Boothbay Region High School’s track and field team will miss some outstanding athletes this season, most notably Morgan Crocker, but fortunately the team’s ranks are still brimming with talent.

The track and field program provides young athletes with a unique opportunity to challenge themselves in multiple ways and events. There is, of course, running, both short and long, but there is also jumping, high and long, throwing a variety of objects, jumping while running, running while handing off items, as well as walking really, really fast. For a team to be successful in track and field, it needs many gifted athletes with diverse skills who can participate well in as many events as possible. Not participating means no chance at a score.

With 45 athletes signed up, including 14 freshmen, BRHS Track and Field Head Coach Nick Scott said he is optimistic for the season.

“We have great numbers once again, which is always really positive to see. There are a lot of new faces on the team this year, with not only a large amount of freshmen on the team, but also some juniors who are joining us for the first time. We did, however, lose quite a few big point scorers from last year, which will make competing for a top team spot during championship season a bit challenging at this point.”

Scott said he expects returning veterans will perform well again this year and he is looking forward to what the newcomers will contribute.

“Hannah Morley is poised to have a great season in the distance events. She is the returning Mountain Valley Conference champ in the 1600m and has some of the best returning times in the conference for the 800m and 3200m as well. Coming off from a fantastic fall season in cross country, along with some solid training in the off season, she should find herself on the podium,” Scott said.

“Abel Bryer has been the boys team’s highest scorer for the last two years and looks poised to do so again this season. When looking at MVC returns, he has the second best throw in discus, second best in the javelin, and the third best in the shot put. He also runs a key leg of the boys 4x400m relay.”

“Angie Perkins is another high-scoring team member on the girls squad. Her expertise is the high jump, in which she is tied for the best returning mark in the MVC.  She is also a top returner in the 300m hurdles, has great speed in both the 200m and 400m and plays a pivotal role in the team relays.”

Scott said he also expects seniors Matt Burnham, Liam Conlin, Shane Johnson and Morgen Wilson will all provide big points this season.

Without local facilities, the BRHS track team will travel weekly to Wiscasset for practice. BRHS will travel to Mt. Ararat for the first meet of the season on April 14, when they will face Mt. Ararat, Gardiner and Leavitt.