GORHAM – York High’s boys’ indoor track and field team doesn’t necessarily have swagger — especially for a defending Class B state champion — but it definitely has a lot of dig-deep pride.

That showed up Monday night at the University of Southern Maine in the Western Maine Conference championships. The Wildcats were already leading by more than 50 points when senior sprinter Josh Brooks anchored the 4×200-meter relay and caught opponents from Falmouth and Wells just before the finish line for another York victory.

Four York coaches, including head coach Ted Hutch, laughed with delight. Then Hutch yelled Brooks’ name and put his fist in the air in celebration.

Yet Brooks, who also took first in the 400 (52.44) and third in the 200 (24.03), was more modest as he looked ahead to the state meet next Monday at Bates College.

“A lot is expected of us at states. And even if we don’t win, they’ll know what we are. They’ll remember us as a good team,” Brooks said.

York finished with 165 points, far ahead of Falmouth (104) and Wells (84).

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On the girls’ side, Greely repeated with 193 points, followed by Falmouth (75) and York (65).

A crew of seniors led the way for the York boys.

“A third of our team is freshman. Those seniors are very good role models. They’re very good people,” Hutch said.

Senior Joe Vogel had a come-from-behind win in the 800, finishing in 2:05.72, just ahead of Falmouth’s Azad Jalali. Vogel also took second in the long jump (19 feet, 10 inches) and won the triple jump (41-7).

Senior jumper Tom Reid won the hurdles (8.5) and long jump (20-6½) and ran a leg of the winning 4×200 relay.

Kirsten Sandreuter led the Greely girls, repeating as champion in the mile (5:18.42) and two mile (11:48.54). Sandreuter has the second-fastest time in the state in each event, but said her times have been off and she was looking for motivation.

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The meet being delayed three days because of the weekend storm helped Sandreuter find her focus, but running all alone as she does at most Western Maine meets is tough.

“In regular-season meets, I run with the boys and that helps. I couldn’t today,” said Sandreuter. “I’m in a bit of a slump. And trying to focus.”

Sandreuter’s times trail only those of Waterville’s Bethany Brown, who has posted nationally-ranked times.

Lake Region sophomore Kate Hall hopes to break state records next week in the long jump and 200. On Monday, she ran a personal best for the fourth time this season in the 200.

Hall dropped her time from 25.87 to 25.67 in the 200, after winning the 55 (7.26) and long jump (17-10½). She also ran a leg on her team’s 4×200 relay.

“I’m still working hard. I’ve changed my workouts. … I haven’t figured out what I’ll do next week, but I will keep working hard up to states,” said Hall, who already owns the state’s all-time indoor mark in the long jump — 18-0½.

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“I can feel it’s working, because on the last straightaway, I wasn’t slowing down and was holding my form better. I’m more excited at these big meets. I could see running faster.”

Staff Writer Deirdre Fleming can be contacted at 791-6452 or at:

dfleming@pressherald.com

Twitter: FlemingPph

 


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