Follow senior Aleta Looker of Ellsworth during her senior indoor track season. Looker is the defending 800m Class B champion, and was All-NE last year in the 1000 meters. She is known for her 800m prowess on the track where she's run the #2 outdoor 800m in Maine history, 2:14.30, she also has the fastest ever 1000m time in Maine history
Hey there Maine milesplit readers,
It's hard to believe that tomorrow will be the last regular season meet for the Eastern Maine track and field athletes! The past thirteen days have been a wave of excitement to me, competing in four different field houses and starting a new semester in school. Power of Mythology, a philosophical class taught by the ingenious Andy Beardsley, has already opened my eyes to an aspect of life I never really focused on: the connection of profane time and waves. This analogy means a lot at this point in my life when reflecting back over my high school experience. Each day seemed to reach it's crest in a flash, with the next new day arising on the fall. Each moment crashes and is swept away before we know it. Each race flies by and every season is like a cycle; athletes moving from juniors to seniors with records breaking for a whole new wave of athletes to chase. With such a busy time ahead - championship season on the cusp and a whole new month beginning - I want to remind everyone to stay in the moment. To me, this is motivation to stop and cherish what we're actually doing: there isn't anything quite like sharing moments packed beside your "track family" as friends support you around every lap. I think that's what makes our sport so irresistible. Maine track and field is the best!
Ellsworth's first regular season meet at Bates on the 20th was a special moment - thanks to Mary Cady for scoring us the chance to compete! (Mary, you're so awesome) Finally being reunited with familiar PVC faces was refreshing - especially Paul Frilotte and Ernie Tracy - two legendary Ellsworth alumni! Eating at Damon's post-meet as a team was just another valued tradition and important part of our cycle. Fantastic, as always!
Then last Saturday was our first meet in the newly presented field house at the University of Maine. It's a privilege and a total blast to be there! Flashy lights, brightly colored lanes, and a large open stadium stuffed with spectators contributes to the professional appearance. It's even more prime that we will be a part of the first Championship held there. I encourage everyone to go and see the fancy track for themselves - and watch some PVC athletes race their hearts out as a bonus!
Probably the most unforgettable moment of the past few days was having the chance to watch Mary Cain, Jordan Hasay, and Abbey D'Agostino race an inspiring mile at the Terrier Invitational. Having run on the same track as such distinguished athletes felt crazy!!! I can't lie: I got caught up in the screaming, cheering, picture-taking scene (seriously I've never seen so many phones at one track meet!). Each woman made history with their thrilling attempt at the American Record and being there completely blew my mind. Good luck to everyone in the upcoming weeks - let's go out and make our own history!
~Aleta Looker
PS: Thanks Maine TrackXC for all of the coverage lately - we'd be isolated without you!
