Ellsworth senior Aleta Looker certainly hasn't let the lack of racing in the EMITL/PVC this winter prevent her from getting the fit. It was a big week for the senior as she announced she would be attending Georgetown University next fall, and then she went out an crushed a 2:16.15 at the Dartmouth Relays to finish 2nd overall. The time was almost 10 seconds faster than the previous state leading mark and ranks her 12th nationally. It was the third fastest indoor 800m, and easily the fastest she's ever run in January. Looker is also the state leader in the mile, will be one of the favorites to win Class B state titles this winter, and maybe even a NE title. The Maine all-time best for 800m is 2:13.69, a mark that Aleta has in her radar.
In his first ever indoor race of his HS career mile standout and senior Will Shafer of Gray New Gloucester showed the indoor oval is no obstacle. Running in the fast section of the boys mile at the Dartmouth Relays, Shafer started off patiently in the back of the pack, started to work his way forward at the half way point, and found himself in contention with 400m to go, the end result was a 5th place 4:21.96 effort. An excellent first race, and it will be a race of many on the Dartmouth oval as Shafer will be running for the big Green next fall. Will's time is the only runner under 4:30 in the state currently, he will be a threat to win whatever race he is in the winter.
Congratulations to Aleta & Will for being selected for the Maine Running Company Performance of the Week