"Don't suck". It's one piece of advice that sticks in Sarah Moore's head every time she gets in the starting blocks. Moore, a junior, received those impactful words from her former coaches, and as silly as it may sound, they have helped her get through many obstacles.
"When I think of those two words, I always know that I will accomplish what I need to accomplish," she said."
Moore has been competing in the sport since she was five years old. Her mom told her she was doing summer track, and end of discussion, that was that. She's stuck with it ever since and some of her fondest memories include her sophomore year of track at Lisbon High School where she won gold medals at the Maine Class C State Championship in both the 100 meter dash (12.81) and long jump (17-2), and was runner-up in triple jump (34-2), and high jump (5-2).
"The memories that I made during that season are ones that I will always remember," she noted. "The coaching was amazing and the overall team atmosphere will be something I will never forget."
A new school year brought change and a new team for Moore. She decided to transfer to nearby North Yarmouth Academy for her junior season which she calls surprisingly difficult. The two sport standout, who also excels in hockey admitted that was part of the bigger picture and what was right for her future.
"It was a no-brainer after talking to the NYA hockey coach, Matt Poulin, that I wanted to go to NYA," she said. "I knew the hockey was better there and that was what I wanted. The track team at NYA is what I was most concerned about and having to leave my Lisbon coaches, but it is going very well."
Well is an understatement. As the postseason heats up, Moore has only lost once this spring. The NYA junior has set personal bests in the 100 (12.75), high jump (5-6), long jump (18-2.7.5), and triple jump (36-3.5).
After seeing what she accomplished last track season, Moore has her eyes set on adding even more hardware to her state title collection.
"I learned that I could push myself past obstacles that I didn't think I would be able to accomplish."
