With the Maine high school, indoor track and field season basically shutdown in Maine with the exception of the PVC athletes around the state are searching for competitive opportunities. On Saturday athletes from Thornton Academy and Scarborough toed the line, or entered the circle for the first time this winter. Ironically both schools are in "yellow" counties so haven't been able to practice with their coaches this winter.
Thornton Academy junior Mia-Claire Kezal got the action under in the early morning session in the 1600m. Kezal who hasn't raced since March got off to a strong start and took the lead 400m in and lead until just before the 800m mark. She would battle well over the rest of the race recording a strong opening race effort of 5:16.07, which was good for fifth in heat 10, and 16th overall among all races.
Another Red Storm athlete Jayden Flaker was up next in the 55m hurdle preliminaries. Flaker the Class A defending champion in the hurdles got off to a slow start but finished strong to run 7.88. His time was fourth in the heat and good for 25th overall. Jayden returned to the track in the evening to run in the 300m. He had a tough lane draw of lane 1 but still powered his way to victory in heat 29 in a time of 36.77.
Nick Connolly of Scarborough competed in the invitational shot put. Connolly improved his distance with each throw, ending with a personal best 45-10 1/2 to finish tenth overall missing the final by one spot.
Thornton Academy senior Kylie Bedard ran in the 300m race on Saturday evening. Bedard in lane six of heat 19 pushed the pace early on and held on for a second-place finish in a strong 43.35 effort.