NATHAN BLADES, Junior – Track

File photo

•  SMAA all-star, first-team, senior 800
•  SMAA all-star, first-team, mile
• George Vinall Trophy winner
• Will Fulford Award winner
• Fred Jeffrey Trophy winner

File photo

Blades’ work ethic paid big dividends this winter, as he excelled during the regular season and postseason as well and his impact at the high school level has another chapter yet to be written.

Blades had his freshman campaign limited by COVID, but as a sophomore, he placed fourth in the 800 at the Class A state meet.

This winter, he excelled throughout. Blades, who was fifth at the Class A state cross country meet this past fall, began the indoor track season by winning the 600 and the two-mile at the first meet. He would be triumphant in the 800 and mile as well as the Bulldogs established themselves as one of the top teams in the conference.

At the Southwesterns meet, where Portland placed second, Blades won the open mile (earning the Fred Jeffrey Trophy as a result), helped the sprint medley relay team to a first-place finish and was runner-up in the senior 800. He was given the George Vinall Trophy as the meet MVP and was also given the Will Fulford Award as the SMAA Distance Runner of the Year.

At states, the Bulldogs came in fifth, as Blades was runner-up in the mile with a time of 4 minutes, 22.38 seconds and he also came in third in the two-mile (9:59.40). Blades went on to finish 11th in the mile at New England’s (4:22.74) and he also qualified for the New Balance Nationals in both the 800 and the 4×800 relay team after he, Ben Prestes, Jason Hargesheimer and Charlie Jacques posted the second-best time in state history.

Blades now turns his attention to posting top finishes in outdoor track, then he’ll have one more season to excel for the Bulldogs. Be sure to see what Nathan Blades, Portland’s Winter Athlete of the Year, is all about before he takes his talent to the next level.

Coach Mony Hang’s comment: “Nathan had an incredible season this year and continues to develop as one of the top distance runners in the state. His motivation and work ethic are second to none, and that really paid off for him this season. He is a leader in word and example, and his high standards motivate the entire team to be their best.”

Previous winners:

JANE FLYNN, Sophomore – Hockey

File photo

• • All-state

Contributed photo

Simply put, Jane Flynn can put the puck in the net.

Good luck stopping her.

As a freshman, she scored 30 times. This winter, she was even more dominant, scoring a state-high 37 goals while assisting on seven others, doing so in just 16 games.

While Portland/Deering struggled to win games, the opposition had fits matching up against Flynn. She scored three goals against Biddeford, four against Brunswick, three against Gorham, had three goals and added two assists in a win over Edward Little and produced four goals and a pair of assists in a victory over Greely.

Flynn has also starred with the Casco Bay Mariners, leading them to the recent Chipotle-USA Hockey Girls’ Tier II 16U 2A championship in California.

Jane Flynn, Portland’s Winter Athlete of the Year, figures to just keeping getting better and that is bound to cause nightmares for opposing coaches and netminders, as the goals are going to just keep on coming.

Coach Dan Winship’s comment: “Jane is a special player and an extraordinary young lady. There’s a lot I can say about Jane and what she means to our program. Jane is the heart of our team. She is a sophomore, but a leader for us on the ice. She can take over a game when the puck is on her stick. Her success comes from her high hockey IQ, hard work and dedication. She sets the tone for us in practices and games by displaying an outstanding work ethic. I’ve been impressed by her attitude and her willingness to be a team player. She played primarily defense for us this year and while not her normal position, she performed at the highest level. She makes everyone around her better by leading by example. Off the ice, Jane is an excellent student. Our program is proud of Jane and all that she has accomplished.”

Previous winners: