State Champion spotlight: Paolo DeMarco Deering HS
Senior Paolo DeMarco of Deering HS won the Class A state title in the 400m. DeMarco clocked a lifetime best of 50.62, the #9 indoor performance in state history. He also finished as the state runner-up in the 200m. We caught up with Paolo to ask him about his preparation before the meet, his mindset on race day, and about winning the state title.
What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
Leading up to the state meet I really just tried to stay relaxed and focused, the regular season I wasn't pushed that much and I knew that at states I'd be going against some fast runners. I rested all weekend and ate a lot of food and just conserved as much energy as possible.
How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
I've gone into a state meet before seeded 1st so this time I didn't really feel as much pressure or emotion because I knew that all I had yo do was run my race and I would win. I was a little nervous right before the gun went off but like my coach always says "nerves are good".
You came in the top seed in the 400m, and came away with the state title, and 9th fastest time in Maine indoor history. Can you talk about the fast early pace in the 400m, and what it felt to cross the line first in a new personal best?
The first 200m I was forced to go out very fast but I was used to it, I always try to win the cut and I've ran the first 200 in 23 before so I knew that the fast pace wouldnt affect me that much. The key was to just maintain for through the last 100. When I crossed the line there was a feeling that I could not control, I just put my arms up and screamed. Knowing that all the years of training and the late nights at the gym during the season and the off season had finally paid off.
Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?
Coming into the season I wanted to win states in both the 400 and the 200 along with run 50 which I did, and break 23 in the 200. Didn't get the sub 23 but still was able to run a fast time.
How do you feel your indoor season will carry over to outdoor season where you are the defending 300m hurdle champion?
I'm hungry for outdoor, losing the 200 was a heart break for me and going into outdoor I don't want to lose anything.
DeMarco's 200m Progression
| INDOOR | Graph |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 23.16 |
| 2015 | 23.61 |
| 2014 | 24.59 |
| 2013 | 25.91 |
DeMarco's 400m Progression
| 400M | |
|---|---|
| INDOOR | Graph |
| 2016 | 50.62 |
| 2015 | 52.07 |
| 2014 | 54.28 |
| 2013 | 58.94 |
2015-2016 Results
