State Champion spotlight: Paul Casavant Hampden Academy


State Champion spotlight: Paul Casavant Hampden Academy

Sophomore Paul Casavant captured the Class A mile title with a personal best 4:24.26 We caught up with Paul to ask a few questions about his preparation before the meet, his mindset on meet day, and what it meant to win the state title.



What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?


Preparing for the state meet I just tried to stay relaxed and keep my mind off the race. It was a pretty low intensity week. I also tried to stretch more.

How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?


This meet presented an interesting problem. My team wasn't there! The bus broke down and they were stuck behind an accident. I drove down with my parents so I was at the field house. Usually I try to stay loose and just hang around with my teammates to keep my mind off the race, but they weren't there! I was extremely nervous going into the race because of the competition from SMAA and KVAC! I just tried to embrace the nerves!

You broke away from the field a little over half-way through in the mile, did you know you had a gap and what was going through your mind on the final lap? What does it mean to win your first individual title as a sophomore?


The strategy for the race was to surge with a little over three laps to go. Although I couldn't see Osman and Owen, the cheers from their teams were just a little farther behind. I was hoping that I could get enough distance. Heading into the last lap, all I could think was go. Just go. I didn't think about anyone or anything but the track. It really means a lot to win the title as a sophomore! I'm excited for my next season already!

Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?


Coming into the season I wanted to run a 4:20 mile, win the triple crown in regionals, and maybe win a state title. I have one more race to get my mile goal, which I am extremely excited about! I just missed my goal for regionals, but am very happy with how I ran, and I am very pleased with my state meet!

How do you think winning an individual state title will effect you heading into outdoors?


Winning the title is huge motivation! I'm already excited for outdoor even though my indoor season isn't done yet!



Casavant's Mile Progression


  • 2015 Indoor 4:24.26
  • 2014 Indoor 5:00.99


2014-15 Results


4:27.998th2015-02-2728th New England Indoor Track & Field Championships»
4:24.261st2015-02-16Class A Indoor State Championship»
4:38.431st2015-02-07EMITL Championship»
4:27.581st2015-01-17EMITL: BUC, CEN, ELL, FOX, HAM, MDI, SUM»
4:37.191st2015-01-09EMITL: BAN, BRW, HAM, HER»
4:31.171st2014-12-27USM Relays»
4:39.681st2014-12-20EMITL: BAN, BUC, FOX, HAM, MAT, OT