The two brightest stars in this spring’s Boothbay/Wiscasset track and field’s constellation were senior Austin Trask and freshman Karen Higgins. The two were named most valuable players for the boys’ and girls’ team during a May 30 banquet at Wiscasset Middle High School.

The MVP award is given to the individual male and female athletes who scored the most points during the 2024 spring season. This was the second time Trask received the spring MVP honor. 

Coach Nick Scott described Trask as a “student of track and field.” Scott added that besides being a gifted athlete, Trask was a team leader. “If there were no coaches, he could probably coach all the athletes in their individual events.”

Higgins set the Boothbay Region High School record in the 3200M. She scored points in four MVC (Mountain Valley Conference) championship events. “She was laser focused all season, on reaching her goals,” he said. Higgins also made First-Team All-Mountain Valley Conference. 

Freshman AJ Crocker was the boys’ coaches award recipient. His third place finish in the 3200M MVC championship resulted in his being named third team all-conference. “He is probably one of the nicest kids I’ve ever worked with,” Scott said. Senior Emily Gilliam was the girls’ recipient. “She embodies leadership. She is dependable and goes above and beyond for the team. We are really going to miss her,” he said.

Sophomore Ross Gaffney and senior Julia Truesdell received most improved honors. Gaffney was named to second team all-conference for his second place finish in the 1600M racewalk. “He went from being a participant last year to a competitor this year,” Scott said. “Ross dropped his times substantially this year and had a great season.”

Truesdell was a top performer last season and had an even better season this spring. She dropped her time in the 800M by 16 seconds and, in the 1600M, dropped it by 30 seconds. “To drop her times by as much as she did after having posted high-level results last season is truly amazing,” Scott said. 

The Hammer Award went to sophomore Rose Campbell. The award goes to an athlete who gives an extra effort in trying circumstances. “She is fast and agile,” Scott said. “And she’s been a point-scoring juggernaut for us all season. She really brought it to a new level this season scoring personal record, after personal record.”

Rookie of the Year went to freshman Olivia Rittall. This season, she scored in four events at an MVC meet. “She epitomizes hard work,” Scott said. Maddie Orchard received the Competitor Award. “She has made huge strides since the fall. She knows how to improve her level to score a better time or move up in a race to score points,” he said.