He really stood up under the pressure that came from waiting an extra four days.”

Way also said, “There’s not a more deserving kid to bring it home. He’s a first one to practice, last one to leave type kid.”

Wall was cheered on by his teammates who also participated in the states, and the team roared when Wall secured the win.

The newly-crowned champions received a hero’s welcome on their way into town, complete with a police escort. They were greeted by students, faculty and other members of the community in the school cafeteria.

“It was a great follow-up to a great season,” Way said about winning the title. “Dan (Webb) and Alex (Shain) were the horses. We have an incredible supporting cast. Kids that are just high-quality, high-caliber kids, hard workers, and effort-wise they’re No. 1. I’m very impressed with the whole group.”

— Contact Wil Kramlich at 282-1535, Ext. 323.